Union supports expansion of bereavement leave at Red River College Polytech

The Manitoba Government and General Employees' Union welcomed a new three-year collective agreement at Red River College Polytech that expands eligibility for three days of paid bereavement leave to include additional relatives and comparable figures.

Red River College Polytech and Local 73 have ratified a new three-year collective agreement that expands paid bereavement leave for staff. The deal covers about 1,800 college employees and included reconciliation efforts during bargaining. The expanded provisions make up to three days of paid bereavement leave available for the death of a parent's sibling, a sibling's child, grandparents and grandchildren, and for people an employee identifies as a comparable figure in their life. Union and labour leaders spoke positively about the change, and provincial officials noted it as an example of collective bargaining outcomes. Key details: - The agreement covers nearly 1,800 staff represented by Local 73 and runs for three years. - Eligibility for up to three days of paid bereavement leave was broadened to include a parent's sibling, a sibling's child, grandparents and grandchildren, and individuals deemed comparable figures. - Kyle Ross, president of the Manitoba Government and General Employees' Union, said he is not aware of other provincial employers with the same provisions and expressed hope others will follow. - The Canadian Federation of Independent Business said many small firms already offer flexibility but warned some lack capacity to absorb across-the-board new requirements. - Manitoba Federation of Labour president Kevin Rebeck and Labour Minister Malaya Marcelino expressed support for the expanded leave provisions. Summary: The change widens who can qualify for short paid bereavement leave at the college and was framed by union leaders as a potential model. The MGEU indicated similar proposals could arise during the upcoming round of public-sector bargaining. Undetermined at this time whether and how widely other employers will adopt the same rules.