Impacted by Wildfires – Hydro

CUPE Local 998 Stands in Solidarity

CUPE Local 998 would like to share the recent article published in the Hydrogram, which highlights support for those affected by the most recent wildfires across our province.

As your union, CUPE is here for you. Whether it’s through advocacy, communication, or simply being a source of support, we stand with all our members, and with everyone affected.

Within Manitoba Hydro, many of our employees have been personally affected by the ongoing wildfires.

If you have been directly impacted by the wildfires and need support (either with respect to your work or personal circumstances, such as being evacuated from your home) please contact: peoplewildfiresupport@hydro.mb.ca.

You will reach a dedicated team assembled by the People Divisions, working to identify and support affected employees and ensure you and your families are safe and supported during this difficult time.

A guide of frequently asked questions (FAQ) is also available for your reference. It covers items related to alternate work arrangements, continuity of pay, access to benefits and wellness resources, and other human resources topics.

If you have any questions or concerns that are not addressed in the FAQ, please reach out to our team at peoplewildfiresupport@hydro.mb.ca. This inbox is monitored during regular business hours.

 

CUPE 998 Equal Rights and Opportunity Committee – 2025 Member Engagement

At CUPE Local 998, the Equal Rights and Opportunity (ERO) Committee remains committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and equitable workplace for all members. This year, the committee has been actively engaging with our membership through a variety of initiatives focused on education, awareness, and collaboration.

2025 Member Engagement Highlights:

  • Awareness Involvement: The ERO Committees involvement on different campaigns around International Women’s Day, International Day of Persons with Disabilities, National Indigenous Peoples Day, and Pride Month is some of the involvement the ERO Committee has been involved in highlighting equity issues and amplifying diverse voices within our union.
  • Lunch & Learn Events: We are exploring options on hosting a series of virtual and in-person sessions covering topics like workplace discrimination, union activism, intersectionality, allyship, and inclusive language—creating safe spaces for open dialogue and learning.
  • Representation and Collaboration: Members of the ERO Committee have partnered with other CUPE 998 committees to ensure equal rights are a consideration in bargaining, health and safety, and education planning.

As always, the strength of our committee comes from the involvement of our members. If you are passionate about fairness, inclusion, and equity, we encourage you to reach out and get involved. Together, we can continue to build a stronger, more inclusive union.

If you have questions or would like to connect with the ERO Committee, please contact us through your CUPE 998 representative or send an email to Committee Chair Jonny Maria

In solidarity,
CUPE 998 Equal Rights and Opportunity Committee

 

CUPE 998 Education Opportunities 

CUPE 998 is excited to announce the Spring–Summer 2025 Education Calendar, offering a range of in-person and online workshops designed to empower members through skill development, leadership training, and union education.

For full course descriptions, dates, and registration details, please refer to the official calendar

If you’re interested in attending any CUPE education sessions, please contact CUPE 998 Education Chair Gord Meneer for the appropriate approvals. You can reach Gord at the CUPE 998 Office or by phone at (204) 415-5114.

Health & Safety Bulletin

CUPE Local 998’s Health and Safety Committee is deeply concerned by the recent rise in workplace accidents across the corporation. These incidents, affecting both CUPE members and other employees, underscore systemic issues in workplace safety protocols that demand immediate attention and action.

Compounding these concerns are the unprecedented wildfires sweeping across Manitoba. As of today, over 27,000 residents have been evacuated, including many CUPE members and their families. The fires have led to hazardous air quality levels, with smoke spreading across much of our province, posing significant health risks to all workers, especially those with respiratory conditions.

The convergence of increased workplace incidents and environmental hazards highlights the urgent need for comprehensive safety measures. We urge the corporation to:

  • Conduct thorough investigations into recent workplace accidents and implement corrective actions.
  • Enhance communication regarding safety protocols related to air quality and wildfire risks.
  • Provide necessary protective equipment and support for all employees, particularly those in affected areas.

CUPE Local 998 is actively collaborating with CUPE Manitoba and other organizations such as the Red Cross Donations to support those impacted by the wildfires. Donation drives are underway to assist evacuees, including members from First Nations communities.

CUPE urges all members and families in Manitoba to monitor local alerts for information on wildfire evacuations and air quality. Consult Manitoba 511 for updated highway maps.

We encourage all members to stay informed, report any safety concerns promptly, and support one another during this challenging time. Please feel free to reach out to your committee chair Nick Ogryzlo with your concerns.

In solidarity,
CUPE Local 998 Health and Safety Committee

Bylaws Committee Update – June 2025

The Bylaws Committee has been actively reviewing and updating our Local’s bylaws to ensure they remain current, clear, and aligned with CUPE National guidelines. Recent work has focused on improving language clarity and addressing member feedback from our membership. These proposed changes will be posted and notification will be sent out to membership is accordance with Article 4 of CUPES bylaws.

We encourage all members to review the proposed amendments ahead of the upcoming General Membership Meeting. Stay tuned for further updates and meeting dates. Your input is vital to maintaining a strong and democratic union.

Questions or suggestions? Contact the Bylaws Committee Chair Daniel Schroeder

In solidarity,
CUPE Local 998 Bylaws Committee

CUPE Media Release – Hydro Bargaining

CUPE 998 Achieves Strong Strike Mandate: Standing United for a Fair Contract with an overwhelming show of support as we continue to fight for a fair and reasonable contract at Manitoba Hydro.

This mandate sends a clear message: we are united, strong, and ready to secure the respect, rights, and fairness we deserve.

We’ve officially notified the Corporation and will provide updates as we move forward.

Read the full Press Release here

Thank you for your ongoing solidarity

In Solidarity,
The CUPE 998 Bargaining Team

Understanding Your Pension: A Foundation for Your Future

Your pension is a critical part of your overall financial well-being and retirement planning. It provides security, peace of mind, and a solid foundation for your future. That’s why it’s essential to understand how your pension works and to take an active role in planning for retirement.

For members in Manitoba’s public sector, your pension is administered by the Civil Service Superannuation Board (CSSB). Established in 1939, CSSB is one of the province’s largest public sector pension plans. It has a long-standing history of providing retirement income security for thousands of Manitobans.

By understanding your pension benefits and the resources available to you through CSSB, you can make informed decisions today that will help ensure a stable and secure retirement tomorrow.

Understand Pension

Life Events can impact your pension

Latest News on Services Superannuation Board (CSSB)

Contact Services Superannuation Board (CSSB)

CUPE 998 Secures Strike Mandate

CUPE 998 is proud to inform our membership that we have successfully secured a strike mandate with 93.7% . This important development empowers our bargaining team to continue pursuing a fair and reasonable contract for all CUPE members.

We have formally notified the Corporation of this mandate and will be sharing further updates and next steps with our membership shortly.

A strong strike mandate demonstrates our collective commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes for all members. It strengthens our position at the bargaining table and sends a clear message that we are united in our efforts to secure the respect, rights, and fairness we deserve.

Thank you for your continued support and solidarity.

CUPE 998 Bargaining Team

Celebrate Pride with CUPE Manitoba and CUPE Local 998 at the Winnipeg Pride Parade!

Join us on Sunday, June 1, 2025, as we come together to celebrate inclusivity, equality, and love. Pride is not just a parade—it’s a powerful reminder that we all deserve to live and work in a world free from discrimination and hate. Let’s show our solidarity and stand up for 2SLGBTQIA+ rights!

Details:

  • Meeting Time: 10:00 a.m.
  • March Begins: 11:00 a.m.
  • Meeting Place: CUPE Group – Row B on Memorial Blvd.

CUPE will be handing out fans and visors to the crowd during the march. If you’re able to help distribute, your support would be greatly appreciated!

Together, let’s make Pride a celebration of love, hope, and unity for all. See you there!