About Us
Who We Are
The WPA represents over 1,450 police officers and approximately 550 non-sworn members of the Winnipeg Police Service, serving as the sole bargaining agent with the City of Winnipeg. The WPA provides counsel and support to its members on a wide range of issues.
The WPA employs two full-time representatives — the President and Vice President — as well as support staff. There are ten sworn members and three non-sworn members that complete the Association’s Board of Directors.
Our History
1918
In July of 1918, the original incarnation of the WPA was known as the Winnipeg City Policemen’s Federal Union. It was affiliated with the Trades & Labour Congress of Canada as local Charter #40.
1919
Shortly afterwards, the new union’s membership voted overwhelmingly to join striking workers during Winnipeg’s 1919 General Strike. Though they ultimately remained on duty during the strike, their sympathies towards strikers was clearly evident in their conduct. These actions resulted in mass firings of officers.
These same police officers were re-hired shortly after to resume their policing duties. However, as a condition of employment, they were made to sign what became known as the “Slave Pact.” The Slave Pact prohibited union involvement.
1920
In 1920, the Winnipeg Police Athletic Association (WPAA) was born, giving police officers an organization with a focus on promoting athletics, amusements and activities for its members. The WPAA adhered to the conditions of the Slave Pact but over time began to exercise a degree of authority in collective representation for its members.
1948
The WPAA received formal certification as the bargaining agent for Winnipeg police officers on July 21, 1948.
1972
On March 16, 1972, in advance of the Unicity amalgamation of 1974, the Winnipeg Police Athletic Association (WPAA) became the Winnipeg Police Association (WPA). As municipalities merged, all police associations in the Greater Winnipeg area became members of the newly minted WPA.
The WPA is affiliated with the Canadian & Manitoba Police Associations, together lobbying the provincial and the federal governments for positive changes in law and labour that affect officer working conditions and address the safety needs of Winnipeg communities.
Executive Team
Cory Wiles
Vice-President
Phil Neyron
Secretary
Cal Bailey
Treasurer