CUPE 998, the union representing Manitoba Hydro support workers has received a strong strike mandate from its members following a bargaining stalemate. CUPE has filed for conciliation support in an attempt to reach a fair deal. No strike date has been set.
The strike vote comes as Hydro’s mismanagement by the previous PC government has not yet been turned around in spite of promises by this NDP government to right the ship.
Issues at the table include:
- Wage increases equal to that of the other bargaining units (UNIFOR and IBEW).
- The reversal of privatization efforts started under Brian Pallister and campaigned against by the NDP.
- An end to union busting tactics by Hydro management including union recognition issues at Manitoba Hydro International and Manitoba Hydro Telecom.
“Manitobans want to see Manitoba Hydro moving in the right direction after years of mismanagement,” said Michelle Bergen, President of CUPE 998. “Hydro workers can’t keep waiting for change.”
CUPE Manitoba has done significant polling which will be released in the coming weeks on public perceptions of Manitoba Hydro, including broad concerns that Manitoba Hydro is on the wrong track.
“We need this government to put Manitoba Hydro on the right track,” said Gina McKay, President of CUPE Manitoba. “Manitobans know that supporting the front line workers who provide our public services and utilities needs to be the top priority.”
Next steps will include a filing for conciliation services in advance of a strike date being set, which could occur within weeks.