After a six-week contract dispute, workers at Liquor Mart in Manitoba have reached an agreement with the Crown corporation, Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries (MBLL). The strike, which involved approximately 1,400 members of the Manitoba Government and General Employees’ Union (MGEU), has come to an end with the acceptance of a new offer.
Under the agreement, all members of the union will receive a wage increase of approximately two percent over the next four years. The deal also includes yearly compounding general wage increases retroactive to March of last year, pay scale adjustments, more benefits, shift premiums, and a one-time lump sum payment.
MGEU President Kyle Ross expressed his satisfaction with the outcome, stating, It is unfortunate that we were forced to take strike action to get the government to listen to us, but our collective efforts have resulted in an agreement that will help us catch up and keep up.
Workers at the distribution center will return to work on Sunday night, while other members could be back as early as Monday morning.
MBLL commented on the negotiations, saying, Union leadership conceded that the 2% general wage increases would be acceptable if the special pay scale adjustments driven by the upcoming October 1 provincial minimum wage increase were reallocated. The majority of our workers – our lowest paid workers – would get less than the 15% to 25% they would have otherwise received so that these pay scale adjustment commitments could be spread more broadly.
The strike began with rotating strikes on July 19 and escalated to a full strike on August 8 when MBLL announced the closure of most Liquor Mart locations across the province. However, with the resolution of the contract dispute, all Liquor Marts will reopen on Monday, with the exception of Eastwinds in Winnipeg and 10th & Victoria in Brandon, which will remain exclusive to commercial customers until later in the week.
Delivery services to liquor vendors, bars, and restaurants will resume next week.
This resolution brings relief to both the employees and the Crown corporation, as it allows operations to resume at full capacity and ensures fair compensation for the workers. With the strike officially over, Liquor Mart can now focus on providing quality service to its customers throughout Manitoba.
