Canadian Labour Congress Rally – May 14, 2026

On Thursday, May 14, 2026, all Locals are invited to participate in Winnipeg – Treaty 1.

Join union members from across Canada as we come together in solidarity and celebration of the labour movement, and good jobs.

Participants will gather at the Winnipeg Convention Centre, 375 York Avenue, at 12:15 p.m., before marching together to the Union Centre at 275 Broadway Avenue.

The Rally will feature music, activities, and an opportunity to connect with activists and union members from across the country. BBQ food will be available for purchase.

We encourage everyone to bring your Local’s union flags and signs to help show the strength and pride of our movement – and as a host province to Canada’s Unions!

CUPE Local 998 has flags, if you are interested in attending please contact our office at 204-415-5114 so we can get a flag to you for the rally. We hope to see you there in solidarity!

 

May is Mental Health Awareness Month 

Mental health matters every day, both inside and outside the workplace. This month is an opportunity to recognize the importance of supporting one another, reducing stigma, and encouraging open conversations about mental health.

Workplace stress, burnout, anxiety, and personal challenges can impact anyone. Taking care of our mental health is just as important as taking care of our physical health. Checking in with coworkers, setting healthy boundaries, taking breaks, and reaching out for support when needed are all important steps toward creating healthier workplaces and stronger communities.

At CUPE Local 998, we encourage our members to prioritize their well-being and remember that no one should feel alone in their struggles. Support, compassion, and understanding can make a meaningful difference.

This month, take time to:
• Check in on yourself and others
• Practice self-care without guilt
• Use available mental health supports and resources
• Speak openly and respectfully about mental health
• Remember that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness

Together, we can continue building a workplace culture where mental health is supported, respected, and valued.

DEADLINE APPROACHING – Manitoba Unions Indigenous Bursary in Labour Studies

Manitoba Unions Indigenous Student Prize in Labour Studies was established by Manitoba’s unions to support Indigenous students who are pursuing post-secondary education in the Labour Studies Program at the University of Manitoba.

Inspired by a commitment to reconciliation, the prize aims to create more pathways for Indigenous students to pursue opportunities in the labour movement, as union leaders, staff and member activists. The prize of $5,000 is open to Indigenous students majoring or minoring in Labour Studies.

The deadline for applications is June 1, 2026 and the prize will be awarded at the end of the 2025/26 school year. For more information, please visit the University of Manitoba’s Financial Aid and Awards website: University of Manitoba – Student Affairs – Financial Aid and Awards – Awards & Scholarships

DEADLINE APPROACHING – Scholarship from Manitoba Federation of Labour to our CUPE members

As an affiliate of the Manitoba Federation of Labour, we would like to pass on this Scholarship to all our CUPE members.

The MFL is proud to offer an annual $1,000 scholarship, the MFL Al and Alma Cerilli Young Activist Scholarship, to assist union activists who are pursuing post-secondary education.

 

Applicants must belong to an MFL affiliated union local, be 35 years of age or younger, and be enrolled in a post-secondary program for 2026/27.

The application deadline for this year’s scholarship is Friday, May 29, 2026.

Please share this with your members and encourage them to apply — the application form is available here.

In solidarity,
Kevin Rebeck
President of the Manitoba Federation of Labour

Bargaining Update Efficiency Manitoba

A bargaining update has been sent to your home email address. To ensure reliable and direct communication, all future updates will be shared through your personal email rather than your employer-issued account.

 

Remote Work Update (Hydro) Member Input Needed

CUPE Local 998 is actively working with our CUPE National Representatives to better understand the real impacts of recent changes to remote work. CUPE is taking this very seriously.

Your experience matters, and we want to hear directly from you.

In the coming weeks, we will be launching a member survey focused on how these changes are affecting your work, your costs, and your overall work-life balance. The feedback we gather will play a key role in shaping our approach as we continue discussions with the employer.

To ensure your voice is included, the survey will be sent to your personal email address. As part of this shift, the Local will no longer be using work email accounts to communicate with members. It’s important that we have your most up-to-date personal contact information.

What you need to do:

  • Confirm that CUPE 998 has your current personal email address on file
  • Watch for further details, including the exact survey launch date, which we will share soon

This survey is an important step. It will give us the data we need to clearly demonstrate the impact of these changes and strengthen our position moving forward.

If you need to update your contact information or have any questions, please reach out to the Local directly at cupe998@shawbiz.ca

Your input will help guide the next steps.

 

May 1 – International Workers’ Day

Today, CUPE 998 recognizes May Day — a day rooted in the fight for fairness, dignity, and respect in the workplace.

It’s a moment to reflect on the progress workers have made through solidarity and collective action, and to recognize that those gains were never handed out — they were fought for.

We also look at where we are today. Workers continue to face challenges around job security, workload, workplace change, and maintaining a healthy balance between work and life. These conversations matter, and they’re happening because members continue to speak up and stand together.

CUPE 998 remains committed to protecting the rights of our members, advocating for fair treatment, and ensuring your voices are heard at every table.

May Day is about unity. It’s about strength in numbers. And it’s about continuing the work to build better workplaces for everyone.

National Day of Mourning

We gathered at Memorial Park for the National Day of Mourning — to remember those who have lost their lives, been injured, or made ill because of their work.

Thanks to Safe Workers of Tomorrow and the Manitoba Federation of Labour, the event brought together a strong and united group — dignitaries from Manitoba’s NDP government, unions, workers, and employers.

Despite our different roles, we stood together with one clear message: we can — and must — ensure that every worker goes home safe.

It is about more than remembrance. It’s about commitment. A commitment to safer workplaces, stronger protections, and holding each other accountable.

We honour those we’ve lost by continuing to push for change — because no job should cost a life.

 

Remembering Todd Maytwayshing (1995–2018)

As we mark the National Day of Mourning, we take time to remember Todd Maytwayshing, whose life was lost far too soon in 2018 while working as a contractor on a project for Manitoba Hydro near Gillam.

Since his passing, Todd’s family has shown incredible strength and love by coming out each year on the Day of Mourning to honour his memory. Their continued presence is a powerful reminder that behind every workplace tragedy is a family, a story, and a loss that never fades.

Todd is remembered for who he was and the impact he had on those around him. His memory lives on through his loved ones and through the ongoing commitment to ensure that no other family has to experience this kind of loss.

Today, we stand with Todd’s family in remembrance. We honour his life, we acknowledge their grief, and we renew our commitment to safer workplaces for all.