Efficiency Manitoba

Important Reminder: CUPE 998 Communications Are Moving to Personal Email

At Cupe 998, keeping our members informed has always been one of our top priorities. As our union continues to grow and evolve, so do the ways we communicate to both our Manitoba Hydro and Efficiency Manitoba CUPE members.

What does this mean for you?

Going forward, important CUPE 998 communications will be delivered directly to your personal (home) email address through Action Network. You’ll receive updates on topics such as:

  • Bargaining and negotiations
  • Workplace issues and important announcements
  • Union meetings and events
  • Education and training opportunities
  • Campaigns and advocacy initiatives
  • Time-sensitive member updates

Why the change?

Our website and social media will continue to share news and general information, but not every communication is appropriate for a public audience. Many updates contain certain information intended exclusively for CUPE 998 members. Action Network gives us a secure and efficient way to communicate directly with our membership while protecting confidential or member-specific information. It also allows us to deliver urgent updates much faster than relying solely on our website or social media channels.

Help us keep you informed

To make sure you never miss an important update:

Watch for emails from CUPE 998 via Action Network in your personal inbox

Check your junk or spam folder the first time an email is sent and mark it as a safe sender

If you’ve recently changed your personal email address please use this form to update your information in our records.

Stronger Communication. Stronger Union.

Effective communication is one of the foundations of a strong union. By using Action Network, CUPE 998 can keep our members informed, engaged, and connected with the work your union is doing on your behalf. Thank you for helping us build a stronger, more connected CUPE 998.

DEADLINE APPROACHING – Manitoba Unions Indigenous Bursary in Labour Studies

Manitoba Unions Indigenous Student Prize in Labour Studies was established by Manitoba’s unions to support Indigenous students who are pursuing post-secondary education in the Labour Studies Program at the University of Manitoba.

Inspired by a commitment to reconciliation, the prize aims to create more pathways for Indigenous students to pursue opportunities in the labour movement, as union leaders, staff and member activists. The prize of $5,000 is open to Indigenous students majoring or minoring in Labour Studies.

The deadline for applications is June 1, 2026 and the prize will be awarded at the end of the 2025/26 school year. For more information, please visit the University of Manitoba’s Financial Aid and Awards website: University of Manitoba – Student Affairs – Financial Aid and Awards – Awards & Scholarships

Bargaining Update Efficiency Manitoba

A bargaining update has been sent to your home email address. To ensure reliable and direct communication, all future updates will be shared through your personal email rather than your employer-issued account.

 

Efficiency Manitoba Bargaining Update

CUPE 998 would like to provide an update on bargaining with Efficiency Manitoba.

We are scheduled to meet with Efficiency Manitoba on May 1, 2026 to begin the formal exchange of proposals.

The start of bargaining was slightly delayed to ensure that both collective agreements—CUPE 998 and AMHSSE—were fully reviewed and aligned where appropriate. This work was important to make sure that all items were properly captured and that nothing was overlooked before heading to the table.

Taking the time to do this groundwork puts us in a stronger position as we move into negotiations. Please ensure you have forwarded your home email addresses to the CUPE office , once bargaining commences, all communication will come to your home email addresses

We will continue to keep members informed as discussions progress.

A Message for Efficiency Manitoba CUPE Members

As we move into the fall season, CUPE 998 recognizes and celebrates the important work being done by members at Efficiency Manitoba. Your efforts help families, businesses, and communities across the province lower their energy use, save on costs, and build a more sustainable future for all Manitobans.

Every day, your skills, dedication, and innovation make a difference. Whether you are developing programs, supporting customers, or helping to advance Manitoba’s energy efficiency goals, the value of your contributions cannot be overstated.

This month, we encourage members to:

  • Stay connected through WATT Matters, e-blasts, and the CUPE 998 website for updates and resources.

  • Share your ideas, feedback, and successes with your Union so that we can continue to highlight the great work you do.

  • Support one another and take pride in the collective impact Efficiency Manitoba members bring to our communities.

Your voice matters. The work you do matters. Together, we are stronger.

In solidarity,
CUPE 998 Executive

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!

CUPE 998 Preparing for Collective Bargaining at Efficiency Manitoba

CUPE 998 and Efficiency Manitoba have successfully concluded the Essential Services Agreement, which has now been filed with the Manitoba Labour Board. As outlined in the agreement, no positions within Efficiency Manitoba have been designated as essential.

With this important step completed, CUPE 998 is now preparing for collective bargaining. The current collective agreement is set to expire on December 31, 2025.

Collective bargaining is a vital process that protects workers’ rights and ensures our members’ voices are heard. CUPE 998 is committed to negotiating a fair and equitable agreement that recognizes the critical role our members play in the success of Efficiency Manitoba.

To ensure our bargaining priorities reflect what matters most to our members, a pre-bargaining survey will be circulated this fall. Your feedback will be instrumental in shaping our proposals and strengthening our position at the table.

Details about the bargaining team and next steps will also be shared this fall. Together, we will continue to protect and advance the interests of all CUPE 998 members.

In Solidarity
Michelle Bergen
President CUPE Local 998

 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.