Today CUPE 998 representing approximately 870 workers at Manitoba Hydro has scheduled a strike vote with members for Friday, May 30, 2025. The strike vote follows months of bargaining where Manitoba Hydro has failed to present an offer consistent with what it has reached with other bargaining units within Manitoba Hydro.
“We know Manitoba Hydro has settled with other workers within Hydro with fair collective agreements,” said Michelle Bergen, President of CUPE 998.
“All CUPE members at Hydro want is fair treatment.”
After years of cuts and mismanagement, CUPE Manitoba was initially encouraged to see new leadership brought in to set the ship straight at Manitoba Hydro but sees this as a warning sign for the workforce.
“No one wants a strike at Manitoba’s crown jewel,” said Gina McKay, President of CUPE Manitoba. “The Government has an opportunity here to show Manitobans that the changes they made at Manitoba Hydro are showing results in the workplace, but we are now preparing for a potential strike.”
CUPE 998 is the second largest bargaining group at Manitoba Hydro, representing inside workers including IT, the Customer Engagement Centre and other technical and administrative support staff. Manitoba Hydro has already settled agreements with IBEW and Unifor.