A Message for Efficiency Manitoba CUPE Members

As we move into the fall season, CUPE 998 recognizes and celebrates the important work being done by members at Efficiency Manitoba. Your efforts help families, businesses, and communities across the province lower their energy use, save on costs, and build a more sustainable future for all Manitobans.

Every day, your skills, dedication, and innovation make a difference. Whether you are developing programs, supporting customers, or helping to advance Manitoba’s energy efficiency goals, the value of your contributions cannot be overstated.

This month, we encourage members to:

  • Stay connected through WATT Matters, e-blasts, and the CUPE 998 website for updates and resources.

  • Share your ideas, feedback, and successes with your Union so that we can continue to highlight the great work you do.

  • Support one another and take pride in the collective impact Efficiency Manitoba members bring to our communities.

Your voice matters. The work you do matters. Together, we are stronger.

In solidarity,
CUPE 998 Executive

CUPE 998 2025/2026 Scholarship Winners

CUPE Local 998 is proud to announce the recipients of our 2025/2026 Scholarships. Each year, these awards recognize the hard work, dedication, and academic achievements of our members and their families. We celebrate their accomplishments and wish them continued success in their future studies and careers.

🎓 2025/2026 Scholarship Recipients

  • Morgan Durant
    Entrance Award
    (Daughter of Jennifer Durant, Digital & Technology, Hardware Management – 360 Portage Ave)
  • Thomas Kidd
    In-Course Award
    Summer Student
  • Lhili Kolbauer
    Ross C. Martin Award
    Summer Student

These awards reflect CUPE 998’s ongoing commitment to supporting education and opportunity for our members and their families. Congratulations once again to Morgan, Thomas, and Lhili for their achievements!

CUPE 998 Strike FAQ

A strike is always the last resort, but we know members have questions. Our Strike FAQ provides clear answers about what to expect, including strike pay, participation requirements, and how to stay connected with your union.

📌 Read the Strike FAQ here

Stay informed, stay engaged, and remember—solidarity makes us stronger.

  CUPE 998 Strike Committee

CUPE 998 Strike Committee

The CUPE 998 Strike Committee has been established as a preventative measure to ensure we are fully prepared in the event of a strike. Our role is to support members should job action become necessary, while ensuring communication, coordination, and solidarity remain strong.

This does not mean we are going on strike. CUPE remains committed to reaching a fair and reasonable deal for all our members. However, preparation is essential so that if a strike does occur, our members are ready, informed, and supported.

The Strike Committee is here to:

  • Answer your questions.

  • Provide timely updates.

  • Help guide you through any challenges that may arise.

If you have any questions, please connect with your Strike Committee member listed below, or contact the CUPE 998 office directly.

Strike Committee Members

  • Mike Kubrakovich – Chair, 360 Portage (14)

  • Trevor Laurie – 360 Portage (19)

  • Darryll Sum – 360 Portage (8)

  • Liza Minotti – 360 Portage (4)

  • Ellen Lam – 360 Portage (4)

  • Essa Alkhaldi – 360 Portage (4)

The Strike Committee is dedicated to representing all members fairly and ensuring everyone has the information and support they need. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you require assistance.

Introducing “Wired In”

CUPE Local 998 is pleased to unveil Wired In (formerly The Current), our brand-new monthly newsletter created exclusively for Manitoba Hydro CUPE members. Developed by your Communications Committee—Donna Kolish (Efficiency Manitoba), Liza Minotti (Manitoba Hydro), and Committee Chair Michael Crowley—Wired In will deliver:

  • Feature Topic of the Month: A deep-dive into one issue or initiative that matters most to Manitoba Hydro CUPE members.
  • Bargaining Highlights: Up-to-the-minute updates on collective-bargaining progress and key milestones.
  • Member Resources: Practical tools, guides and supports tailored to your specific workplace needs.

Published alongside our sister newsletter Watt Matters (for Efficiency Manitoba CUPE members), these two publications ensure every member has the information they need—when they need it.

The inaugural issue of Wired In is being delivered directly to your inbox. Going forward, each new issue will be posted on the CUPE Local 998 website; look for the “Wired In” link in the sidebar to read or download.

Have a story idea or topic request?
We want to hear from you! Reach out to any member of the Communications Committee—or email Michael Crowley directly and let us know what you’d like to see in an upcoming issue.

In Solidarity,
The Communications Committee

Introducing Watt Matters: Your Monthly Efficiency Manitoba Newsletter

CUPE Local 998 is proud to launch Watt Matters, a monthly newsletter created exclusively for our Efficiency Manitoba members. Brought to you by our Communications Committee—Donna Kolish (Efficiency Manitoba), Liza Minotti (Manitoba Hydro) and Committee Chair Michael Crowley—Watt Matters delivers:

  • Timely Union News: Stay up to date on local developments and CUPE 998 initiatives.
  • Bargaining Updates: Get the latest insights on negotiations that affect your workplace.
  • Member Resources: Access tools, guides and contacts tailored to Efficiency Manitoba

Watt Matters is published alongside our sister newsletter, Wired In, for Manitoba Hydro CUPE members—ensuring every member has the information they need, when they need it.

Have a story idea?
We want to hear from you. If there’s a topic you’d like covered in an upcoming issue, please reach out to any Communications Committee member or contact Michael Crowley

You can read each new issue of Watt Matters on the CUPE Local 998 website the first week of every month.

In Solidarity,
The Communications Committee

The Power Line – Connecting CUPE Members across Manitoba Hydro & Efficiency Manitoba

We’re excited to introduce The Power Line—your newly revamped CUPE Local 998 newsletter! This quarterly publication is dedicated to keeping you informed, connected, and empowered. Published four times a year, The Power Line will spotlight the work of our local, highlight member achievements, and keep you up to date on key activities, campaigns, and union news across Manitoba Hydro and Efficiency Manitoba. While the name has changed, our commitment remains the same: delivering clear, relevant, and timely communication that reflects the strength, unity, and voice of CUPE 998.

Thank you for staying plugged in—together, we’re powering a stronger future.

In Solidarity,
CUPE Local 998 Communications Committee