WINNIPEG, MB: The Winnipeg Police Association (WPA) expressed disappointment today following a close 9-7 vote by Winnipeg City Council to pursue Mayor Brian Bowman’s reckless and legally risky plan to unilaterally cut the WPA’s pension benefits.

“It is unfortunate to see Council vote to pass the Mayor and his senior administration’s plan that rips up our collective agreement and unilaterally cuts the pension benefits of our members and their families,” said WPA President Maurice ‘Moe’ Sabourin. “It is particularly disappointing to see the same Mayor who called our current negotiated collective agreement ‘the most sustainable in 20 years’ turn around and vote on a plan that clearly violates that same agreement.”

The WPA has already filed a grievance with the City in an effort to protect the interests of its members and their families. Council’s decision today will expose the City to legal liability, which could end up costing taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars in fees and penalties.

“We will continue to stand up for our members as we move forward through the next steps of this process,” said Sabourin. “We appreciate those councillors who did support amendments seeking to direct the senior city administration to change its course and negotiate. Ultimately, those motions were not successful today, but it is a reminder to our members that this unilateral attack on the collective agreement process does not hold complete sway at City Hall.”

Contact:

Maurice Sabourin
President
Winnipeg Police Association
T: 204-957-1579
C: 204-228-4301
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