December 21, 2021 – Below is a message sent to Hon. Heather Stefanson, Premier of Manitoba; and Dr. Brent Roussin, Chief Provincial Public Health Officer, Government of Manitoba
At this critical time when we see COVID cases rising and health orders increasing, we urge you to protect our frontline workers and healthcare system by ramping up enforcement.
As a union that represents over 19,000 Manitoban workers – many on the front lines of this pandemic in retail, security and other essential roles – we want to see your government step out of the shadows and strategies of your predecessor and prioritize health order enforcement.
Daily, we see news stories and receive reports from our members about unmasked individuals shopping without repercussions. This week, retail businesses are buzzing with pre-Christmas shoppers and those working in these spaces are therefore at an increased risk of COVID exposure.
Want to give the gift of peace this holiday season? The best present you can give to those on the frontlines is the increased presence of COVID enforcement.
Restrictions without enforcement will not protect our most vulnerable. Restrictions without enforcement will not protect hardworking Manitobans who do not have the option to work from home. Restrictions without enforcement will not protect our healthcare system.
We urge you to take immediate action on behalf of all of the Manitobans you represent and to step forward with a commitment to increase health order enforcement.
Sincerely,
Jeff Traeger, President, UFCW Local 832
Marie Buchan, Secretary-Treasurer, UFCW Local 832