Manitoba Hydro workers vote to strike

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This article was published 14/06/2024 (335 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Manitoba Hydro’s refusal to grant a wage increase to its utility service employees has led to an overwhelming strike vote at Unifor Local 681.

“I think that people should know that their wages have not kept up with inflation nor the cost of living,” said Suzanne King, national representative for Unifor. “The majority of these members barely make over $20 an hour and in this economy they need a significant wage increase.”

Local 681 members voted 92 percent in favour of strike action on June 8 after bargaining reached an impasse. The local is seeking similar increases to those already ratified by Manitoba Hydro for public sector workers. Over the last four years the workers have only received 1.75 percent wage increase. Hydro is offering 2.5 percent effective July1, 2022; three percent effective July 1, 2023; 2.75 percent effective July 1, 2024; and 2.75 percent effective July 1, 2025.
“On top of the offer they have offered us, we’re asking for an additional 2.75 percent, which they gave the electrical workers and they’re offering a $1,000 lump sum and the lowest lump sum being offered to any Crowns right now is $1,800,” said King.

The union’s contract expired nearly two years ago and frustration with the pace of bargaining and the growing pay gap with other Manitoba Hydro workers has King accusing the Crown corporation of playing hardball.

“They just settled with the electrical workers about 2,300 of them and they got more than what these 120 members are asking for. I’m hopeful that we’ll get back to the table. We always want to get a deal, but our members are prepared to strike if necessary.”

Without a new contract, the workers will begin strike action on July 3.

Local 681 represents 120 workers at Manitoba Hydro subsidiary utility services providing meter reading, inspections, and locating services to residents and businesses. King said should workers go on strike no meters or line inspections will be done for the months of July and August.

Unifor is Canada’s largest union in the private sector, representing 320,000 workers in every major area of the economy.