Hi, I am Michelle Gawronsky. I have had the privilege of being the president of the MGEU since 2012.

I have proudly submitted my name once again for re-election for another term.

I hope I can count on your support – we need to continue our fight together, ensuring the services we provide to our fellow Manitobans is there.

Strong Voice

           Strong Union

                          Strong Future !

Vote for me on October 21, 2021.

Michelle was born in The Pas, Manitoba, oldest of 5 brothers and 4 sisters. She learned early in life to lead and mediate. Michelle comes from a long line of “unionized” employees, one grandmother was a civil service worker almost all her life, the other was a health worker, one grandfather was an engineer with CN Rail when he returned from WWII. Her father was once a postal worker and her mother was an RN. Michelle was raised with the recognition to value and respect the labour movement.

She began her working career as a Health Care Aide (HCA) in the nursing home in Vita in 1976. Michelle met her husband of 33 years, Roman and together they raised four wonderful, supportive children, Jolene, Josie, Joe and Josh. Unfortunately Michelle lost her husband to cancer in November 2009.

Michelle began her Union activism in the 1980’s as most people do…she had a boss that was not “fair, reasonable” nor did he “act in good faith”. She decided to stand for her rights and filed her first grievance with her staff rep. Little did she know, it would very quickly become a lifelong passion.

Michelle was employed at the Vita nursing home; injury forced her to change her career from an HCA, EMS Coordinator and Paramedic to an Activity Director. Instead of giving physical support she now provides the emotional and mental support to the Residents. Michelle joined the Homecare team in Vita in 1981 and she is still employed as a HCA in Homecare.

Michelle is a very strong believer of ‘Community” and is very proud to take part in hers. Along with assisting in the Federal Elections, beginning in 1998 to last November she proudly assisted her husband with his Municipal campaigns and ultimately successful elections. The following is some of the community organizations Michelle has been or is presently involved with:

1979 – 4-H Leader

1985 – Member of the Vita Figure Skating Club

1995 – Chair of the Parent Graduation Committee

1998 – Founding member of the Vita Canada Day Celebrations Committee

1998 – Chair of the Parent Graduation Committee once again

1999 – Parade Organizer for Canada Day Celebrations

1999 – Again Chair of the Parent Graduation Committee

2000 – present – Volunteer for the Vita Arena

2001 – Secretary of the Vita & District Health Centre Foundation Inc.

2004- Major Organizer, Fundraiser and Secretary of the Vita Canada Day Committee

2004 – Founder of the Vita Christmas Festival

2006 – Volunteer for the Organization of the Vita Day Care Centre

2006- Chairperson of the Vita & District Health Centre Foundation Inc.

2009 – Chairperson of the Vita Canada Day Committee

2010 – Elected to the Southeast Labour Council

Michelle’s life has been dedicated to advocating for others. As her children have become adults she has even more time and energy to follow her beliefs…the belief that everyone deserves VOICE!

Through Michelle’s knowledge and experience she comes to you as a strong leader:

 32 years a member

27 years an Activist as

* Vice President, Safety & Health Officer, Chief Steward

* Chairperson of Health Care Support Services (HCSS) negotiating Committee (representing 19 Locals)

* Chairperson of HCSS Provincial Standardization Committee (ensuring equality not just within the MGEU but equality across the province within all employers and Unions)

* Chairperson of MGEU Technological Change Committee

* Chairperson of the MGEU Women’s Committee

* Member of the National Union of Public and Government Employees (NUPGE) Women’s Advisory Council (ensuring the Sisters of the MGEU have full representation across Canada, a voice in Ottawa)

* Prior to 4th VP – Michelle was the Board Director representing 3,400 HCSS members

* Through the assistance of MGEU Specialists, appealed Worker Compensation Board (WCB) decisions and succeeded in overturning rulings.

* Lead the HCSS Strike votes in 2009 (leading the membership in standing firm for member’s vacation rights – ensuring the members had voice!)

* Lead the members into their requested “Awareness Campaign” for HCSS members in 2003 & 2004 (organized members to appear on T.V. commercials, Bill Boards and posters – educating the public of the importance of the services provided by the members)

* Co-facilitates many of the MGEU Educationals – teaching others to have voice!

Michelle has completed the following MGEU Educationals:

* Steward Training I

* Steward Training II

* Advanced Steward Training

* Negotiator Training

* Chief Steward Training

* Advanced Union Leadership – Public Speaking

* Public Awareness Campaign – Training

* Public Awareness Campaign – Training the Trainer

* Public Awareness Campaign – Fall Budget Sessions 2005 &2006

* Bullying in the Workplace

* We are the MGEU

* Effective Meetings

* Representing Our Members

* Safety & Health – Workers Compensation

* Building a Respectful Workplace

* Special Educationals’:

* Exploring Leadership

* Bridging the Cultures

* Organizing the Unorganized

* Pensions

Michelle graduated Canadian Labour College in Ottawa in 2006 as well as completing Manitoba Labour Law course. She completed NUPGE Leadership School in Ottawa in 2008 and numerous Canadian Labour Congress courses through the years such as Facilitator Training, Leadership Training, Safety & Health Officer Training and Instructor Training. Michelle has completed many courses pertaining to her workplace; two of the most useful to her as an Activist are “Communication Techniques” and “Critical Thinking”.

Through this vast experience and education Michelle is fully capable of leading the MGEU membership. She puts her knowledge and experience into empowering the members to become the strongest Union in Manitoba, not just for ourselves but for our children, grandchildren…future generations. She believes we are the foundation!

 

Although I have only been with the MGEU a short while, I have been able to witness the passion and determination that has been displayed by our Union President, Michelle Gawronsky. Michelle has continued to fight for our rights as Workers, including being on the front lines during negotiations and court hearings regarding the right to negotiate a fair wage for Workers. As the Union President, Michelle has always been available when needed, and has taken extra time out of her personal life to answer any questions or address any concerns that members may have. I believe that Michelle Gawronsky has what it takes to continue to be our Union President, and will continue to fight for the MGEU and all of its members, that is why I wish to endorse Michelle Gawronsky as our Union President.

Tyler Mandziuk, Safety and Health Office

 

A good leader can inspire everyone in an organization to achieve their very best. I have witnessed this trait in Michelle. She has been my cheerleader, my mentor, my friend for many years. With her support, guidance and encouragement we can all do better, work together and achieve a strong and united union.

Darlene Adamson

 

My name is Chris Pluchinski and I work for Manitoba Water and Stewardship in the Whiteshell Provincial Park. Michelle was my President since 2012, and I am writing this letter of Endorsement for Michelle Gawronsky’s re-election as President of MGEU

I have known Michelle Gawronsky for the past 7 years as my Union President.

Michelle is straight forward and upfront, she fights for the cause for all union Brothers and Sisters. Her value of each member is repeatedly demonstrated in her ways and engagement of each person she encounters. Michelle demonstrates time and time again that she shares in our issues, concerns and sometimes fears of what this government’s ongoing and future intentions maybe. She is always out and centre fighting for contracts, and standing up and protecting members, her actions and passion speak for herself. She is a confident, caring determined and kind. She always has the time for people who need her; she is reliable and can be counted on.

Sincerely,

Chris Pluchinski

 

I stand in awe of this amazing woman! She is a proven leader! So many just talk the talk, but Michelle proves everyday that she is there for the members of MGEU. She always goes way beyond, spending every waking hour helping others. Working all day at her job, seeing to the needs of staff and members, putting out fires started by the government, supporting the members and always being the strong voice for us all. She can be seen at out and about in communities across this whole province.  She is the face and voice of MGEU. I am proud to say that I also call her my dear friend. I don’t know how she found the time but spend many hours checking in on me. Calling and chatting til the wee hours of the night. (Because that is all she had left at the end of the day) Always wondering what she could do for me when I went through a recent illness. She is the most selfless, caring woman that you could meet. She is someone who I want on my Team leading us once again. Thank you Michelle! Our leader with ❤

Marlene Hrechka

 

I’ve known Michelle since 2012 when I  1st got active in MGEU. She’s always been very approachable. If I need to speak to her,  if she doesn’t speak to you immediately she gets back to you within a day. And she goes to bat for you even when others are doubtful of the outcome.

Jennifer  Ryan,  past president and chief steward  of local 405 community support.

 

My name is Arleen Pluchinski and I was an MGEU member for more years than I can count, I am currently retired, but I still believe in our Union. Michelle was my President since 2012, and I am writing this letter of Endorsement for Michelle Gawronsky’s re-election as President of MGEU

I have known Michelle Gawronsky for a number of years.
Michelle has been an active member in different Unions for many years.
Michelle started her working career as a Health Care Aid in 1976 at the Vita PCH and then was the Ambulance Coordinator and paramedic for 14 years; from here she went into being the Activity Coordinator at the Vita PCH. Michelle always stayed active in the union and was a voice to be heard.
Michelle realized change needed to happen and what better way to do that then run for the President seat of the MGEU.  In 2012 Michelle launched her first campaign and she gained the support of many of her friends and co-workers. Here motto: Fight hard for the members and their rights, Strong voice, Strong Future and that is what she has been doing for the last 9 years.
It has been 9 years of standing up and protecting members, fighting for what is right. She fights hard for CA and ensures members dues are appropriately used for the benefits of every member even in tough times.  She holds people accountable for actions, takes a stance for the people, makes herself known and heard in front of the media.
Michelle is a tireless Warrior, she never lets a cause or a battle go, she is always there to help members, and she is always only a call or email away to answer those questions or hear your suggestion.

Sincerely
Arleen Pluchinski

 

The message our President opened the 2018 convention with – strong, smart and steadfast – this SO represents the leadership that Michelle has brought to our membership!
The multiple tours she has made to our worksites – no perimeteritis for her. Her value of each member is repeatedly demonstrated in her always vivacious smile and engagement of each person she encounters.Michelle has demonstrated she shares in our issues, concerns and fears for this governments on going and future intentions.
INTEGRITY seems to be an ingrained quality she possesses and consistently demonstrates in each of her actions -micro or macro.
Continuity of strong demonstrated leadership is this memberships STRENGTH and ADVANTAGE. With our current political climate, Michelle has been recognized in the media as a Manitoba Labour Leader. It’s been said this government watches us-MGEU;so let’s keep our face of leadership consistent.
In solidarity,

Jean Nemeth

 

Michelle, even though I am no longer a member and how I wish I could vote, you have been selfless and untiring in your work for your Brothers and Sisters if the MGEU!

You have given us all courage and focus in the fight for Right. You have stood up to this self-seeking and crabbed Government that has been eroding the health and safety of its citizens and impoverishing the workers. Thank you dear Friend, and Sister for all you do for our Province.

I fervently hope that you succeed in this Vote. I’m so glad you’ve set your cap at another term! God bless you, dear Heart!

Rod Ferris

Hello fellow MGEU members, I have known and worked with Michelle as an HCSS member for over 25 years. Michelle is a tireless warrior who never ever let’s a cause or a battle go, she fights for all MGEU members with her whole heart and soul.Michelle is a caring kind person who always has time for anyone who needs her.In all the years I’ve known Michelle she has always remained true to herself and has never allowed any adversities to stop her. I love you my friend from the bottom of my heart and would not want anyone else leading this amazing union, you are doing a fabulous job and we all need it to be you that continues to take us forward in these difficult times. VOTE MICHELLE GAWRONSKY!!!!❤

Lynn Ritchot Victoria Hospital,Local 100 President

Good luck Michelle! You’re a strong and powerful voice and have led the MGEU with great success. The future of the MGEU needs a strong powerful Voice such as yours. You truly care and are committed to each and every member.

Melanie Thompson

That’s my President….today, tomorrow and always!! You challenge my brain, you lighten my heart and soothe my soul!! The deep respect and awe that I have for you knows no bounds!! We got this, my friend!!

Caroline Brown

To my fellow brothers and sisters,

 

Michelle I have had many opportunities to be apart of your Union activism. I’m a wife, a mother a laundry aide worker and a voice for our lives today to change the tomorrow. You are a reason I can easily blend all of these roles together and make important changes. You have away of making people believe in their fighting values and overcome the unreachable. Watching you talk to a room of strangers and friends you have a way of drawing ones attention and making everyone feel what you are saying. To share some thoughts for you as to why you should carry on with what you have started we would need a library to hold them. Your work is with the whole province north to south east to west everyone has been touched by something you’ve been a part of. You are confident, compassionate, strong, determined, and reliable. What more can you ask for to be the representative of Manitoba’s largest labour voice but you Michelle Gawronsky. That’s why I choose you to do the job representing us the MGEU. It’s been an honour! Thank you!

Tannis Chwartacki

I have known Michelle since 1985 . We have gone through many trials and tribulations during our yours of activism. She has always been honest and you will not find a more dedicated warrior of workers rights!!

Linda Cote

 

Good Morning MGEU members, I’m Diana Schultz and I’m a case coordinator for home care in Southern Health. I’m also the component director for the Technical Professional component and as such I represent all employees in the technical professional component at the MGEU board of directors. I’ve been privileged to sit at the board for the past several years and that has also given me the opportunity to see firsthand our President, Michelle Gawronsky, in action. I’ve seen the board go from being very divisive and confrontative to working together to achieve common goals and that has happened under Michelle’s guidance. I’ve seen the cost savings in our budget reports that have occurred since Michelle’s initial election into the President’s role. I’ve seen the focus be placed in the right direction at the right time, Health Care is in shambles at this moment and Michelle recognizes that her efforts, our efforts, need to be placed on Bill 28 and Bill 29 but knowing that when other areas such as civil service for example, get targeted by this government that there will be focused efforts placed in that direction. Michelle doesn’t lose sight of the forest simply because of the trees, she’s always working, and working tirelessly I might add, to ensure ALL members of MGEU receive the best representation possible from this union. In this difficult political climate, we as a union must be prepared to work strategically to obtain the very best possible outcomes for not only our MGEU members but for all Manitobans and that will only happen if we maintain the best leadership possible and that leadership begins with Michelle continuing as our MGEU President. I want the best outcome we can possibly get as a resident of Manitoba, whether that be for my healthcare, my roads and infrastructure or whatever the case may be where MGEU is representing the members that work in those areas. I know in order for that to continue we need to re-elect Michelle Gawronsky as President of MGEU. Do you want Manitoba to have the best outcome too? Vote for Michelle if you do!

In Solidarity,

Diana Schultz, Technical Professional Component Director

 

I am please to endorse Michelle Gawronsky as President of the MGEU for the 2018 Convention.

Michelle is passionate and works hard for her members. She has represented our union with grace, dignity and integrity. Michelle has made our union about the people who are working in the trenches. She has stood up to governments and managements alike to get the best results possible.  She has empowered me to fight for people rights. She ignited a spark in the activists to stand together as a stronger union.

Please join me in re-electing Michelle as President.

Jacquie Paton

 

Michelle has been accessible to discuss any issues from my corrections local or any committee I have been involved in.
Not too many people can speak in front of a group of union activist, government officials or the media like Michelle has!

That is a true leader in my eyes!

I fully endorse Michelle Gawronsky as the MGEU President for another term.

Barry Lachuta Local 13 Corrections.

Michelle has lead our union over the past six years with foresight, integrity and dedication to both members and to the union structure.  Her leadership ‎and ability to anticipate challenges keeps our union strong and prepared to deal with issues as they arise.

Paulette Sherb

Michelle Gawronsky is a 24/7 hands on president! She works tirelessly for all members”

Doug Troke , President , Local 030 , Administration Component

I fully endorse and support Michelle Gawronsky as President of the MGEU.
Michelle is a well-spoken defender of the MGEU and I know she does her utmost best representing us with politicians, media and the public.
She is one tough cookie and I am confident in knowing that she will always support us to the best of her ability.

Patti Molyneaux, President, Clerical Area 1

“I am in total support of Michelle running for President. Her passion and actions speak for themselves. I Love and Believe in this Lady”

Lorelei Hiebert , HCA Homecare

“I support Michelle Gawronsky for President, she has walked in our shoes, she has done our jobs. She has used our services as a family member, and she works tirelessly for us”

Dawn Fredericks, HCA Homecare

 

I fully endorse and support Michelle Gawronsky as president of the MGEU.

Michelle an amazing leader and defender of mgeu members by politicians, media and most importantly the public.   We need a strong supportive leader that will fight for us especially in this political climate.

Gayle Mager, Chief Steward, Clerical Local 007 Area 7

“I’lI fully endorse and support Michelle Gawronsky as president of the MGEU.

Michelle is known as the leader and defender of mgeu members by politicians, media and most importantly the public.

As we move into negotiations and amalgamation votes  in 2019 and the 2020 provincial election comes into view it is important to we send a clear message that we stand with a president that has and will always stand with us.”

Stephen Arksey, Clerical president, Clerical director.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wcvTPdy9mKQ