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

 

Join CUPE 998 at the 2025 Winnipeg Pride Festival!

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!

CUPE Local 998 Launches New Website

CUPE Local 998 is proud to announce the launch of our new and improved website, featuring a fresh design, simplified navigation, and—most importantly—no passwords required.

This much-needed update was driven by growing member frustrations with the old site’s login process. We listened and responded by creating a more accessible, user-friendly platform.

The new site includes dedicated sections for both Manitoba Hydro and Efficiency Manitoba members, making it easier than ever to access relevant updates and resources.

We are still in the rollout phase and will continue to add new content as needed. Be sure to check the website regularly, as updates are posted frequently to keep you informed.

We value your input—please share your feedback and let us know how we can continue to improve your online experience.

Visit us today and explore the new CUPE Local 998 website!

CUPE 2025/2026 Scholarships

CUPE 998 is pleased to announce the availability of scholarships for eligible students affiliated with Manitoba Hydro & Efficiency Manitoba, offering four Scholarships and one joint Bursary in collaboration with RRCC Polytech for the upcoming 2025/2026 academic year.

Applications for the 2025/2026 Scholarships and Bursary are currently being accepted.

Scholarship Poster 2025

For comprehensive details and qualification criteria, kindly refer to the attached Poster, Outline, and Applications. It is important to note that these scholarships are exclusively open to students who have not previously received a Scholarship.

In a significant development this year, the CUPE Executives introduce a fourth scholarship, namely the Reconcile Action scholarship (further details provided below).

Should you have any inquiries or require assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to the Education Committee Chair Gord Meneer or contact the Union office at (204) 415-5114

** Please note you can forward your application with supporting documents via email to cupe998@shawbiz.ca or mail it to the CUPE office through interoffice mail. **

Attached documents:
– Award Outline 2025
– Application Form 2025
– Bursary Award Outline 2025

 

Welcome Summer Students – New and Returning!

CUPE Local 998 is excited to welcome all summer students—both new and returning—to Manitoba Hydro and Efficiency Manitoba!

Whether you’re beginning your first placement or returning for another season, we’re proud to have you as part of our team. Your work, ideas, and contributions are valued, and we’re here to support you throughout your summer experience.

Summer Student Welcome Packages are being sent out! These include useful information about CUPE Local 998, your rights as a worker, and how to get involved. If you don’t receive a package, please contact our office  

Stay tuned for upcoming Scholarship Announcements—available exclusively to CUPE members and their families. Visit our website regularly at https://998.cupe.ca for updates and more information.

We hope you have a safe, productive, and rewarding summer with us.

In Solidarity,
CUPE Local 998

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.

CUPE 998 Steward Drive

Becoming a CUPE 998 steward is a meaningful way to support your coworkers and help create a fair, respectful, and safe workplace.

As a steward, you serve as a vital link between union members and leadership, ensuring that everyone’s rights are upheld and voices are heard. It’s an opportunity to build your leadership skills, stay informed about workplace issues, and make a real difference in people’s day-to-day work lives.

Whether you’re helping to resolve conflicts, providing guidance on collective agreements, or advocating for better conditions, being a steward means standing up for fairness and solidarity

How to get involved

A Steward Information Session will be announced shortly for those interested in attending. This session will provide an overview of the role and responsibilities of a steward in the workplace