Bargaining

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

CUPE 998 Strike-Averting Campaign: Working Towards a Fair Deal

CUPE 998 Strike-Averting Campaign: Working Towards a Fair Deal

Our strike-averting campaign is officially underway, with billboards appearing across the province beginning Monday, July 21, 2025. These billboards are a visible reminder of the union’s unwavering commitment to securing a fair and reasonable agreement for all our members — without the need for strike action, if possible.

Billboard Locations:
Winnipeg

  • McPhillips St – William Ave
  • Lagimodiere Blvd – Dugald Rd
  • Pembina Hwy – Jubilee Ave
  • Portage Ave – Sturgeon Rd (2 locations)

Brandon

  • 18 St – Park Ave

Portage La Prairie

  • Saskatchewan Ave West – Fourth St

Selkirk

  • Main St – Berrisford Ave

Steinbach

  • Brandt St – Main St

Why This Campaign Matters

This campaign is about protecting your rights, your wages, and your future. By raising public awareness and showing our solidarity, we strengthen our position at the bargaining table. A fair deal benefits not only our members but also supports a stronger workplace culture, improved morale, and fair treatment for everyone.

 

Bargaining Update

Your bargaining team begins conciliation with the employer from July 22–24, 2025. Our primary goal remains clear: To achieve a fair, equitable, and reasonable agreement for our members — and to do so without resorting to strike action, if possible.

Once conciliation concludes, we will provide a full update and next steps to our membership. Your continued support and solidarity are critical as we push for the fair deal you deserve.

In Solidarity,
CUPE Local 998 Bargaining Committee

CUPE Bargaining Update – Hydro

CUPE 998 continues to fight for a fair collective agreement for CUPE members at Manitoba Hydro.

As previously shared on May 30, 2025, CUPE Local 998 and Manitoba Hydro have agreed to enter the conciliation process. The conciliation process is where a third-party mediator attempts to resolve outstanding issues between the union and the employer’s positions.

Conciliation dates have now been confirmed for the end of July. While we remain cautiously optimistic, any meaningful progress will depend on Hydro’s willingness to come to the table in good faith in getting a fair deal done.

Will We Go On Strike?

To date, your Bargaining Committee has met with the employer 20 times. We have worked diligently to present our proposals, ensuring they reflect the core values and priorities of our membership.

Unfortunately, the employer continues to refuse to offer a fair deal. CUPE 998 members voted 93.7% in favor of a strike mandate. This does not mean we are on strike. Nonetheless, while we enter the conciliation process, CUPE 998 is preparing our strike plans.

If the conciliation process does not result in meaningful improvements, we will come back to membership for further discussions on next steps including the potential of taking strike action

What Are The Outstanding Issues?

The employer continues to refuse to offer monetary improvements (wages etc.) that reflect what others in the public sector are receiving. The employer wants to offer you less, while CUPE 998 believes in fairness for our members. CUPE 998 is united and ready to stand firm for a fair and respectful agreement. It is time for Manitoba Hydro to recognize our value and treat employees with the respect you have earned. We will continue to update you as negotiations continue. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions.

In Solidarity,
CUPE Local 998 Bargaining 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

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

CUPE Media Release – Hydro Bargaining

Dear Members,

As previously communicated, CUPE Local 998 has issued a Press Release to all media outlets announcing that we will be seeking a Strike Mandate from our membership this coming Friday.

This strike mandate is critical—it provides the bargaining team with the authority to return to the table with increased leverage. While a Strike Mandate does not mean an immediate strike, it empowers us to negotiate more effectively on your behalf.

We will be holding information sessions to address your questions and concerns on the following dates:

Please register for one of the sessions below:

If you have not yet registered for a session, please do so using the links above.

Your voice matters, and your participation is crucial. A strong mandate will allow us to push forward with the strength and unity we need to achieve a fair agreement.

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

 

CUPE Bargaining Update – Hydro

NOTE: New Evening Session Added

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