Taking time off
Civil servant unions voice concerns about voluntary reduced work program
The idea of a shortened work week might sound like a sweet deal to some, but union leaders are warning workers not to participate in the provincal government’s Voluntary Reduced Workweek (VRW) program.
The program was first launched in 2002. It gave public sector employees the opportunity to take up to 15 unpaid days off. Many employees have opted to take advantage of this program to supplement vacation time.
New civil servants who have taken part in the program have added days of unpaid vacation to the two weeks of vacation leave out of the year that they receive.
Unions including the Manitoba Government and General Employees’ Union (MGEU) and National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) suggest civil servants should reconsider taking part in the VRW program.
“We’re having a hard time defending civil servants with heavy workloads when they’re taking time off,” said John Baert, communications officer at MGEU.
“ We’re having a hard time defending civil servants with heavy workloads when they’re taking time off.
John Baert, MGEU
Employees have reported to the MGEU that heavy workloads and staff shortages are a serious issue in Manitoba’s public sector. It’s difficult to get the province to pay attention to these issues while some employees are taking unpaid leave.
According to a report by the NUPGE many employees take days off but bring work home in order to not fall behind.
“The approvals are subject to department approval so if there are issues with workloads, departments would not be approving time off,” said Larry Grant, director of compensation services with the provincial government.
According to the MGEU, the heart of the issue is the six per cent vacancy rate of government positions, a number that isn’t expected to decrease soon.
“It’s a voluntary program. It’s not something being forced on anybody,” said Grant. He added that he has not been contacted by the MGEU and was unaware of the understaffing and workload issues claims made by civil servants.
Published in Volume 64, Number 5 of The Uniter (October 1, 2009)
