June 23, 2022

Wab Kinew and the NDP Won’t let Hydro Workers be Attacked by the PCs 

Treaty 1 and Dakota Territory, Homeland of the Red River Métis, Winnipeg MB—The Manitoba NDP are joining with striking Hydro workers to demand the PC government call a committee so workers can hear from Hydro executives and government ministers why they won’t give workers a raise.  

Record rainfall has boosted profits for Manitoba Hydro, yet the PCs are denying wage increases for the front-line Hydro workers who showed up to work every day of the pandemic to keep Manitobans safe.  

 “The cost of gas and groceries are going up but the PCs won’t help these workers get ahead,” said NDP Leader Wab Kinew. “The PCs want to leave hardworking people behind and keep Manitoba Hydro’s profits for themselves, but these workers are standing up for their rights. We’re demanding the government answer for their actions at committee and face us directly. Workers know they can count on the NDP to always fight for them.”  

2022 is set to be one of Manitoba Hydro’s most profitable years in decades due to overland flooding, global energy shortages and historic investments into major Hydro projects like the Keeyask generating station.  They have forced workers, who continued to work throughout the pandemic, to go without a collective agreement since December 2020. Because Hydro workers fought back against Brian Pallister’s illegal layoff plan the utility was able to stay operational and profitable for all Manitobans. 

“Premier Stefanson has held a grudge against workers after we successfully fought back against illegal lay-offs,” said Gavin McGarrigle, Unifor Western Regional Director. “A standing committee will help expose the indefensible wage offers from government.”