Workplace Violence Surges 20% in Manitoba

Workplace violence in Manitoba has reached alarming levels, with reported injuries to the Workers Compensation Board (WCB) increasing by 20% in just two years. This epidemic disproportionately affects public sector workers, including nurses, teachers, and retail staff, who face daily threats of assault and aggression from the public.

A recent report by the Manitoba Federation of Labour identifies critical gaps in current safety protocols, particularly the lack of a dedicated prevention strategy by Safe Work Manitoba. The federation stresses that employers too often blame victims rather than addressing weaknesses in health and safety plans.

The report outlines ten recommendations, prioritizing the development of a workplace violence prevention strategy, ensuring "safe staffing levels," and enhancing security measures. Specifically, it calls for increased well-trained security personnel and stricter enforcement of existing workplace safety legislation. Union representatives have noted significant improvements where enhanced security measures and police presence have been implemented.

Statistics reveal a stark increase, with WCB reporting 2,187 workplace violence injuries in 2025, up from 641 in 2015, though this figure excludes a portion of the workforce. Occupations with the highest time-loss injuries include home support workers, teacher assistants, and nurse aides, underscoring the broad impact of this issue across various sectors.

Workers interviewed for the report expressed their desire for the violence to cease, with many showing surprising resilience by remaining in their professions despite the risks. The federation emphasizes that solutions exist but require significant effort and commitment from government and employers to protect workers effectively.