More than two hundred people came together Tuesday night to celebrate the career of former Director of Negotiations, Irene Giesbrecht.

MNU President Sandi Mowat began the evening by saying her retirement was a great loss for our union.

"Her experience and talent have been relied upon by the leadership of the MNU for 33 years."

Premier Gary Doer also paid tribute to Giesbrecht honoring her for her integrity and great negotiating skill.  Doer first worked with Irene in 1983 when as President of the Manitoba Government Employees Union he, Giesbrecht and CUPE rep Clive Durham negotiated North America's first Essential Services Agreement.

Unable to attend the tribute CFNU President Linda Silas sent a message: "After 33 years within the labour movement, you have helped to build one of the strongest and proudest movements of all - that of nurses unions. Many of us in this great country call you our mentor and certain lucky ones call you friend."

Speakers included Irene's successor as Chairperson of the Manitoba Council of Health Care Unions, Joe Ahrens, Union Centre Board Chair, John Irvine, Counsel Richard Deeley and Gloria O'Rourke, Vice-President of Human resources for the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority.