May 11, 2020

URGENT- LAY OFF NOTIFICATION

May 11/2020   

Dear Sisters and Brothers;
 
Earlier this morning in a meeting with Jay Grewal and all Bargaining Unit representatives, we were advised that Manitoba Hydro will be proceeding with approximately 600-700 lay-offs.  These lay-offs are the result of government direction.  Manitoba Hydro and the Corporation’s executive had reassured us on multiple occasions that there is and was no plan for layoffs.  Despite this, Brian Pallister has recently placed unreasonable expectations on the Corporation, stating that it must come up with $86.2 Million in cost saving measures before the end of August 2020. 
                             
As many of you are aware, we have been working with the corporation to develop temporary modifications and changes to hours of work/shifts, while considering corporate and employee needs with the intent to minimize possible exposure to COVID-19.  I realize that some of these alternate schedules/arrangements may be inconvenient for some, but I want to thank all staff involved in the process. 
 
This news of lay-offs is particularly disappointing when you consider that there has been no interruption or  reduction of service to any of our customers, and this is inconsistent with any rationale for cutting jobs in areas of the province that have seen shortages in work. 
 
We have been advised that the most junior employees in the corporation will be the greatest impacted.  We have no idea at this point which employees in the corporation or if any IBEW members will be impacted.

We appreciate your cooperation, patience, and professionalism as we all work through this challenging period.  I want to thank all our members for their efforts and commitment to safely maintaining our essential services to the Province of Manitoba.
 
This is nothing more than an attack on Labour.   We stand steady, ready, and united with our sister unions to take on this challenge.

In solidarity,

Business Manager
IBEW Local Union 2034