Bargaining

CUPE 998 Secures Strike Mandate

CUPE 998 is proud to inform our membership that we have successfully secured a strike mandate with 93.7% . This important development empowers our bargaining team to continue pursuing a fair and reasonable contract for all CUPE members.

We have formally notified the Corporation of this mandate and will be sharing further updates and next steps with our membership shortly.

A strong strike mandate demonstrates our collective commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes for all members. It strengthens our position at the bargaining table and sends a clear message that we are united in our efforts to secure the respect, rights, and fairness we deserve.

Thank you for your continued support and solidarity.

CUPE 998 Bargaining Team

CUPE Media Release – Hydro Bargaining

Dear Members,

As previously communicated, CUPE Local 998 has issued a Press Release to all media outlets announcing that we will be seeking a Strike Mandate from our membership this coming Friday.

This strike mandate is critical—it provides the bargaining team with the authority to return to the table with increased leverage. While a Strike Mandate does not mean an immediate strike, it empowers us to negotiate more effectively on your behalf.

We will be holding information sessions to address your questions and concerns on the following dates:

Please register for one of the sessions below:

If you have not yet registered for a session, please do so using the links above.

Your voice matters, and your participation is crucial. A strong mandate will allow us to push forward with the strength and unity we need to achieve a fair agreement.

In Solidarity,
CUPE 998 Bargaining Team
Michelle Bergen, Jonny Maria, Jason Paintin, Gord Meneer, Natalie Sinclair, and Jarrett Schmitt

 

CUPE Bargaining Update – Hydro

NOTE: New Evening Session Added

Your CUPE Bargaining Team will be hosting two Zoom meetings on Wednesday, May 28 and Thursday, May 29 to provide an update on negotiations and discuss the importance of a Strike Mandate.

A Strike Mandate vote will be held on Friday, May 30, from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Voting will be conducted by Simply Voting, and members will receive an email with instructions that morning.

Securing a strong mandate will strengthen our position at the bargaining table as we continue to fight for a fair and reasonable agreement. We recognize the challenges members face—from rising living costs and gas prices to increasing workloads without fair compensation. While progress has been made, we must continue pushing for the improvements we deserve.

The upcoming meetings will clarify what a Strike Mandate means and offer time to answer your questions.

 

Please note: a Strike Mandate does not mean CUPE 998 is on strike but rather allows us to return to the table with greater bargaining power and authorizes strike notice and escalating strike actions.

 

We will issue a press release announcing these are our next steps with the full support of our Division and our National Union.

Please register for one of the sessions below:

Your participation and support are crucial.

In Solidarity
CUPE 998 Bargaining Team
Michelle Bergen, Jonny Maria, Jason Paintin, Gord Meneer, Natalie Sinclair and Jarrett Schmitt

 

CUPE Bargaining Update – Hydro

On April 11, 2025, the CUPE Bargaining Team presented our final offer to Manitoba Hydro. The Corporation did not respond until April 30, 2025. Following their response, CUPE sought further clarification regarding their position. The Corporation provided that clarification on May 5, 2025.

At this time, the Local is carefully reviewing the information and determining next steps. We are also engaging in discussions with other key stakeholders and will be scheduling meetings with the membership in the near future.

Our top priority remains securing a fair and equitable collective agreement—one that reflects the dedication, contributions, and value of CUPE members. We deeply appreciate your patience throughout this extended process. Please know that we remain firmly committed to achieving a contract that meets the needs and expectations of our members.

Thank you for your ongoing support and solidarity.

 In Solidarity,
Your CUPE Bargaining Team
Michelle Bergen, Jonny Maria, Jason Paintin, Gord Meneer, Natalie Sinclair & Michael Crowley

CUPE Bargaining Update – Hydro

This morning, the CUPE Bargaining Team presented our final offer to the Corporation. We are now awaiting their response. Once received, we will schedule a series of membership meetings for further discussion.

Our unwavering priority remains securing a fair and equitable contract—one that truly reflects the dedication, contributions, and value of our CUPE members. We are committed to keeping you informed throughout this process and will share updates as soon as new information becomes available.

Thank you for your continued support and solidarity.

In Solidarity,
Your CUPE Bargaining Team
Michelle Bergen, Jonny Maria, Jason Paintin, Gord Meneer, Natalie Sinclair & Michael Crowley

 

CUPE Bargaining Update – Hydro

Negotiations between CUPE 998 and the corporation are temporarily on hold as both parties work diligently to finalize an Essential Service Agreement, in accordance with provincial legislation enacted in November. The Essential Services Agreement has now been finalized and CUPE will present a final offer to the corporation as we continue striving for a fair and equitable collective agreement.

We understand that this delay may be frustrating, but it is a necessary step to ensure we get it right. Your patience and support are greatly appreciated. We remain committed to keeping you informed and will provide updates as new developments occur.

In Solidarity,
Your Bargaining Team
Michelle Bergen, Jonny Maria, Jason Paintin, Gord Meneer, Natalie Sinclair & Michael Crowley

 

CUPE Bargaining Update – Hydro

The CUPE 998 Bargaining Team remains committed to securing a fair and equitable agreement for our members. We are in the final stages of completing the Essential Services Agreement with the corporation—now undergoing legal review.

Bargaining will resume as soon as this essential services agreement is finalized. While there is currently no set timeline for the bargaining process, the terms of our previous agreement will remain in effect until a new one is ratified.

Our priority remains negotiating a contract that recognizes the value of our members and upholds the fairness and respect you deserve.

In Solidarity,
Your Bargaining Team
Michelle Bergen, Jonny Maria, Jason Paintin, Gord Meneer, Natalie Sinclair & Michael Crowley

 

CUPE Bargaining Update – Hydro

The CUPE 998 Bargaining Team remains dedicated to securing a fair and reasonable deal for our membership. We are currently finalizing the Essential Services Agreement with the corporation—a lengthy but crucial process—and are nearing its completion.

Bargaining will resume in February, and while progress has been made, we are not yet at the final stages. Rest assured; we will continue to keep the membership informed every step of the way.

At this time, there is no definitive timeline on the bargaining process. However, it’s important to remember that the terms of our previous agreement, which expired just 28 days ago, remain in effect until a new one is ratified.

As always, our commitment is to negotiate a contract that reflects the value of our members and ensures the fairness and respect you deserve. We will not settle for less than what this membership is entitled to.

 

How Important is Wage Harmonization to You?

Wage harmonization is the process of standardizing wages across the corporation to ensure fairness and consistency. It involves aligning pay scales for employees performing similar roles or holding similar positions, regardless of factors such as jurisdictions, location or departments

Your opinion matters to us! Please share your thoughts by clicking the “Ask CUPE” button on our website

In Solidarity,
Your Bargaining Team
Michelle Bergen, Jonny Maria, Jason Paintin, Gord Meneer, Natalie Sinclair & Michael Crowley

 

Update on CUPE Negotiations

We would like to provide an update on the ongoing CUPE & Essential Services Agreement negotiations. Progress has been delayed due to the holiday season and scheduled vacations; however, we have confirmed bargaining dates for January.

It is important to emphasize that we are approaching these negotiations thoughtfully and deliberately. Our priority is to secure a fair and reasonable contract that reflects the best interests of our membership. By taking the necessary time to thoroughly negotiate, we aim to achieve an agreement that benefits everyone and supports our shared goals.

Until a new contract is ratified, the terms of the current collective agreement will remain in effect.

We appreciate your patience and will continue to keep you informed as we move forward.

In Solidarity,
Your Bargaining Team
Michelle Bergen, Jonny Maria, Jason Paintin, Gord Meneer, Natalie Sinclair & Michael Crowley

 

CUPE Bargaining Update – Hydro

Dear Members,

We are writing to provide an update on the ongoing bargaining process. On Tuesday, November 26, 2024, CUPE met with the corporation to continue discussions. While progress is being made, it’s important to emphasize that these negotiations require careful consideration to ensure the best possible outcome for our members.

Additionally, we are actively working on an Essential Services Agreement, as mandated by new legislation introduced by the Provincial government earlier this month. This is a complex process that demands thorough attention to detail to balance operational needs and member rights.

We appreciate your patience and unwavering support during this time. Bargaining is a critical step in advocating for your interests, and we are committed to taking the necessary time to achieve a fair and reasonable agreement. We will keep you informed as discussions progress.

In Solidarity,
Your Bargaining Team
Michelle Bergen, Jonny Maria, Jason Paintin, Gord Meneer, Natalie Sinclair & Michael Crowley