EROC Archives - CUPE 998

Black History Month – Honoring History, Celebrating Excellence

February 3, 2026

February is Black History Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the contributions, achievements, and resilience of Black people in Canada and around the world. It is also a time to reflect honestly on history, including the impacts of racism and discrimination, and to recommit ourselves to building more just and inclusive workplaces and communities.

Black workers, activists, and leaders have played a critical role in advancing labour rights, human rights, and social justice. Their advocacy has helped shape fairer working conditions, stronger communities, and a more equitable society for all. These contributions deserve recognition not just this month, but every day.

As a union, CUPE 998 is committed to equity, inclusion, and respect. That means listening to Black voices, challenging racism wherever it exists, and supporting meaningful actions that promote dignity and fairness in the workplace. Black History Month is an opportunity to learn, to have important conversations, and to stand in solidarity with our Black members and communities.

We encourage members to take time this month to learn more about Black history, support Black-led initiatives, and reflect on how each of us can contribute to a workplace where everyone feels safe, valued, and respected.

Together, we honour the past, celebrate the present, and continue working toward a more equitable future.

The MFL Equity & Human Rights Committee is pleased to be partnering with the Union Centre in hosting a special Lunch & Learn event in honour of Black History Month on February 12, from 12 pm – 1 pm (doors open at 11:30 am for lunch). The event will include an informative panel discussion entitled Making Black History in Manitoba, featuring two of the first three Black Manitobans ever to be elected to the Manitoba Legislature: Hon. Jamie Moses and Hon. Uzoma Asagwara.

CUPE 998 Fundraiser for Willow Place

December 11, 2025

Thank you to all our members—and to the many Hydro employees—who showed up and supported today’s fundraiser.

Our Equal Rights & Opportunity Committee (EROC) hosted this event in support of Willow Place, held today December 11 from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at 360 Portage. Willow Place provides 24-hour, no-cost violence-prevention services across Manitoba, and your participation helps strengthen the vital work they do for women, children, and families experiencing violence.

Thanks to your generosity, today’s fundraiser brought in $780.00, and the 50/50 winner takes home $390.00. The winning ticket number is 0361875. Final donation totals for Willow Place will be shared next week.

If you are the winner of the 50/50 draw, please contact the CUPE office to claim your prize 204-415-5114

Thank you again for supporting this important cause.

In solidarity,
Jonny Maria
Equal Rights & Opportunity Chair
CUPE Local 998

December 6 – National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women

December 5, 2025

CUPE 998 attended a Memorial Lunch today to remember December 6 is a day of national significance in Canada. It is a day to remember the 14 women who lost their lives in the 1989 École Polytechnique massacre in Montréal, and to honour all women and girls who have experienced gender-based violence. CUPE 998 President carried a candle during the candle light service.

Today is not only about remembrance. It is also a call to action. Violence against women remains a serious issue in our communities, workplaces, and homes. We each have a role to play in challenging harmful attitudes, supporting survivors, and working toward a future where all women can live safely and free from violence.

On this day, we ask our members to take a moment to reflect, to wear a white ribbon in solidarity, and to engage in conversations that promote respect, accountability, and meaningful change.

Our union remains committed to standing against all forms of violence and discrimination. We will continue to advocate for safer workplaces, stronger protections, and greater supports for those affected.

Remembering the past means taking responsibility for the future. Today, we stand in remembrance — and we stand in action.

In Manitoba, if you are a worker and you (or a dependent) are the victim of interpersonal violence, you have the right to take leave from work (including up to five days with pay) in order to get help. Read more here

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

September 26, 2025

As we approach the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Tuesday, September 30th,in Winnipeg and in Brandon it is important to take some time to reflect on the painful impact of residential schools and commit ourselves to reconciliation and justice for all Indigenous people.

CUPE’s National Human Rights Branch has put together the information below and I would encourage everyone to read through it, reflect, and share it with your locals and fellow CUPE activists. read more

In solidarity,
Jonny Maria – Equal Rights & Opportunity Chair

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – September 30

September 19, 2025

Each year, September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a day to the children who never returned home, Survivors of residential schools, and their families and communities.

Public commemoration of this tragic and painful history—and the ongoing impacts of residential schools—is a vital part of the reconciliation process. This federal statutory holiday was established through legislative amendments made by Parliament.

Orange Shirt Day

Both the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day take place on September 30.

Orange Shirt Day, led by Indigenous communities, raises awareness of the intergenerational impacts of residential schools on children, families, and communities. It is a time to honour Indigenous children who were lost in the residential school system and to stand in solidarity with Survivors.

The orange shirt symbolizes the loss of culture, freedom, and self-esteem experienced by many Indigenous children. It is also a reminder that Every Child Matters.

How to Participate

On September 30, CUPE Local 998 encourages all members and Canadians to:

Wear orange to honour Survivors and remember the children who never came home.
Consider a beaded orange shirt necklace as a powerful symbol of remembrance and resilience.
Share your reflections and how you mark this day on social media using the hashtag #NDTR.
Download and use educational resources to help spread awareness and continue learning about the impacts of residential schools.
Events in Manitoba

Together, let us commit to truth, healing, and reconciliation.

The CUPE Manitoba Human Rights Committee

September 10, 2025

Sisters, Brothers, and Friends,

The CUPE Manitoba Human Rights Committee is pleased to invite you to a special guided tour of Love in a Dangerous Time: Canada’s LGBT Purge at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights.

Date: Monday, September 29, 2025
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Snacks and discussion to follow

Together, we will reflect on a powerful chapter of Canadian history—one marked by injustice, resilience, and the fight for equality. From the 1950s through the 1990s, the Government of Canada systematically investigated, harassed, and dismissed 2SLGBTQI+ members of the Canadian Armed Forces, the RCMP, and the federal public service. Known as the LGBT Purge, these actions devastated thousands of lives but also ignited courage, resistance, and advocacy that reshaped our country.

We hope you will join us for this meaningful experience . Read more here

CUPE 998 Equal Rights and Opportunity Committee – 2025 Member Engagement

June 4, 2025

At CUPE Local 998, the Equal Rights and Opportunity (ERO) Committee remains committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and equitable workplace for all members. This year, the committee has been actively engaging with our membership through a variety of initiatives focused on education, awareness, and collaboration.

2025 Member Engagement Highlights:

Awareness Involvement: The ERO Committees involvement on different campaigns around International Women’s Day, International Day of Persons with Disabilities, National Indigenous Peoples Day, and Pride Month is some of the involvement the ERO Committee has been involved in highlighting equity issues and amplifying diverse voices within our union.
Lunch & Learn Events: We are exploring options on hosting a series of virtual and in-person sessions covering topics like workplace discrimination, union activism, intersectionality, allyship, and inclusive language—creating safe spaces for open dialogue and learning.
Representation and Collaboration: Members of the ERO Committee have partnered with other CUPE 998 committees to ensure equal rights are a consideration in bargaining, health and safety, and education planning.

As always, the strength of our committee comes from the involvement of our members. If you are passionate about fairness, inclusion, and equity, we encourage you to reach out and get involved. Together, we can continue to build a stronger, more inclusive union.

If you have questions or would like to connect with the ERO Committee, please contact us through your CUPE 998 representative or send an email to Committee Chair Jonny Maria

In solidarity,
CUPE 998 Equal Rights and Opportunity Committee

Celebrate Pride with CUPE Manitoba and CUPE Local 998 at the Winnipeg Pride Parade!

May 30, 2025

Join us on Sunday, June 1, 2025, as we come together to celebrate inclusivity, equality, and love. Pride is not just a parade—it’s a powerful reminder that we all deserve to live and work in a world free from discrimination and hate. Let’s show our solidarity and stand up for 2SLGBTQIA+ rights!

Details:

Meeting Time: 10:00 a.m.
March Begins: 11:00 a.m.
Meeting Place: CUPE Group – Row B on Memorial Blvd.

CUPE will be handing out fans and visors to the crowd during the march. If you’re able to help distribute, your support would be greatly appreciated!

Together, let’s make Pride a celebration of love, hope, and unity for all. See you there!

Join CUPE 998 at the 2025 Winnipeg Pride Festival!

May 21, 2025

CUPE Local 998 and Equal Rights and Opportunity Chair Jonny Maria are proud to stand in solidarity with the 2SLGBTQI+ community during Pride Month and invites all members to join us in celebrating diversity, inclusion, and equality at the 2025 Winnipeg Pride Festival, taking place from May 23 to June 1, 2025.

To mark the beginning of Pride festivities, Union Centre will be holding a Flag Raising Ceremony on Friday, May 23 at 10:00 a.m. We encourage all members who are able to attend to come out and take part in this meaningful celebration as we raise the Pride flag in unity and support. Click here for more

Join Pride at the Leg on Thursday May 29th from 12:00 – 1:30

Let’s show our CUPE 998 pride and stand together in support of love, rights, and acceptance for all.

More Pride events and updates to follow

Together, we celebrate. Together, we are stronger.
Happy Pride!

International Transgender Day of Visibility and The Two-Spirit and Transgender Day of Visibility in Manitoba

March 21, 2025

Join Local 998 and Union Activists from across Manitoba for the International Transgender Day of Visibility

Union Center at 275 Broadway will be holding a Flag Raising Ceremony at 10:00am in recognition of Transgender Visibility

The International Transgender Day of Visibility was founded in 2009 by Rachel Crandall-Crocker a trans activist, psychotherapist and executive director of the nonprofit advocacy group Transgender Michigan. Rachel wanted a reason to come together and feel joy with other members of the trans community. “I wanted a day that we could focus on the living,” Crandall-Crocker said. “And where we could have rallies all as one community all the way around the world.”

On May 30, 2024, The Two-Spirit and Transgender Day of Visibility Act was passed in the Manitoba legislature designating March 31 an annual day to recognize two-spirit and transgender persons. The bill was brought forward by Logan Oxenham MLA for Kirkfield Park in Winnipeg and Canada’s first transgender politician elected to provincial, territorial or federal office.

“Two-Spirit” and “Trans” identities are intertwined with Indigenous cultures and the LGBTQ+ movement, with “Two-Spirit” emerging as a term in 1990 to describe Indigenous people who embody both masculine and feminine spirits, while “Trans” is a broader term for individuals whose gender identity differs from their sex assigned at birth. We also recognize that these identities and many other gender nonconforming identities have existed throughout recorded history and beyond.

Two-Spirit:

Origins:

The term “Two-Spirit” emerged in 1990 at the Third Annual Inter-Tribal Native American, First Nations, Gay and Lesbian American Conference in Winnipeg, coined by Elder Myra Laramee to describe Indigenous people who embody both masculine and feminine spirits.

Traditional Roles:

In many Indigenous cultures, Two-Spirit people held important social and spiritual roles, often as healers, visionaries, and community leaders, and were respected for their ability to bridge the gap between genders.

Colonial Impact:

European colonization and the imposition of Western gender norms led to the suppression of Two-Spirit identities and roles, with many Two-Spirit people facing discrimination and marginalization.

Contemporary Significance:

Today, “Two-Spirit” is an umbrella term used by some Indigenous people to describe their gender, sexual, and spiritual identity, and it is a way to reclaim and celebrate Indigenous traditions and identities.

Not a Universal Term:

Two-Spirit is a pan-Indigenous term, and not all Indigenous cultures use it or have the same understanding of it. Many Indigenous cultures have their own specific terms and concepts for gender-nonconforming people.

Trans:

Broad Term:

“Trans” is a broader term used to describe individuals whose gender identity differs from their sex assigned at birth, encompassing a wide range of identities, including transgender, non-binary, and genderqueer.

Historical Context:

The concept of gender variance has existed in many cultures throughout history, but the term “transgender” emerged in the late 20th century to describe individuals who identify as a gender different from their assigned sex.

Struggle for Recognition:

Trans people have historically faced discrimination and marginalization, and the struggle for recognition and acceptance continues today.

Intersectionality:

Trans identities intersect with other identities, such as race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status, and trans people of color, Two-Spirit people, and other marginalized groups experience unique forms of discrimination.