Several striking Hydro employees forced to work


High Voltage Maintenance Training Online

Our customized live online or in‑person group training can be delivered to your staff at your location.

  • Live Online
  • 12 hours Instructor-led
  • Group Training Available
Regular Price:
$599
Coupon Price:
$499
Reserve Your Seat Today
A number of striking Manitoba Hydro workers were forced off the picket line Saturday to respond to two emergencies in the province.

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

National Grid to lose Great Britain electricity role to independent operator

UK Future System Operator to replace National Grid as ESO, enabling smart grid reform, impartial…
View more

SaskPower eyes buying $300M worth of electricity from Flying Dust First Nation

SaskPower-Flying Dust flare gas power deal advances a 20 MW, 20-year Power Purchase Agreement, enabling…
View more

Wind has become the ‘most-used’ source of renewable electricity generation in the US

U.S. Wind Generation surpassed hydroelectric output in 2019, EIA data shows, becoming the top renewable…
View more

California Skirts Blackouts With Heat Wave to Test Grid Again

California Heatwave Power Crisis strains CAISO as record demand triggers emergency alerts, demand response, and…
View more

Tesla CEO Elon Musk slams Texas energy agency as unreliable: "not earning that R"

ERCOT Texas Power Grid Crisis disrupts millions amid a winter storm, with rolling blackouts, power…
View more

US January power generation jumps 9.3% on year: EIA

US January power generation climbed to 373.2 TWh, EIA data shows, with coal edging natural…
View more

Sign Up for Electricity Forum’s Newsletter

Stay informed with our FREE Newsletter — get the latest news, breakthrough technologies, and expert insights, delivered straight to your inbox.

Electricity Today T&D Magazine Subscribe for FREE

Stay informed with the latest T&D policies and technologies.
  • Timely insights from industry experts
  • Practical solutions T&D engineers
  • Free access to every issue

Live Online & In-person Group Training

Advantages To Instructor-Led Training – Instructor-Led Course, Customized Training, Multiple Locations, Economical, CEU Credits, Course Discounts.

Request For Quotation

Whether you would prefer Live Online or In-Person instruction, our electrical training courses can be tailored to meet your company's specific requirements and delivered to your employees in one location or at various locations.