Dear Sisters, Brothers, and Friends,

The hardworking members of IBEW 2034 keep the lights on and the power going for Manitoba Hydro. They have been on strike since March 9 and are trying to get a fair contract with their employer, but the Pallister government continues to interfere with negotiations by trying to impose the Bill 28 wage-freeze mandate.

The members of IBEW 2034 have always been there for Manitobans, including during the record-breaking ice storm of October 2019. We need to be there for them as they tell Pallister to back off so they can reach a fair deal.

While we cannot gather together on picket lines to show them our support, we can take to social media. Tuesday, April 6 will be an Online Day of Solidarity for striking IBEW 2034 members. We encourage union leaders and members to post messages, images, and videos of support for IBEW 2034 on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Please tag IBEW 2034 in the posts so that their members can see that Manitoba’s labour movement is behind them in their fight. Let’s remind Manitobans just how important these workers are to our communities and to our economy.

To tag them on Facebook, use @IBEW Local 2034;

on Twitter  use @IBEW2034; and

on Instagram use @IBEW2034

Feel free to post messages of support throughout the day. Together, we are stronger.

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

“Wall Report” on Manitoba Hydro projects opens new doors to privatization

WINNIPEG – The release of the much anticipated “Wall Report” opens the door to new forms of
privatization in Manitoba Hydro through the use of Private-Public Partnerships (P3s), the sale of entire
divisions of our provincial public utility, and the introduction of private companies to generate
electricity in Manitoba, says CUPE 998, read more . . .

Facemasks are not respirators. A facemask is a loose-fitting, disposable device that creates a physical barrier between the mouth and the nose of the person wearing the mask and potential contaminants in the immediate environment. There are several common types, most notably dust masks and surgical masks.

When worn properly, a facemask is only meant to help block large-particle dust or droplets (splashes, sprays or splatter) from reaching your mouth and nose. Facemasks are also beneficial because they help reduce other people’s exposure to saliva and respiratory secretions from the person wearing the mask.

However, it must be clearly understood that by design, facemasks will not filter or block small particles in the air that may be transmitted by coughs, sneezes or certain medical procedures. Facemasks do not provide complete protection from viruses or bacteria and other airborne contaminants, because of the loose fit between the surface of the facemask and your face.

Finally, facemasks are meant to be disposable and are not intended to be used more than once. If a mask is damaged or soiled, or if breathing through the mask becomes difficult, it should be removed and discarded safely according to required procedures and replaced with a new one.

• Just a Reminder to Use a Fresh Clean Mask daily
• Replace / Wash as needed
• Carry a spare with you.
• Let’s all do our part and ensure we are all Safe!

The Manitoba Federation of Labour would like to invite you to an upcoming online presentation: “Work, Mental Health and Resilience during a Pandemic” with Presenter Ela Partyka, Program Director for Canadian Mental Health Association Manitoba and Winnipeg.

As we have had to move away from in-person gatherings, we are glad to present an online educational event that is focused on the relevant challenges faced by workers today.

Description: The COVID-19 pandemic has created significant challenges and additional pressures on the way we are working these days. Whether working from home or as an essential worker, there are new challenges and pressures that may be impacting our mental health and our general well-being.

This presentation will discuss what mental health is, how work may be affecting our mental health during this pandemic, and how building our own resiliency can help protect, and maintain positive mental health during this uncertain time.

When: Dec 3, 2020 06:30 PM Winnipeg

Please register in advance for this webinar https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_NA41UV9VTdWPhta-Kyt40g

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

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