A Message from Manitoba Federation of Labour President -Protecting Manitoban Jobs

Dear Sisters, Brothers and Friends,

Workers are rightly worried about the impacts of Donald Trump’s boneheaded tariffs. This is the latest step backwards by America, following Trump’s attacks on public servants, his elimination of employment equity, and his obsession with discriminating against trans people.

The Manitoba Federation of Labour will continue to push for government to first and foremost protect Manitoba jobs in response to these tariffs. Manitoba needs to invest in hiring Manitoba workers and building our province through stimulus spending on shovel-ready infrastructure in order to offset economic impacts in the private sector. The trend of seeing out of province license plates on construction sites needs to come to an end.

We need to ensure that taxpayer-funded business supports are tied to protecting and creating jobs, not money grabs that boost corporate profits.

At the federal level, the EI system needs to be expanded to help workers in this moment – including job sharing and other targeted supports. The federal government should also create new income supports for impacted workers who are unable to qualify for EI.

We must continue to defend and enhance our public services, which people will be counting on even more now. This has to include strengthening our social safety net.

As we focus on buying local, let’s ensure we are hiring local too and supporting good union jobs in our province. Manitobans are looking for ways to support their local economy more than ever right now, and the MFL maintains a Buy Local, Buy Union web page. This page is populated entirely by unionized employers that have been provided to us by MFL affiliates. While several unionized sites are listed on this page, we know that there are more out there.

I am asking for your help in building this page up so that we can highlight the great opportunities for Manitobans to buy local and buy union. Please review your union’s listings on this page by selecting “Choose a Union” on the left side of the page and let us know what unionized suppliers need to be added to our database by filling out the form at the bottom of the page.

I know that Manitobans will stand strong and help each other as we face these threats from the bully currently occupying the White House, just as we do when we stand together to fight a flood or give someone’s car a boost in the winter. Working together is the Manitoba way. Please keep us informed of how your members are being impacted by these tariffs so that we can target our asks and campaign work to meet your needs.

In Solidarity,

Kevin Rebeck
President of the Manitoba Federation of Labour

Addressing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

There have been some concerns brought forward by our members regarding the future of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) and what that means for our local. Your CUPE Local 998 executive is strongly committed to a Diverse, Equitable, and Inclusive workplace culture.

CUPE 998 has a seat at the table with other unions and employee representatives on the Manitoba Hydro Diversity Council. This group discusses various DEI opportunities and concerns faced by employees. The council also supports learning and growth opportunities and activities for all employees within our organization that contribute to a safe, respectful and inclusive environment for all.

Manitoba Hydro is committed to DEI awareness, education and support within our workplace.  Examples include the creation of employee resource groups (ERGs) to engage employees in generating awareness and a supportive workplace culture; mandatory anti-racism training provided by the provincial government; and promoting DEI in the workplace through events and activities shared through internal communications and on a New Diversity Calendar which highlights upcoming diversity days and events.

Our local is very active on several human rights committees covering all levels of engagement, including provincial, national, and global. These groups have been actively fighting against all forms of discrimination and hate for several years now through protests, counter protests, donations, and awareness events. We are committed to continuing this fight to improve and protect the human rights of workers and to educate our local communities on the importance of DEI in our society.

CUPE follows very strict protocols when complaints are made, and it is expected that all members adhere to the Equality Statement provided by CUPE National.

This year our local 998 (EROC) Equal Rights and Opportunity Committee plans on increasing our focus on member engagement so that we can build a stronger active local of diverse union activists through education, outreach, and visibility.

If you are experiencing any form of hate or discrimination, have questions regarding what you have read or want to know how to become more involved in our union please message us at ASK CUPE.

In Solidarity,
Your Local 998 Executive

 

CUPE Dues Increase

As discussed at our Special General Membership meeting , over the past six years, we have demonstrated our commitment to fiscal responsibility by effectively managing and maintaining our operating costs. This has allowed us to keep one of the lowest membership rates in the country while continuing to support our members during challenging economic times.

Through strategic planning, careful use of book-offs, and a focus on education, we have made informed financial decisions that have helped us sustain balanced budgets each year.

Although we recognize the importance of implementing a $2.00 increase to dues to address essential training requirements, we want to assure our members that this decision was made with careful consideration of our ongoing commitment to keeping costs efficient and supporting our membership.

The biweekly dues increase of $2.00 will take effect on Pay Period 6 (March 13th, 2025) for both Manitoba Hydro and Efficiency Manitoba CUPE members.

 

 CUPE Manitoba Member Photo Shoots – February 26 to 28, 2025

CUPE Manitoba is organizing member photo shoots in Winnipeg from February 26 to 28, 2025, as part of upcoming provincial campaigns and advertisements. We are excited to invite CUPE Local 998 members from both Manitoba Hydro and Efficiency Manitoba to participate.

The photo shoots will take place in the workplace, with CUPE Local 998 managing all logistics. This is a great opportunity to get involved and help promote the important work CUPE members do across Manitoba.

If you are interested in participating, please contact CUPE 998 President Michelle Bergen no later than February 24, 2025.

 

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

 

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.

 

Jan 22, is Bell Lets Talk – Recognizing Mental Health

Bell Let’s Talk is a year round initiative committed to driving positive change by investing in mental health projects and programs and putting a spotlight on mental health through Bell Let’s Talk Day – Canada’s annual day for mental health is Jan 22.

This year, the campaign highlights the progress that has been made and discusses what still needs to be done to support those with mental health challenges, including Canada’s youth who are facing a growing mental health crisis ….. read more here 

Mental health is the cornerstone of overall well-being, influencing how we think, feel, and act in our daily lives. It encompasses our emotional, psychological, and social state, profoundly impacting our relationships, work performance, and overall quality of life. Just as we prioritize physical health through exercise and nutrition, nurturing our mental health is equally essential. It empowers us to cope with life’s challenges, build resilience, and maintain a sense of balance and fulfillment. Recognizing the significance of mental health not only fosters personal growth but also strengthens communities and societies as a whole, promoting empathy, understanding, and support for those struggling with mental health issues. By prioritizing mental health awareness, destigmatizing discussions around it, and advocating for accessible resources and support systems, we pave the way for a healthier, more compassionate environment.

If you or someone you know is struggling, here’s where to get help:

Manitoba Hydro offers the following : EGRAM Article

  • EAP – Employee Assistance Program
  • The yearly amount for mental health practitioners $3,000 per person, per year.
  • The list of eligible mental health practitioners is expanding. Instead of just psychologists, you will also be covered for care from registered counsellors, certified clinical counsellors, psychoanalysts, psychotherapists, social workers, and family, marriage, and sex counsellors.
  • Coverage for addictions treatment, to a lifetime total of $30,000 per person.
  • Call or text 988. Calls and texts are directed to a network of partners in communities across the country offering suicide prevention services such as counselling. The 988 service is available in English and French to all.
  • Talk Suicide Canada: 1-833-456-4566 (phone) | 45645 (text between 4 p.m. and midnight ET).
  • Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 (phone), live chat counselling on the website.
  • Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention: Find a 24-hour crisis centre.

This guide from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health outlines how to talk about suicide with someone you’re worried about.

 

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