Bargaining

CUPE Bargaining Update – Hydro

Your CUPE Bargaining Team will be hosting two Zoom meetings on Wednesday, May 28 and Thursday, May 29 to provide an update on negotiations and discuss the importance of a Strike Mandate.

A Strike Mandate vote will be held on Friday, May 30, from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Voting will be conducted by Simply Voting, and members will receive an email with instructions that morning.

Securing a strong mandate will strengthen our position at the bargaining table as we continue to fight for a fair and reasonable agreement. We recognize the challenges members face—from rising living costs and gas prices to increasing workloads without fair compensation. While progress has been made, we must continue pushing for the improvements we deserve.

The upcoming meetings will clarify what a Strike Mandate means and offer time to answer your questions.

 

Please note: a Strike Mandate does not mean CUPE 998 is on strike but rather allows us to return to the table with greater bargaining power and authorizes strike notice and escalating strike actions.

 

We will issue a press release announcing these are our next steps with the full support of our Division and our National Union.

Please register for one of the sessions below:

Your participation and support are crucial.

 
In Solidarity
CUPE 998 Bargaining Team
Michelle Bergen, Jonny Maria, Jason Paintin, Gord Meneer, Natalie Sinclair and Jarrett Schmitt

 

CUPE Bargaining Update – Hydro

On April 11, 2025, the CUPE Bargaining Team presented our final offer to Manitoba Hydro. The Corporation did not respond until April 30, 2025. Following their response, CUPE sought further clarification regarding their position. The Corporation provided that clarification on May 5, 2025.

At this time, the Local is carefully reviewing the information and determining next steps. We are also engaging in discussions with other key stakeholders and will be scheduling meetings with the membership in the near future.

Our top priority remains securing a fair and equitable collective agreement—one that reflects the dedication, contributions, and value of CUPE members. We deeply appreciate your patience throughout this extended process. Please know that we remain firmly committed to achieving a contract that meets the needs and expectations of our members.

Thank you for your ongoing support and solidarity.

 In Solidarity,
Your CUPE Bargaining Team
Michelle Bergen, Jonny Maria, Jason Paintin, Gord Meneer, Natalie Sinclair & Michael Crowley

CUPE Bargaining Update – Hydro

This morning, the CUPE Bargaining Team presented our final offer to the Corporation. We are now awaiting their response. Once received, we will schedule a series of membership meetings for further discussion.

Our unwavering priority remains securing a fair and equitable contract—one that truly reflects the dedication, contributions, and value of our CUPE members. We are committed to keeping you informed throughout this process and will share updates as soon as new information becomes available.

Thank you for your continued support and solidarity.

In Solidarity,
Your CUPE Bargaining Team
Michelle Bergen, Jonny Maria, Jason Paintin, Gord Meneer, Natalie Sinclair & Michael Crowley

 

CUPE Bargaining Update – Hydro

Negotiations between CUPE 998 and the corporation are temporarily on hold as both parties work diligently to finalize an Essential Service Agreement, in accordance with provincial legislation enacted in November. The Essential Services Agreement has now been finalized and CUPE will present a final offer to the corporation as we continue striving for a fair and equitable collective agreement.

We understand that this delay may be frustrating, but it is a necessary step to ensure we get it right. Your patience and support are greatly appreciated. We remain committed to keeping you informed and will provide updates as new developments occur.

In Solidarity,
Your Bargaining Team
Michelle Bergen, Jonny Maria, Jason Paintin, Gord Meneer, Natalie Sinclair & Michael Crowley

 

CUPE Bargaining Update – Hydro

The CUPE 998 Bargaining Team remains committed to securing a fair and equitable agreement for our members. We are in the final stages of completing the Essential Services Agreement with the corporation—now undergoing legal review.

Bargaining will resume as soon as this essential services agreement is finalized. While there is currently no set timeline for the bargaining process, the terms of our previous agreement will remain in effect until a new one is ratified.

Our priority remains negotiating a contract that recognizes the value of our members and upholds the fairness and respect you deserve.

In Solidarity,
Your Bargaining Team
Michelle Bergen, Jonny Maria, Jason Paintin, Gord Meneer, Natalie Sinclair & Michael Crowley

 

CUPE Bargaining Update – Hydro

The CUPE 998 Bargaining Team remains dedicated to securing a fair and reasonable deal for our membership. We are currently finalizing the Essential Services Agreement with the corporation—a lengthy but crucial process—and are nearing its completion.

Bargaining will resume in February, and while progress has been made, we are not yet at the final stages. Rest assured; we will continue to keep the membership informed every step of the way.

At this time, there is no definitive timeline on the bargaining process. However, it’s important to remember that the terms of our previous agreement, which expired just 28 days ago, remain in effect until a new one is ratified.

As always, our commitment is to negotiate a contract that reflects the value of our members and ensures the fairness and respect you deserve. We will not settle for less than what this membership is entitled to.

 

How Important is Wage Harmonization to You?

Wage harmonization is the process of standardizing wages across the corporation to ensure fairness and consistency. It involves aligning pay scales for employees performing similar roles or holding similar positions, regardless of factors such as jurisdictions, location or departments

Your opinion matters to us! Please share your thoughts by clicking the “Ask CUPE” button on our website

In Solidarity,
Your Bargaining Team
Michelle Bergen, Jonny Maria, Jason Paintin, Gord Meneer, Natalie Sinclair & Michael Crowley

 

Update on CUPE Negotiations

We would like to provide an update on the ongoing CUPE & Essential Services Agreement negotiations. Progress has been delayed due to the holiday season and scheduled vacations; however, we have confirmed bargaining dates for January.

It is important to emphasize that we are approaching these negotiations thoughtfully and deliberately. Our priority is to secure a fair and reasonable contract that reflects the best interests of our membership. By taking the necessary time to thoroughly negotiate, we aim to achieve an agreement that benefits everyone and supports our shared goals.

Until a new contract is ratified, the terms of the current collective agreement will remain in effect.

We appreciate your patience and will continue to keep you informed as we move forward.

In Solidarity,
Your Bargaining Team
Michelle Bergen, Jonny Maria, Jason Paintin, Gord Meneer, Natalie Sinclair & Michael Crowley

 

CUPE Bargaining Update – Hydro

Dear Members,

We are writing to provide an update on the ongoing bargaining process. On Tuesday, November 26, 2024, CUPE met with the corporation to continue discussions. While progress is being made, it’s important to emphasize that these negotiations require careful consideration to ensure the best possible outcome for our members.

Additionally, we are actively working on an Essential Services Agreement, as mandated by new legislation introduced by the Provincial government earlier this month. This is a complex process that demands thorough attention to detail to balance operational needs and member rights.

We appreciate your patience and unwavering support during this time. Bargaining is a critical step in advocating for your interests, and we are committed to taking the necessary time to achieve a fair and reasonable agreement. We will keep you informed as discussions progress.

In Solidarity,
Your Bargaining Team
Michelle Bergen, Jonny Maria, Jason Paintin, Gord Meneer, Natalie Sinclair & Michael Crowley

 

CUPE Bargaining Update – Hydro

Dear Members,

We are reaching out to provide an update on the ongoing bargaining process with Manitoba Hydro. The CUPE Bargaining Team met with the corporation on November 5th and November 12th regarding monetary proposals.

As a recap of recent developments:

  • On Nov 5th – CUPE responded to the corporation with a counter proposal,
  • On Nov 12th – The corporation responded to CUPE with their counter proposal, which CUPE took away for further discussion with the bargaining team

We are scheduled to meet again tomorrow November 21 for CUPE to respond with another counter proposal to Manitoba Hydro holding firm on our position.

We are encouraged by the ongoing progress and believe we are moving closer to reaching a tentative agreement. Our efforts remain focused as we work diligently toward this goal.

Thank you for your continued support. We will keep you informed as negotiations progress.

In Solidarity,
Your Bargaining Team
Michelle Bergen, Jonny Maria, Jason Paintin, Gord Meneer, Natalie Sinclair & Michael Crowley

 

In Person – Bargaining Info Sessions

Another in person bargaining info session has been added, this will address significant provincial trends, CUPE’s stance on wages and wage harmonization, and the effects of government changes on bargaining over the past decade. Attendance is strongly encouraged, as members will gain valuable insights into the 2024 bargaining landscape.

The Info session added will be held on Friday Nov 15th at 12:00pm – 12:45pm in person at 360 Portage Ave location in Room 307-308.

Please note that this is an extension of the sessions already conducted with the exact same content.

REMINDER – There is an in person Info Session Today (Tuesday) at 4pm in meeting room 307-308 at 360 Portage Ave location.

In Solidarity,
Your Bargaining Team
Michelle Bergen, Jonny Maria, Jason Paintin, Gord Meneer, Natalie Sinclair & Michael Crowley