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In 1979, the Manitoba Federation of Labour (MFL) put together an ad hoc committee with representatives from the University of Manitoba’s Faculty of Social Work and Legal Aid Manitoba to explore the feasibility of establishing a help centre for unemployed workers. The goal of the committee was to provide a resource for workers experiencing difficulties dealing with the Unemployment Insurance Commission. To achieve their goal, the committee set up the Community Unemployed Help Centre (CUHC) in 1980.
From its humble beginnings as a temporary service operating on a part-time basis, the CUHC quickly gained credibility as a resource for advocacy and information. The success and obvious need of the Centre resulted in its continued operation, and in 1982 it was able to secure funding from the United Way of Winnipeg and the Province of Manitoba. In 1989, the Filmon government withdrew its funding from the Centre. Funding from the United Way of Winnipeg continued, but it was the donations from local unions, individuals, and grants from the Manitoba Law Foundation that helped the Centre survive. Provincial funding has since been restored with the election of the Doer government in 1999, but the centre still relies heavily on private donations to maintain its services.
The Community Unemployed Help Centre has been, and continues to be committed to the rights of unemployed workers. While our primary role has been to assist individuals with Employment Insurance concerns, we have also been active in promoting a strong unemployment insurance program and opposing changes that have restricted eligibility and reduced benefits. To learn about our current efforts and how you can help, see Making EI Better. For a more detailed look at the history of the CUHC, please click here.
Purpose
The Community Unemployed Help Centre has five primary roles:
All services are provided free of charge.