6 September, 2021

Dear Member;

 
This past year has been a trying one that has tested our collective fortitude. We have had to struggle with Covid-19 and all of the curve balls it has sent our way, while also dealing with a government that has been anything but friendly. 

The prognosis going forward looks good on both fronts!  Your courage has allowed us to achieve results far in excess of the government mandate.  Your steadfast solidarity has inspired many supporters and allies to challenge and to receive positive results.  Our collective pressure has played no small part in the stepping down of our current premier, and has also been a significant pivot away from the draconian bills his government intended to institute.
 
Newly appointed Manitoba Premier Kelvin Goertzen has vowed to remove five pieces of legislation that will not move forward in the fall.  Two of these would have direct effect on our members.

• Bill 16 - Would remove the automatic right to binding arbitration in labour disputes. (which IBEW just used) - a system supported by both business and unions.
• Bill 35 - Would temporarily halt public regulatory hearings on electricity rates and allow the government to set rates unilaterally.
• Bill 40 – Would allow for more privatized liquor sales, moving public profit into private hands.
• Bill 57 – Would target Indigenous people and attack our rights to free speech and peaceful assembly, and
• Bill 64 – Would replace democratically elected school boards with government appointees.

Labour day is a celebration and recognition of the many contributions and efforts that individuals have made in the past and that have advanced the cause of labour.  Your efforts and commitment will no doubt be part of that legacy for future generations. I want to sincerely thank our entire membership for its dedicated service.  I’m extremely proud of how you have risen to the challenges presented by the pandemic.

I hope everyone enjoys their well deserved Labour day with family and friends.
Stay safe, strong, and  healthy.

In solidarity,

Business Manager
IBEW Local Union 2034