Bargaining

Thank You for Your Continued Support

CUPE 998 extends our sincere appreciation to all members for your continued support throughout the bargaining and ratification process.

We have heard your concerns, and we remain committed to addressing these issues while continuing to work toward a path forward that reflects the priorities of our membership.

Important Updates

  • Payouts: Manitoba Hydro will provide notification once the payout schedule has been finalized.
  • Media Release : A CUPE media release will be distributed to all media outlets today.

For those members who submitted banking information, please be assured that these documents will now be securely shredded by our Union Treasurer and the CUPE National Office.

Lastly, we encourage all members to regularly check the CUPE 998 website for the latest updates.

In Solidarity,
CUPE 998 Executives

Ratification Results

The CUPE 998 Bargaining Team is pleased to share the certified results provided by Simply Voting with our membership.

We are pleased to announce that the ratification of the current offer has been accepted by our members. The official results are sent to your work and home email addresses.

Throughout this process, we have carefully listened to your feedback and the ongoing concerns raised. Please be assured that your bargaining team and executives remain committed to continuing our efforts to address these issues and to advocate for meaningful improvements on your behalf.

In solidarity,
Your CUPE 998 Bargaining Team

Ratification of Current Offer

The ratification vote closes today at 4:00 p.m. The official Simply Voting results will be sent to all members via both work and personal email addresses by 4:30 p.m. today.

The process has been confirmed by our National Office in the event the offer is rejected, CUPE will return to the bargaining table with the employer to continue negotiations. Should an impasse be reached after further negotiations with the employer, a 72-hour strike notice will be issued to the employer.

 

CUPE 998 Tentative Agreement Reached ( Hydro)

CUPE 998 is proud to announce that we have reached a Tentative Agreement to present to our membership. Your bargaining team worked tirelessly to secure this deal on behalf of all members—without compromising or dividing our union.

This achievement would not have been possible without the unwavering strength and solidarity of our membership. By standing united behind your bargaining team, you made it clear that we move forward together, leaving no one behind.

This agreement represents the strongest deal in CUPE 998’s history. Because of this, your bargaining team is Recommending that the membership votes to accept the offer. This outcome demonstrates the power of collective strength and sets a solid foundation for future rounds of bargaining. An email was sent to your work and home email addresses for you to review.

In Solidarity
CUPE 998 Bargaining Committee

Vote Postponed as Bargaining Progress Continues

Good evening members,

As bargaining continues to evolve, there are moments when the parties reach promising developments. We are pleased to share that some potential progress has been made. Your bargaining committee stayed strong and committed and continues to fight for a better offer than what would have been voted on this weekend

As a result, the vote on the employer’s final offer is being postponed until further notice, and we will be returning to the bargaining table for further discussions with the corporation on Monday at 9:00am

For now, please note that the vote is being postponed until further notice, and we will provide updates as discussions continue.

In Solidarity,
CUPE 998 Bargaining Team

UPDATE – 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

Who are deemed “Essential Workers” , there are 20 CUPE members in the Customer Engagement Center who are deemed essential and In the event of any essential emergency situations, positions beyond the numbers identified and other positions not identified may be called in to work to address an emergency. Consultation with CUPE will be made to assess the nature of the emergency and to collaborate on an effective response.

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.

Responsibilities of Strike Committee Members and Picket Captains

As we prepare for all possible outcomes during bargaining, it is important to remember that strike action is not our goal—our primary objective is to negotiate a fair and reasonable deal for all CUPE 998 members. However, to be effective at the bargaining table, we must be organized and ready if job action becomes necessary.

Strike Committee Responsibilities:

  • Assist in planning, organizing, and coordinating strike-related activities if required.

  • Ensure clear communication between union leadership and members.

  • Help manage logistics, including picket schedules, signage, and materials.

  • Provide updates and information to members regarding strike protocols.

Picket Captain Responsibilities:

  • Oversee and coordinate picket lines during assigned shifts.

  • Ensure all members follow picket line rules and maintain a respectful, safe environment.

  • Act as the main point of contact between picketers and the Strike Committee.

  • Report any issues or incidents immediately to the committee.

Training Provided:
Full training will be provided for all Strike Committee members and Picket Captains to ensure you feel confident and prepared to take on these roles if required.

Your involvement is essential in strengthening our solidarity and showing that we are united in achieving a fair deal for everyone. Contact the CUPE 998 office if you are interested to joining the Strike Committee or becoming a Picket Captain

Thank you for your commitment during this important time.

In Solidarity,

CUPE 998 Bargaining Team

Update on Bargaining & Strike Preparation

CUPE entered into conciliation with the employer on July 22 and 23. Meaningful discussions took place during these meetings, and the conciliator suggested a brief pause to allow both parties time to consider new proposals that emerged. These suggestions warrant careful consideration, and as a result, new conciliation dates have been scheduled for August 8 and August 21.

CUPE remains optimistic and is committed to securing a fair and reasonable offer that we can bring to the membership for further discussion.

While our ultimate goal is to avoid strike action and reach a fair agreement, strike preparation is still essential. Preparing for the possibility of a strike does not mean one is imminent. It simply means we are being responsible and taking necessary precautions to ensure we are ready should job action become necessary.

The Strike-Averting Campaign has begun. We will continue to advocate for a fair deal, and we will update members as soon as we have a final offer to present for consideration and discussion.

If you are interested in joining the Strike Committee or serving as a Picket Captain, please contact the CUPE office
Thank you for your continued support and solidarity.

In Solidarity
CUPE 998 Bargaining Team