Union vows to fight job cuts announced on Feb. 3
Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), Local 998 members ratified a four-year agreement Feb. 6, with Manitoba Hydro, but are calling for further discussion with the crown corporation to avoid layoffs.
“We reached an agreement after tough discussions,” said Chris Mravinec, president of Local 998. “Now that Manitoba Hydro has announced drastic job cuts, it’s not too late to find a better way.”
The agreement included modest wage increases and negotiations included disclosures that significant job cuts were coming. The union negotiated protections for members whose jobs might be eliminated, but Manitoba Hydro’s position on cutting jobs was not up for debate, according to the union.
CUPE is concerned that Manitoba Hydro’s move contradicts Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister’s commitment to protect public services and public service workers, said the union.
Local 998 represents 1,100 clerical and technical employees at Manitoba Hydro.
