Manitoba liquor employees vote 97 per cent in favour of strike

MGEU workers continue talks with Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries

Liquor Mart employees in Manitoba voted 97 per cent in favour of possible strike action on Dec. 3.

According to the union representing workers — the Manitoba Government and General Employees’ Union (MGEU) — the vote was in large part a reaction to the employer’s call for concessions.

“The members spoke loud and clear and gave the bargaining committee a strong strike mandate,” said MGEU president Michelle Gawronsky. “We stand in solidarity: the liquor workers want the employer to come back to the bargaining table prepared to bargain in earnest, without the concessions and with a reasonable wage offer.”

On Oct. 22, Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries (MBLL) made a final offer to the union. The deal included wage increases over four years if union members conceded several provisions in the collective agreement and accepted a new benefits plan. The tentative agreement was overwhelmingly rejected by the union on Nov. 17.

MGEU — representing liquor employees at the company’s distribution centre and head office — is scheduled to continue talks with MBLL on Dec. 4.

According to MGEU turnout for the strike vote was “historically” high with 868 members from all departments — including retail, head office and the distribution centre — participating.

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