Dear CUPE Local 204 Members!
Congratulations to all CUPE Health Care Members on October 21 -25, 2024 being named Health Care Support Workers Week.
On behalf of the Local I thank all of you for all that you do every day for all Manitobans. No matter where in Manitoba people are seeking health services, they will meet a CUPE 204 Member. Your work, professionalism and most importantly the way that you care about Manitobans and those in your care is so very appreciated. Many of those in your care sent letters and signed petitions showing their support to our workers! Your dedication to your work has not gone without notice and appreciation.
In the last couple of months, we’ve been navigating the processes required to go on strike, which shows us how lucky that we are to live in a province that allows health care workers to even contemplate going on strike. Many do not have that right. We were able to tell our Employers and the government that while they tell us that they value our work and contributions to the care of our clients, patients and residents we need to see that value and it seems that they have heard us.
This year, Health Care Support Workers will have a bit of a different feel to it as we continue to work towards the completion of the ratification process and clean up everything that was done to prepare for the largest strike in the history of Manitoba since 1919. While we recognize the importance of this week’s proclamation please watch for further information as we will celebrate a little later.
Congratulations to this week, to all of our Members, regardless of your classification and job title. All of our efforts work hand in hand together to build a firm and solid foundation to our public health care system! We are all in for healthcare and together our essential work keeps it working.
In Solidarity,
Margaret Schroeder
CUPE Local 204 President