9 March, 2021

Dear Member;

As you are aware IBEW 2034 has begun strike action against Manitoba Hydro starting with a work stoppage at Customer Service Operations, Winnipeg locations which started at 4:30 p.m. today.  This action was deemed necessary because of Hydro’s refusal to negotiate reasonable proposals made by the Union.  The major proposals that the IBEW 2034 is seeking are:

• a general wage increase reflecting what other employees at Manitoba Hydro received for 2019 and 2020.
• a COVID stipend for all our front-line members who have consistently put themselves and their families at risk by being continually being exposed to the pubic.This would be similar to what professors at the University of Manitoba and others received.
• a return of the 3 days unpaid leave forced upon members earlier this year.The cost of returning those days to the members would be approximately $2 million.This would reduce Hydro’s profit for the 3^rd quarter to $109 million from $111 million, still $66 million above its projected profit of $43 million.

IBEW 2034 is willing to submit the determination of a final agreement to binding arbitration.  Unfortunately, Manitoba Hydro has adamantly refused to consider such a solution to the impasse.

In solidarity,

Business Manager
IBEW Local Union 2034