Manitoba Hydro

Employee Support and Safety Reminder

Regarding the unfortunate incident at Hydro Place on Friday, January 30 (as posted on MPOWER), employees are reminded that support is available through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP). If you would like assistance or an opportunity to speak with someone about how you are feeling, please consider accessing this resource.

Your safety is important. Please remain aware of your surroundings at all times and report any suspicious activity to Security immediately.

If you have any concerns about your personal safety or workplace environment, we encourage you to raise them with your supervisor or department manager.

In Solidarity,
CUPE 998 Executive

Arbitration Update ( Hydro)

During bargaining, CUPE 998 and the Corporation reached a collective agreement on a 0.75% pay grade increase for all members.

The Corporation has since indicated a different interpretation as previously communicated resulting in an arbitration filing.

Due to the heavy caseload currently facing arbitrators, the earliest arbitration dates available have been confirmed for June 2026.

As we move through this process, CUPE 998 will continue to keep members informed.

New CUPE 998 Collective Agreement ( Hydro)

The new CUPE Collective Agreement is currently in its final review stage. Once the CUPE Bargaining Team completes its review, the Agreement will be finalized and posted for members.

At that time, hard copies will be available upon request.

Please note that CUPE only received the Corporation’s final draft last week, which has impacted the timeline. We anticipate this process will be completed shortly.

Ratification Results

The CUPE 998 Bargaining Team is pleased to share the certified results provided by Simply Voting with our membership.

We are pleased to announce that the ratification of the current offer has been accepted by our members. The official results are sent to your work and home email addresses.

Throughout this process, we have carefully listened to your feedback and the ongoing concerns raised. Please be assured that your bargaining team and executives remain committed to continuing our efforts to address these issues and to advocate for meaningful improvements on your behalf.

In solidarity,
Your CUPE 998 Bargaining Team

Ratification of Current Offer

The ratification vote closes today at 4:00 p.m. The official Simply Voting results will be sent to all members via both work and personal email addresses by 4:30 p.m. today.

The process has been confirmed by our National Office in the event the offer is rejected, CUPE will return to the bargaining table with the employer to continue negotiations. Should an impasse be reached after further negotiations with the employer, a 72-hour strike notice will be issued to the employer.

 

CUPE 998 Tentative Agreement Reached ( Hydro)

CUPE 998 is proud to announce that we have reached a Tentative Agreement to present to our membership. Your bargaining team worked tirelessly to secure this deal on behalf of all members—without compromising or dividing our union.

This achievement would not have been possible without the unwavering strength and solidarity of our membership. By standing united behind your bargaining team, you made it clear that we move forward together, leaving no one behind.

This agreement represents the strongest deal in CUPE 998’s history. Because of this, your bargaining team is Recommending that the membership votes to accept the offer. This outcome demonstrates the power of collective strength and sets a solid foundation for future rounds of bargaining. An email was sent to your work and home email addresses for you to review.

In Solidarity
CUPE 998 Bargaining Committee

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 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.