WINNIPEG, MB: The arbitrator hearing the Winnipeg Police Association’s (WPA) grievance against the City of Winnipeg regarding Mayor Bowman’s plan to unilaterally cut pension benefits has just issued a decision upholding our position, faulting the political leadership of the City, and awarding the WPA $40,000 in damages, as well as an additional $400 in damages to each of our members.

“We are thrilled with this decision and happy that our members and their families no longer have to worry about unilateral cuts being made to their pensions,” said WPA President, Maurice ‘Moe’ Sabourin.

“As we have said all along, the changes to our pension benefits imposed by Mayor Bowman and his inner circle on City Council are a violation of our collective bargaining agreement. The arbitrator’s ruling validates our position from the outset: The Winnipeg Police Service pension is a part of our collective agreement, and the City cannot make changes to it without negotiation,” added Sabourin.

“With this arbitration process finally behind us, we are hopeful that we can join with Mayor Bowman in turning our full attention to ensuring Winnipeggers remain safe from crime in our community and from the COVID-19 global pandemic that is currently upending life as we know it. And once the pandemic threat has passed, we look forward to engaging in a constructive dialogue with the City and working within our established collective agreement process so both sides can deliver for the people of Winnipeg.”

Contact:

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