Healthcare facilities will require an essential services agreement be in place
Legislation introduced in Manitoba today would require that an essential services agreement be in place at all healthcare facilities in the province.
The legislation would ensure patients are protected in the event of a work stoppage, according to Labour and Immigration Minister Jennifer Howard.
"For almost a decade, we have had a voluntary system in place for negotiated agreements respecting services that must be maintained during a work stoppage in Manitoba," said Howard. "Now we are going to enshrine it in legislation so patients are always protected and there is never a risk to their services."
The legislation would mean that there could not be a work stoppage at any facility where there is no agreement in place and seven days’ notice will be required for any work interruptions.
Negotiations for an essential services agreement will have to begin one year before the expiration of any pre-existing collective agreements.
The legislation has been created with consultation from healthcare employers as well as front-line healthcare workers, such as nurses and lab technicians, said Howard. The proposed legislation has been endorsed by regional health authorities and the Long Term and Continuing Care Association, which represents private personal-care homes. The Labour Management Review Committee, which is made up of equal numbers of employee and employer representatives, also supports the legislation, according to Howard.
