Manitoba Liquor Mart employees go on strike

Workers with Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries (MBLL) walked off the job for a day amid ongoing contract negotiations.

MBLL employees of the Manitoba Government and General Employees’ Union (MGEU) went on strike Wednesday at 7 a.m., saying the government is refusing to give them a fair and reasonable deal. The strike action will begin with a one-day, province-wide walkout.

“We’re looking for fairness, for respect,” said MGEU president Kyle Ross.

“These workers worked through the pandemic. These workers worked on all the crime in the stores and they were considered heroes and critical in Manitoba during the pandemic and they did not see the fruit from that work.

The walkout involves all workers from the public Liquor Mart, including those in the liquor distribution center and supporting business operations.

According to the MGEU, the workers have not had a collective agreement for more than a year. The union added that employees are looking for a fair deal and the annual two percent wage increase offered in the final draft agreement is unrealistic.

“Our last resort is a strike. This is not a place we want to be,” Ross said.

“None of these workers want to be on the strike line. They feel they have to be on the strike line.”

MBLL said it has prepared a contingency plan. In a statement on its website, the Crown corporation said it continues to do business in good faith and has an upcoming bargaining date scheduled for Friday.

“Collective bargaining sets the foundation for workplace relations. It also provides opportunities for employers and employees to make mutually beneficial improvements in terms of employment,” said MBLL.

“We recognize that uncertainty during bargaining can affect our relationships with colleagues, customers, and business partners and therefore we remain committed to reaching a timely resolution at the bargaining table.”

After Wednesday’s walkout, members will refuse all overtime. Further actions will be announced if an agreement cannot be reached.

The MGEU represents about 1,400 MBLL employees.

OPEN LIQUOR MARTS

Despite Wednesday’s walkout, the following Liquor Marts remained open:

1. Brandon South Liquor Mart at 1645 18th St. in Brandon
2. Crestview Liquor Mart at Unit 170-3393 Portage Ave. in Winnipeg
3. Eastwinds Liquor Mart at #23-1530 Regent Ave. in Winnipeg
4. Garden City Liquor Mart at #2-915 Leila Ave. in Winnipeg
5. Grant Park Liquor Mart at 1120 Grant Ave. in Winnipeg
6. Hargrave & Ellice Liquor Mart at 325 Ellice Ave. in Winnipeg
7. St. Vital Liquor Mart at #5-827 Dakota Ave. in Winnipeg

Hours at these locations are reduced to 11 a.m. to 6 p.m