News release

November 3, 2004

Deer Lodge Centre Workers on Strike

WINNIPEG - Members of the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) who work for Deer Lodge Centre began strike action at 5:00 a.m. this morning.

“The employer would not table a monetary proposal throughout this round of bargaining including four days of talks with the assistance of a conciliation officer,” says PSAC/Prairies Regional Executive Vice-President - Robyn Benson. “They have told us that the NDP Government has not provided them with a mandate that would enable them to table a monetary offer.   Just last month the federal government provided over 75 million dollars to this province for health care.   Where did that money go?” adds Benson.

“There are 155 beds dedicated to veterans at Deer Lodge.   Veteran's Affairs Canada (VAC) provides Deer Lodge with millions of dollars to ensure proper treatment of those veterans,” says Pat Mason, the National Vice-President of the Union of Veteran's Affairs Employees (UVAE) Component of the PSAC. “Is putting their employees on strike just their way of saying thank you to the veterans and VAC?”

The parties met Monday and Tuesday of this week in an attempt to avoid a strike but little progress was achieved.   Some of the key issues in dispute are the scheduling of vacation leave, salary increases and benefit plan improvements.

The PSAC represents over 500 Deer Lodge employees including Licensed Practical Nurses and Health Care Aides; Housekeeping, Dietary and Messenger services as well as Switchboard and Clerical services.

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For information:

Dianna Brown, PSAC Regional Representative (204) 880-1091 (cell)

Robyn Benson, REVP/PSAC cell (204) 782-0400

Pat Mason, NVP/UVAE cell (204) 799-8636

108-031104