Mental Health, the Holidays, and Starting the Year with Your Well-Being in Mind

The holiday season can be a difficult time for many people. While it’s often presented as a time of celebration, it can also bring added stress, financial pressure, grief, loneliness, and emotional strain. For some, mental health challenges feel more intense during this period, and those feelings don’t always disappear once the calendar turns to January.

As we move into a new year, CUPE 998 wants to remind members that looking after your health and well-being is essential. January often comes with a full workload, new expectations, and pressure to “reset.” Taking care of yourself isn’t a luxury — it’s necessary. Small, consistent habits can make a real difference.

Common Seasonal Stressors

  • Increased work and financial pressures
  • Changes to routine and sleep patterns
  • Family conflict or strained relationships
  • Grief, loss, or isolation
  • High expectations during the holidays and the new year

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or low, you are not alone. Many people experience this, even if it isn’t always visible.

Practical Ways to Support Your Well-Being

Stay Active
Try to build movement into your day wherever possible, especially if your job is mostly desk-based. Standing up regularly, stretching, or taking short walks can reduce stiffness and mental fatigue. Small choices, like using the stairs or walking during breaks, add up over time.

Fuel Your Body
Balanced meals and staying hydrated support both physical and mental performance. When your body is properly fueled, energy levels and focus improve. If you’re making changes this year, start small and aim for what feels sustainable.

Take Time to Reset
Breaks are not wasted time — they’re essential. Even a few minutes away from your work can help reset your focus. Use breaks to stretch, breathe, or step outside for fresh air when possible.

Prioritize Rest
Sleep plays a major role in overall health. Consistent sleep and wake times and a calming nighttime routine can improve mood, concentration, and resilience.

Support Your Mental Health
Your mental well-being matters just as much as your physical health. Whether it’s spending time with family, getting outdoors, reading, or unplugging for a while, make time for what helps you recharge. If you’re struggling, reaching out for support is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Mental Health Resources

If you or someone you know could benefit from additional support, the following resources are available:

 Below are some resources:

These resources offer information, self-assessment tools, and connections to professional and community supports.

Additional Supports

The Blue Cross Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provides assistance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To access immediate support or to discuss/book counselling sessions, connect with a counsellor online or by phone at 1-800-590-5553. Manitoba Hydro and Efficiency Manitoba covers 12 EAP sessions per year.

CUPE 998 encourages all members to prioritize their mental wellness through the holiday season and into the new year. Taking care of your mind isn’t selfish — it’s necessary. When you’re supported, you’re stronger, your union is always here to support you.

CUPE 998 Fundraiser for Willow Place

Thank you to all our members—and to the many Hydro employees—who showed up and supported today’s fundraiser.

Our Equal Rights & Opportunity Committee (EROC) hosted this event in support of Willow Place, held today December 11 from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at 360 Portage. Willow Place provides 24-hour, no-cost violence-prevention services across Manitoba, and your participation helps strengthen the vital work they do for women, children, and families experiencing violence.

Thanks to your generosity, today’s fundraiser brought in $780.00, and the 50/50 winner takes home $390.00. The winning ticket number is 0361875. Final donation totals for Willow Place will be shared next week.

If you are the winner of the 50/50 draw, please contact the CUPE office to claim your prize 204-415-5114

Thank you again for supporting this important cause.

In solidarity,
Jonny Maria
Equal Rights & Opportunity Chair
CUPE Local 998

December 6 – National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women

CUPE 998 attended a Memorial Lunch today to remember December 6 is a day of national significance in Canada. It is a day to remember the 14 women who lost their lives in the 1989 École Polytechnique massacre in Montréal, and to honour all women and girls who have experienced gender-based violence. CUPE 998 President carried a candle during the candle light service.

Today is not only about remembrance. It is also a call to action. Violence against women remains a serious issue in our communities, workplaces, and homes. We each have a role to play in challenging harmful attitudes, supporting survivors, and working toward a future where all women can live safely and free from violence.

On this day, we ask our members to take a moment to reflect, to wear a white ribbon in solidarity, and to engage in conversations that promote respect, accountability, and meaningful change.

Our union remains committed to standing against all forms of violence and discrimination. We will continue to advocate for safer workplaces, stronger protections, and greater supports for those affected.

Remembering the past means taking responsibility for the future. Today, we stand in remembrance — and we stand in action.

In Manitoba, if you are a worker and you (or a dependent) are the victim of interpersonal violence, you have the right to take leave from work (including up to five days with pay) in order to get help. Read more here 

The Speech from the Throne

CUPE 998 President was in attendance as the Lieutenant-Governor, the Honorable Anita R. Neville, delivered the Speech from the Throne on November 18, 2025, marking the opening of the Third Session of the 43rd Manitoba Legislature. The Speech from the Throne sets the government’s direction for the upcoming legislative session and outlines its priorities for the year ahead.

As the province’s largest labour union, CUPE Manitoba welcomed the government’s commitments, noting that the NDP’s plan includes meaningful steps forward for workers and seniors, including improved patient-to-staff ratios in long-term care. CUPE Manitoba also emphasized the need for sustained investment in public services that support Northern development and strengthen the public sector, ensuring quality services and good jobs for all Manitobans. Read Full Press Release

 DATE CHANGE – CUPE 998 General Membership Meeting

Please note DATE CHANGE

CUPE 998 General Membership Meeting will be in person as requested by our membership

Date: Tuesday November 25, 2025                                                                                                     Time :6:00–7:00 p.m.
Location – Union Centre ( 275 Broadway 2nd Floor) – Auditorium

CUPE 998 members are invited to join us in person for our upcoming General Membership Meeting. This is an important opportunity to stay informed, connect with fellow members, and take part in the work of your union.

Agenda

  • Welcome and introduction of new members
  • Review and approval of previous meeting minutes
  • Treasurer’s report
  • President’s report
  • Discussion period and questions

Your participation helps strengthen our local and ensures that every member’s voice is reflected in our work. We look forward to seeing you there.

Canadas Largest Union 800,000 Strong and Rising!

Delegates from CUPE Local 998 joined thousands of CUPE members from across the country at this year’s National Convention, where we came together to celebrate our successes, share strategies, and chart the course for CUPE’s future.

This year’s convention was especially memorable, as CUPE announced a major milestone — we have officially surpassed 800,000 members nationwide. At a time when workers’ rights, wages, and public services are under constant attack, that number represents more than growth , it’s proof that workers across Canada are choosing to stand together for fairness, respect, and better working conditions.

Convention in Review

The week was packed with meaningful discussions, learning, and solidarity. It opened with orientation sessions for new delegates and sector meetings that allowed members from across the country to connect and share experiences from their workplaces.

Through the week, delegates debated resolutions, reviewed constitutional changes, and heard from guest speakers who inspired action and solidarity. Forums focused on health and safety, human rights, equity, and international solidarity, giving members space to share challenges and solutions across sectors.

One of the most powerful moments came during the midweek rally, where delegates took to the streets to show support for public services and fair treatment for all workers. The convention closed on a strong note with a renewed commitment to organizing, mobilizing, and building worker power in every corner of the country.

Building Strength Through Organizing

Since our last National Convention, CUPE has welcomed tens of thousands of new members into our union family — including more than 1,500 firefighters in Quebec, 1,200 clerical workers at Trillium Health in Toronto, and 1,200 cabin crew members at Porter Airlines. CUPE also celebrated the creation of its first local in the Yukon, representing 65 Air North flight attendants and crew.

These organizing victories show what’s possible when CUPE locals, staff, and members work together to grow our movement and extend union protection to more workers. Each new local strengthens our collective voice and our ability to fight back against privatization and corporate attacks on public services.

A Growing Voice for Workers

Across the country, CUPE members are pushing back against privatization, contracting out, and cuts to public services. We’re advocating for better wages, stronger benefits, and safer workplaces. Every resolution debated and every action planned at convention reflects CUPE’s commitment to defending public ownership and improving the lives of working people.

Our collective strength comes from the solidarity we build every day ,from our locals to our national campaigns ,and CUPE 998 continues to play a proud part in that movement.

Looking Ahead

With one million members on the horizon, CUPE remains Canada’s largest and strongest union — and we’re only getting stronger. The National Convention reminded us that our success depends on unity, solidarity, and the shared belief that every worker deserves respect and a fair deal.

As your CUPE 998 delegates return home, we bring renewed energy and new ideas to strengthen our local, support our members, and continue fighting for public power and good jobs for all.

Together, we are 800,000 strong — and still rising.