One Winnipegger’s plan to buy a replacement car after his vehicle was written off has collided with the strike by Manitoba Public Insurance workers.
The man, who asked not to be identified by the Free Press as his claim is still outstanding, said he has been waiting almost a month for the insurance cheque to compensate him for the loss.
He was able to borrow a vehicle from a relative, but said he knows there must be others in similar situations who wouldn’t be so lucky and would be greatly impacted by delays resulting from the ongoing labour action.
MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES About 1,700 unionized MPI workers are in the fourth week of a strike.
“(They) might not have the same flexibility and supports we do,” he said Tuesday. “It has been a month now, which may be very challenging for some people.
“It’s frustrating,” he said. “I don’t know when we will be getting the cheque. But, if the strike drags on, we are fortunately in a position to work out a short-term loan so we can go buy our new vehicle.”
His vehicle was rear-ended in early August. While being assessed, it was discovered the vehicle’s frame had been damaged, rendering it a write-off.
After going back and forth with an adjuster from MPI, the Crown auto insurer, the man agreed with the settlement offer and signed off on it — just before the strike began.
About 1,700 unionized MPI workers are in the fourth week of a strike, after walking out to begin picketing Aug. 28, mostly over a dispute about wages.
About 2,000 road tests were cancelled, motorists were told to take their damaged vehicles (if still drivable) to body shops for assessments, and the public was told the only people who should call MPI are those whose vehicles are too damaged to drive or who have suffered injuries.
Kyle Ross, president of the Manitoba Government and General Employees’ Union, said it has been hearing from many people about how they have been inconvenienced during the strike.
“These are the impacts on Manitobans,” Ross said. “They are the ones who are feeling the impact.
“Our workers love their jobs, but instead this government would rather have them on strike and impact all Manitobans.”
Ross said there is a glimmer of light in the dispute in the next few days. The two sides agreed to having a conciliator work with them.
“The conciliator has asked for our past proposal and other information,” he said. “We have meetings booked for the end of the week. Our bargaining committee is excited to be back at the bargaining table.
“We hope to have fruitful discussions.”
Kristy Rydz, MPI communications manager, said the Crown corporation will not comment about the labour dispute while the conciliation process is ongoing.
Rydz said total-loss claims and payments are continuing to be processed “on a case-by-case basis.”
“This process is happening for customers who may have had a claim prior to the labour interruption, as well as those with a claim made after Aug. 28,” she said in a statement.
“In both cases, if a customer settles the claim, the associated documents are processed and a cheque is issued. If the amount offered for the vehicle is not accepted, the customer can choose an advance payment and wait for a final resolution once the labour Interruption has concluded.
“Alternatively, if a customer does not choose to accept an advance payment, they are advised that they will then be contacted after the labour interruption is over to further discuss settlement.”
Kevin Rollason
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Kevin Rollason is one of the more versatile reporters at the Winnipeg Free Press.
Whether it is covering city hall, the law courts, or general reporting, Rollason can be counted on to not only answer the 5 Ws — Who, What, When, Where and Why — but to do it in an interesting and accessible way for readers.
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