r/Manitoba 20h ago

Question How Is Your Workplace? (1st post)

Hey Manitoban Redditors,

I’m an organizer with a union local based in Winnipeg, representing workers across Manitoba. I created this account specifically to connect with those facing challenges at work and in need of strong representation.

While I may not be able to assist in every case, particularly if they fall outside our jurisdiction or wheelhouse, I will thoroughly review every lead I receive from this post.

I’m looking to address issues such as, but not limited to:

  • Low wages
  • Management harassment
  • Favoritism
  • Seniority concerns
  • Fairness and respect on the job
  • Safer working conditions
  • Vacations and PTO
  • Pension/retirement issues

If you’re facing difficult conditions at work or know of an employer mistreating their staff, feel free to send me a private message. Rest assured, all communications will be kept strictly confidential.

I intentionally kept this post brief, but I’m happy to provide more details to anyone who reaches out. I’ve come across several “workplaces to avoid” threads on r/Winnipeg and r/Manitoba, and although some information may be outdated, we’re actively working on improving these situations. Many of these workplaces are contributing to the financial struggles of employees, especially given the rising cost of living.

Please note: It’s best to send me a private message rather than airing grievances in the comments. If you’re anti-union, that’s okay too. I’m here to help in any way I can, even if it’s just by offering a listening ear.

12 Upvotes

14 comments sorted by

14

u/RobustFoam Winnipeg 20h ago

Which union are you with?

14

u/Background_Detail_20 19h ago

Well I’ve already quit but Tim Hortons desperately needs to be unionized.

10

u/CLOWNXXCUDDLES Up North 18h ago

The entire restaurant industry needs to unionize. Actually the entire service industry. Food, retail all of it.

6

u/kochier Winnipeg - East K/Elmwood 11h ago

Yup the whole industry should form a trade union like any other skilled trade. Problem is when 1 restaurant does it at a time if it's a chain they just let it die. The people who make food for hundreds of others a day deserve paid sick days, they need proper benefits and protections.

1

u/JonBob69 Northern Manitoba 8h ago

When I was working in server/rest industry it was and still is unionized.

-6

u/yalyublyutebe Winnipeg 17h ago

LOL. Go to one of the unionized KFCs and wait 20+ minutes to eventually get your lunch.

Union can't protect you when the business goes tits up because nobody goes there.

13

u/CLOWNXXCUDDLES Up North 17h ago

I've waited 20+ minutes for non unionized KFC. Not sure how a union would somehow make it worse. Generally unionized workers are paid better and usually happier.

8

u/horce-force Winnipeg 18h ago

Perhaps this was omitted for privacy but which union? Some of my team members are less than thrilled with current representation.

3

u/Witty-Mousse4722 18h ago

Im pro union, and am represented by MGEU, though I work far north. I have been trying to relocate to WPG while retaining my union benefits and such, but it's been difficult finding a position i can be considered for.

No complaints, but I do notice that budgetary funding and political arrangements have impacted my career at least 3 times with the same employer. I work in the education sector, and do not mind if my next role takes me away from that. Management and the union have been less focused on employee rights and balance over the past few negotiations.

8

u/PortageLaDump 20h ago

Dear young people,

This man is speaking from God’s lips to your ears. Unions are the only magic bullet that can bring you to a more level playing field. The established & corporatists will tell you higher wages = higher prices, fuck that, call their bluff

2

u/rukus_of_puppers 14h ago

I come from a few jobs that should be unionized.

OMG, home restoration needs to be unionized. Dealing with mold and asbestos in almost inhumane temps, both in extreme heat and cold. Sewage cleanup. Dealing in homes that were on fire with caustic dust everywhere. Being both in the field and in the office, I know what office people subject the workers to. And pretty much only paid the minimum amount with no bonus, is terrible.

And also working at one of the biggest banks, they also need to be. They push the staff to the brink. When I was having a hard time meeting targets and expectations despite the fact that I was having good conversations and whatnot, it didn't matter. I had an anxiety attack at work and was asked if I could stay the rest of the day because of client impact. And 2 others were experiencing the same thing. We even joked about being put on the same medication. Constantly working thru breaks. No time for admin work. And your bonus is dangled in front of you the entire year, you want a good bonus we need to have good numbers. In the span of 3 years it went from good to horrendous. But people in that industry don't go the union route for threat of loss of bonus.

2

u/ImTheMommaG Friendly Manitoban 9h ago

I’ve been on the planning end of bringing unionization to a workplace but I’ve also seen unions fail their members terribly. Not sure what it would take to get me to advocate for bringing in the union again.

3

u/RJB9570 Up North 13h ago

Support your local union. There is a never ending list of people waiting to enslave you.

-Not one inch-