Friday, October 20, 2023

CLAC Offers Its Congratulations to Wab Kinew, Manitoba's New Premier

The following letter was sent to Premier Kinew today via email.

Dear Premier Kinew,

On behalf of CLAC, I would like to extend our warmest congratulations to you on the New Democratic Party (NDP) election victory and your leadership as premier of Manitoba. This is a tremendous achievement, and we are confident that under your capable guidance, the province of Manitoba will experience continued growth, prosperity, and improved opportunities for all its citizens.

Founded in 1952, CLAC is the largest independent multisector union in Canada. We represent 60,000 members in the construction, maintenance, mining, transportation, healthcare, manufacturing, service, education, and warehousing sectors. In Manitoba, we represent support staff in two public school divisions, employees of a major grocery chain, workers mining and processing peat moss, and construction tradespeople in commercial, institutional, and industrial settings around the province.

CLAC applauds your recognition of the vital role that workers, and the unions that represent them, play in the economy. We are excited to hear this government’s pledge to not direct bargaining for public sector employees, while at the same time demonstrating that you support them, even while striking. We have also heard from you a commitment to fair working conditions on provincially funded construction projects, maximizing work for Manitoba residents. CLAC supports this and, having a strong track record on large infrastructure projects, we are eager to be one of the voices consulted and involved on future Manitoba construction projects. In particular, CLAC advocates for a multiplicity of trade unions across all sectors, including construction. We believe workers are better represented, and tax dollars better spent, when competition and options exist among unions.

CLAC has always advocated for safe and healthy working conditions, fair wages, and opportunities for professional growth for our members. We believe that by working collaboratively with your government, we can achieve these goals and contribute to the continued success of the province. I will work with your office to schedule a meeting in the future to discuss how CLAC can support the provincial government's commitment to ensuring good jobs for newcomers and better-quality labour conditions for workers across our province.

Again, congratulations and please reach out should you have any questions about CLAC and the work we do in Manitoba. I look forward to working with you and your government.

With warm regards,

Geoff Dueck Thiessen
CLAC Winnipeg Regional Director

CLAC Offers Its Congratulations to Wab Kinew, Manitoba's New Premier

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