Wages & Agreements

CUPE 998 Strike-Averting Campaign: Working Towards a Fair Deal

CUPE 998 Strike-Averting Campaign: Working Towards a Fair Deal

Our strike-averting campaign is officially underway, with billboards appearing across the province beginning Monday, July 21, 2025. These billboards are a visible reminder of the union’s unwavering commitment to securing a fair and reasonable agreement for all our members — without the need for strike action, if possible.

Billboard Locations:
Winnipeg

  • McPhillips St – William Ave
  • Lagimodiere Blvd – Dugald Rd
  • Pembina Hwy – Jubilee Ave
  • Portage Ave – Sturgeon Rd (2 locations)

Brandon

  • 18 St – Park Ave

Portage La Prairie

  • Saskatchewan Ave West – Fourth St

Selkirk

  • Main St – Berrisford Ave

Steinbach

  • Brandt St – Main St

Why This Campaign Matters

This campaign is about protecting your rights, your wages, and your future. By raising public awareness and showing our solidarity, we strengthen our position at the bargaining table. A fair deal benefits not only our members but also supports a stronger workplace culture, improved morale, and fair treatment for everyone.

 

Bargaining Update

Your bargaining team begins conciliation with the employer from July 22–24, 2025. Our primary goal remains clear: To achieve a fair, equitable, and reasonable agreement for our members — and to do so without resorting to strike action, if possible.

Once conciliation concludes, we will provide a full update and next steps to our membership. Your continued support and solidarity are critical as we push for the fair deal you deserve.

In Solidarity,
CUPE Local 998 Bargaining Committee

CUPE 998 Launches Review to Protect Our Jobs

The Wages & Agreements committee is taking proactive steps to protect our jobs and ensure our work remains within our bargaining unit. Recently, we have identified a growing concern where CUPE positions are being reclassified or moved into other jurisdictions, including AMHSSE, Unifor, Corporate Exempt, and IBEW.

Why This Matters

Every CUPE job represents fair wages, strong benefits, and workplace rights that we have fought hard to achieve. When positions are moved out of our jurisdiction, our collective power and the protections we have negotiated for our members are put at risk. Job erosion weakens our union, and we will not stand by while our work is reassigned elsewhere.

Our Action Plan

The Wages and Agreements Committee is leading a comprehensive review to ensure that CUPE work stays with CUPE members. This review will include:

  • Auditing CUPE Certifications: We are reviewing our jurisdictional certificates to ensure that CUPE’s scope of work is clearly defined and protected.
  • Demanding Transparency from Hydro: We are requesting detailed reports from Hydro on all CUPE jobs that have been reclassified or lost to other unions or exempt roles in recent years.
  • Analyzing Job Descriptions: We are comparing CUPE job descriptions with those now assigned to other unions to identify improper transfers of work.
  • Strengthening Protections: Findings from this review will shape our bargaining proposals and any necessary legal or arbitration actions to stop further job losses.

How You Can Help

We are asking members to report any instances where CUPE work is being done by non-CUPE employees. Your input is critical to helping us track changes and hold the employer accountable.

Our Commitment

CUPE 998 is committed to fighting for every job that belongs in our jurisdiction. We will keep our members informed as this review progresses and share the steps we are taking to safeguard our bargaining unit work.

CUPE Bargaining Update – Hydro

CUPE 998 continues to fight for a fair collective agreement for CUPE members at Manitoba Hydro.

As previously shared on May 30, 2025, CUPE Local 998 and Manitoba Hydro have agreed to enter the conciliation process. The conciliation process is where a third-party mediator attempts to resolve outstanding issues between the union and the employer’s positions.

Conciliation dates have now been confirmed for the end of July. While we remain cautiously optimistic, any meaningful progress will depend on Hydro’s willingness to come to the table in good faith in getting a fair deal done.

Will We Go On Strike?

To date, your Bargaining Committee has met with the employer 20 times. We have worked diligently to present our proposals, ensuring they reflect the core values and priorities of our membership.

Unfortunately, the employer continues to refuse to offer a fair deal. CUPE 998 members voted 93.7% in favor of a strike mandate. This does not mean we are on strike. Nonetheless, while we enter the conciliation process, CUPE 998 is preparing our strike plans.

If the conciliation process does not result in meaningful improvements, we will come back to membership for further discussions on next steps including the potential of taking strike action

What Are The Outstanding Issues?

The employer continues to refuse to offer monetary improvements (wages etc.) that reflect what others in the public sector are receiving. The employer wants to offer you less, while CUPE 998 believes in fairness for our members. CUPE 998 is united and ready to stand firm for a fair and respectful agreement. It is time for Manitoba Hydro to recognize our value and treat employees with the respect you have earned. We will continue to update you as negotiations continue. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions.

In Solidarity,
CUPE Local 998 Bargaining Committee

 

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 Audits

On May 6th the external audit done by the Exchange Group was completed and on May 8th the Internal Audit was completed by our trustees. Results will be presented at the next General Membership meeting in June.

Union Involvement Starts with You – Join a Committee!

At CUPE Local 998, we firmly believe in the power of working together as a team to achieve meaningful change and support our membership. Our union thrives on the active involvement of members like you, and together, we can continue to strengthen our collective voice.

We value our members and the diverse skills, perspectives, and energy you bring. By participating in one of our committees, you’ll have the opportunity to play an essential role in shaping the future of our union while addressing the issues that matter most to us all.

If you’re interested in joining a committee, we encourage you to reach out to the Committee Chairs or contact the CUPE Office. We’d love to hear from you!

The Committees are as follows:

  • Communications
  • Bylaws, Policies & Procedures
  • Education
  • Equal Rights & Opportunity
  • Grievance
  • Membership
  • Pension & Superannuation
  • Trustees
  • Wages & Agreements
  • Workplace Health & Safety
  • Political Action
  • Strategic Planning
  • Job Evaluation

Your voice matters, and your contributions help make our union stronger. Let’s work together to build a better, more inclusive, and equitable workplace for everyone.

If you are interested in joining a committee, please send an email the CUPE Office indicating the committee you wish to join. Submissions will be reviewed by the respective Committee Chair.

 

In Person – Bargaining Info Sessions

Another in person bargaining info session has been added, this will address significant provincial trends, CUPE’s stance on wages and wage harmonization, and the effects of government changes on bargaining over the past decade. Attendance is strongly encouraged, as members will gain valuable insights into the 2024 bargaining landscape.

The Info session added will be held on Friday Nov 15th at 12:00pm – 12:45pm in person at 360 Portage Ave location in Room 307-308.

Please note that this is an extension of the sessions already conducted with the exact same content.

REMINDER – There is an in person Info Session Today (Tuesday) at 4pm in meeting room 307-308 at 360 Portage Ave location.

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

 

CUPE Bargaining Update with Manitoba Hydro

Dear Members,

We are reaching out to provide an update on the ongoing bargaining process with Manitoba Hydro. The CUPE Bargaining Team met with the corporation on October 11, 15, 24, 29, and November 1, 2024, to discuss monetary proposals.

As a recap of recent developments:

  • On October 11, Manitoba Hydro presented their initial monetary proposals.
  • On October 15, CUPE submitted our own monetary proposals in response.
  • On October 24, the corporation returned with a counteroffer, prompting CUPE to further review the proposal and prepare a response.
  • On October 29, CUPE presented a counterproposal to Manitoba Hydro’s offer.
  • On November 1, the corporation made another counterproposal, leading to a full day of discussion among our bargaining team.

We are encouraged by the ongoing progress and believe we are moving closer to reaching a tentative agreement. Our efforts remain focused and steadfast as we work diligently toward this goal.

The next bargaining session is scheduled for November 5, during which CUPE will present a revised counterproposal.

Thank you for your continued support. We will keep you informed as negotiations progress.

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

 

Bargaining Info Sessions

The bargaining committee will commence a series of informational sessions next week, offering both in-person and Zoom options. These sessions will address significant provincial trends, CUPE’s stance on wage harmonization, and the effects of government changes on bargaining over the past decade. Attendance is strongly encouraged, as members will gain valuable insights into the 2024 bargaining landscape.

 

Session dates will be announced shortly. Each session will run for approximately 30 to 45 minutes, presenting the same content. Time will also be allocated for questions and member feedback on the topics discussed.