Events

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. 

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

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.