Communications

CUPE Local 998 Launches New Communications to Keep Members Connected

CUPE Local 998 and the Communications Committee are proud to introduce three new publications designed to keep our members well-informed and engaged with the work of their union.

Wired In – Powering Communications That Matter Exclusively for CUPE members at Manitoba Hydro, this publication will highlight news, updates, and key developments relevant to your workplace.

Watt Matters – Keeping You Plugged in to What Matters
Tailored specifically for CUPE members at Efficiency Manitoba, this newsletter will cover issues, initiatives, and member highlights unique to your organization.

The Power Line – Connecting CUPE Across Manitoba Hydro & Efficiency Manitoba
This joint publication will focus on topics that impact members across both crown corporations, fostering a stronger connection and shared understanding within our broader membership.

Meet Your Communications Team:

  • Michael Crowley, Chair
  • Donna Kolish, Efficiency Manitoba
  • Liza Minotti, Manitoba Hydro
  • Michelle Bergen, CUPE 998 President

We believe that clear, timely, and relevant communication is key to a strong and united union. If there’s a topic, you’d like us to feature, we welcome your input. Please reach out to any member of the Communications Committee or contact the CUPE 998 office directly.

Together, we’re building a more informed and connected union.

                                                

 

CUPE 998 TURNS 60 – LOGO DESIGN CONTEST

CUPE 998 is turning 60 in 2026, and we’re inviting all members to be part of the celebration by showcasing your creativity!

We’re launching a Commemorative Logo Design Contest and we want your design to mark this milestone.

The winning logo will be featured on:

  • Official communications
  • Promotional materials
  • Anniversary apparel throughout 2026

CONTEST THEME: Celebrating 60 Years of CUPE 998

HOW TO ENTER: Submit your original logo design in digital format to the CUPE 998 Office

DEADLINE: September 30, 2025

WHO CAN ENTER: All CUPE 998 Members from Manitoba Hydro and Efficiency Manitoba

PRIZES:

  • 1st Place: Your logo featured throughout 2026 + a prize pack
  • 2nd & 3rd Place: Honorable mention prizes

Be creative. Be bold. Be part of CUPE 998 history. Submit your Design Today!

Impacted by Wildfires – Hydro

CUPE Local 998 Stands in Solidarity

CUPE Local 998 would like to share the recent article published in the Hydrogram, which highlights support for those affected by the most recent wildfires across our province.

As your union, CUPE is here for you. Whether it’s through advocacy, communication, or simply being a source of support, we stand with all our members, and with everyone affected.

Within Manitoba Hydro, many of our employees have been personally affected by the ongoing wildfires.

If you have been directly impacted by the wildfires and need support (either with respect to your work or personal circumstances, such as being evacuated from your home) please contact: peoplewildfiresupport@hydro.mb.ca.

You will reach a dedicated team assembled by the People Divisions, working to identify and support affected employees and ensure you and your families are safe and supported during this difficult time.

A guide of frequently asked questions (FAQ) is also available for your reference. It covers items related to alternate work arrangements, continuity of pay, access to benefits and wellness resources, and other human resources topics.

If you have any questions or concerns that are not addressed in the FAQ, please reach out to our team at peoplewildfiresupport@hydro.mb.ca. This inbox is monitored during regular business hours.

 

CUPE Local 998 Launches New Website

CUPE Local 998 is proud to announce the launch of our new and improved website, featuring a fresh design, simplified navigation, and—most importantly—no passwords required.

This much-needed update was driven by growing member frustrations with the old site’s login process. We listened and responded by creating a more accessible, user-friendly platform.

The new site includes dedicated sections for both Manitoba Hydro and Efficiency Manitoba members, making it easier than ever to access relevant updates and resources.

We are still in the rollout phase and will continue to add new content as needed. Be sure to check the website regularly, as updates are posted frequently to keep you informed.

We value your input—please share your feedback and let us know how we can continue to improve your online experience.

Visit us today and explore the new CUPE Local 998 website!

CUPE Email Communication

CUPE wanted to provide some clarification regarding our recent email communications.

When sending bulk emails to our membership, we encountered issues with messages being blocked by Shaw ( cupe998@shawbiz.ca). As a result, we are now using our CUPE email address (cupe@cupe998.mb.ca), which is hosted on our SharePoint tenant, to resend those communications.

Additionally, we are currently in a transition phase from using Hydro email to our CUPE email, which has led to a few temporary hiccups.

To clarify, our office uses two email addresses: Shaw for day-to-day correspondence, and CUPE for bulk mailings.

 

 CUPE Manitoba Member Photo Shoots – February 26 to 28, 2025

CUPE Manitoba is organizing member photo shoots in Winnipeg from February 26 to 28, 2025, as part of upcoming provincial campaigns and advertisements. We are excited to invite CUPE Local 998 members from both Manitoba Hydro and Efficiency Manitoba to participate.

The photo shoots will take place in the workplace, with CUPE Local 998 managing all logistics. This is a great opportunity to get involved and help promote the important work CUPE members do across Manitoba.

If you are interested in participating, please contact CUPE 998 President Michelle Bergen no later than February 24, 2025.

 

Union Involvement Starts with You – Join a Committee!

At CUPE Local 998, we firmly believe in the power of working together as a team to achieve meaningful change and support our membership. Our union thrives on the active involvement of members like you, and together, we can continue to strengthen our collective voice.

We value our members and the diverse skills, perspectives, and energy you bring. By participating in one of our committees, you’ll have the opportunity to play an essential role in shaping the future of our union while addressing the issues that matter most to us all.

If you’re interested in joining a committee, we encourage you to reach out to the Committee Chairs or contact the CUPE Office. We’d love to hear from you!

The Committees are as follows:

  • Communications
  • Bylaws, Policies & Procedures
  • Education
  • Equal Rights & Opportunity
  • Grievance
  • Membership
  • Pension & Superannuation
  • Trustees
  • Wages & Agreements
  • Workplace Health & Safety
  • Political Action
  • Strategic Planning
  • Job Evaluation

Your voice matters, and your contributions help make our union stronger. Let’s work together to build a better, more inclusive, and equitable workplace for everyone.

If you are interested in joining a committee, please send an email the CUPE Office indicating the committee you wish to join. Submissions will be reviewed by the respective Committee Chair.

 

CUPE 998 Mousepads

The CUPE 998 mousepads have arrived and will be distributed to members over the coming weeks. If you would prefer to pick up your mousepad at the CUPE office, please email cupe998@shawbiz.ca.

 

 

Revamping Our Union Website – Improved Features and Enhanced Security

We’re excited to announce that our union website is undergoing a major revamp to better serve you. We are in the planning stages. The new and improved site will not only be more user-friendly but will also include enhanced security features to ensure your information is protected.

Our goal is to create a more accessible and secure platform that makes it easier to stay informed, access important updates, and engage with the union. These changes are designed with your privacy in mind, and we’re committed to maintaining a safe and reliable online environment for all members.

Stay tuned for more updates as we roll out these improvements in 2025. Thank you for your continued support and engagement!