Several striking Hydro employees forced to work
Nearly 3,000 electrical workers, truck drivers, transmission technicians, and clerical and customer service employees walked off the job October 2 after rejecting the utility's latest contract offer. They are seeking higher salaries and a shorter contract term.
The next day, a fire call on the Grand Rapids First Nation pulled a number of workers away from the strike.
Workers also responded to a call in Churchill, Man., after the hospital in that community lost power.
Manitoba Hydro management and the union have a provision in place to provide emergency services during the strike.
Picket lines will continue to encircle Manitoba Hydro Place in downtown Winnipeg on October 4, the second full day of the strike. October 5 is the first day of missed wages for members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.
Spirits and support for the strike remained high on the picket line, but some workers expressed hopes a resolution will be reached soon.
"We hope [it's] not too long," Gena Dondo said. "I don't know if we can go too long without getting paid for over a week."
Management for the Crown corporation said customers may experience disruptions or delays in services such as power restoration after weather-related outages, electrical inspections, and power connections to new subdivisions.
Manitoba Hydro also said management is working to maintain essential services.
Related News

Brenmiller Energy and New York Power Authority Showcase Thermal Storage Success
NEW YORK - Brenmiller Energy Ltd. (NASDAQ: BNRG), in collaboration with the New York Power Authority (NYPA), has successfully deployed its first bGen™ thermal energy storage (TES) system in the United States at the State University of New York (SUNY) Purchase College. This milestone project, valued at $2.5 million, underscores the growing role of TES in advancing sustainable energy solutions.
Innovative TES Technology
The bGen™ system utilizes crushed rocks to store high-temperature heat, which can be harnessed to generate steam, hot air, or hot water on demand. This approach allows for the efficient use of excess renewable energy or off-peak…