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

 

Presidents Holiday Message

Dear Members,

As we near the end of 2024, I want to take a moment to reflect on the year behind us. It has been a time of challenges, growth, and remarkable solidarity within our union. Together, we have faced obstacles head-on, celebrated our collective achievements, and supported one another through times of uncertainty.

This year, our Local has made strides in key areas, including securing remote work options for members in the Customer Engagement Center and parts of Digital & Technology. These advancements have provided much-needed flexibility for members whose work-life balance often felt out of reach. We’ve also worked diligently to address grievances, culminating in an arbitration scheduled for 2025, and continued to advocate fiercely at the bargaining table for a fair and equitable contract with Manitoba Hydro. While our Essential Services Agreement negotiations are ongoing and a new contract won’t be in place by January 1, 2025, I want to assure you that we are committed to securing a deal that reflects the value and contributions of every member.

Beyond negotiations, we’ve launched initiatives that reflect our union’s core values of inclusivity and support. This includes the Reconcile Action Scholarship and a joint bursary with the Manitoba Federation of Labour for Indigenous Studies, as well as a collaboration with Total Rewards on pre-retirement seminars to help members prepare for the future. On a national level, CUPE 998 has remained a strong voice in protecting public services and jobs through my ongoing work as Co-Chair of CUPE National’s Contracting Out and Privatization Committee.

While we’ve made progress, we’re also keenly aware of the challenges many members have faced—from increasing workloads and rising stress levels to navigating a shifting corporate culture. These issues have underscored the importance of prioritizing mental health and fostering an environment where no one feels alone. This is a message I want to emphasize as we move forward: you are not alone. Together, as a union and as a community, we will continue to advocate for recognition, fairness, and support for every member.

Looking ahead to 2025, we have exciting plans to strengthen our union and engagement:

  • A Steward Drive led by our new Lead Steward, Gord Meneer, to inspire more members to get involved also to join one of our Committees.
  • Launching a new CUPE 998 website to provide better communication and resources.
  • Expanding CUPE education opportunities and bolstering our campaign against contracting out.
  • Preparing for bargaining with Efficiency Manitoba to secure fair agreements for all members.

As the holiday season approaches, I encourage you to prioritize rest and mental well-being. This time of year, is an opportunity to connect with loved ones, reflect on what truly matters, and recharge for the year ahead. Remember, our union’s greatest strength lies in the connections we build and the solidarity we share. Together, we are stronger.

On behalf of the CUPE 998 Executive and support staff, I wish you a safe, joyful, and peaceful holiday season. Thank you for your trust, resilience, and dedication. Let’s continue to stand together in solidarity and strength as we move into 2025.

In solidarity,
Michelle Bergen
President, CUPE Local 998

 

Wellness Subsidy Reminder

This is a friendly reminder that the Manitoba Hydro Wellness Subsidy will expire at the end of the year. The program offers a reimbursement of up to $350.00 per calendar year.

Manitoba Hydro provides the Wellness Subsidy program to support and promote a healthy lifestyle. The full list of eligible expenses can be found here.

Please note that this program is available exclusively to Hydro CUPE members.

 

Show of Solidarity – Rally for CUPW (Canada Post)

Dear Sisters, Brothers and Friends,

After a year of stalled negotiations, CUPW members made the difficult decision to walk the picket line for fair wages, safe working conditions, and the right to retire with dignity – basic rights that every worker deserves. They’re also fighting for the future of our public postal service.

Canada Post’s management and their allies want to close post offices, slash jobs, and make it harder to receive your mail. Canada Post is a public service and should not be parcelled off to private interests. It belongs to all of us. We can’t let that happen.

The MFL is holding a SHOW OF SOLIDARITY RALLY in support of postal workers who are out on strike for a fair deal! Please join us at 208 Provencher Blvd. in Winnipeg on Friday, December 13 at Noon to show your support.

In Solidarity,

Kevin Rebeck
President of the Manitoba Federation of Labour

 

 

Lead Steward Announcement

CUPE would like to announce that Gord Meneer will take on the role of Lead Steward for CUPE Local 998.

There was only one (1) candidate by the end of the fourth Thursday in October, thus an election will not need to be held.

Thank you to Bryanne Koehn for her contributions, and we wish her all the best in her future endeavors.

Please join us in welcoming Gord Meneer as our new lead steward.

In Solidarity,
Michael Crowley,
CUPE 998 2nd VP