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Two of Manitoba’s Largest Unions Partner on New Campaign to Support Workers and Help Vulnerable Manitobans

Man helping disabled person
UFCW “My Story” campaign. With the MGEU and NOW Communications. (Colin Corneau photo)

For workers helping vulnerable Manitobans, it’s not just a job.

It’s personal. It’s connection.

And it makes all the difference in people’s lives.

Thousands of dedicated workers are on the job every day – in group homes, shelters, and throughout our communities.

They’re providing care and support to people living with disabilities. They’re helping families and youth in crisis, and supporting people living without stable housing and with substance use disorders.

But these frontline support workers – and the people who count on them – are not getting the help they need from Manitoba’s government.

Chronic underfunding has left workers – in both the public and private sectors – with low pay, limited resources, and too little training.

That’s made it virtually impossible for workers to afford to keep going. And high rates of turnover are making life harder for people and families who need support.

did you know?

In their lifetime, a person living with disabilities and requiring support will have approximately 770 support workers cycle in and out of their lives.

Support agencies report 20% to 50% turnover rates for direct support professionals (DSPs).

Families with adult children with intellectual disabilities often wait more than 10 years for access to residential services.

Now, two of Manitoba’s largest unions are working together to change that.

UFCW Local 832 and MGEU have partnered on a new campaign, Not Just a Job, to raise public awareness of these challenges – and call on the government to fund quality care and support quality of life.

We all deserve to be safe and supported. And, now more than ever, we need to make sure that workers have the proper training, resources, and pay to do their jobs and deliver the community supports that people need.

The solutions are clear. It’s time for the Manitoba government to:

  • Increase funding for group homes, shelters, mobile crisis units, and non-profit organizations that deliver these vital supports – ensuring they can continue to deliver quality care;
  • Develop minimum training standards – and ensure that workers have the training and resources they need to deliver the best care; and
  • Introduce a new professional designation for people working in the field – to build the profession, allowing workers to deliver consistent care to everyone who needs it.

Not Just a Job is raising awareness about care work that doesn’t get the attention or support it deserves. By sharing the stories of workers and vulnerable Manitobans, UFCW Local 832 and MGEU are highlighting these vital services – and calling on the government to step up and do what’s right.

Check out the campaign and show your support at NotJustAJob.ca.