Yesterday, the MGEU GOLICO bargaining committee met with Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries Corporation (MBLL) negotiating team to continue discussions on a new contract for MBLL’s 868 liquor workers. No new deal was reached. However, the two sides have agreed to meet again on December 4th in an effort to find solutions to the remaining issues.

The December 4th meeting will happen after the already established dates set for MGEU’s liquor workers to cast ballots in a strike vote (November 27th - December 2nd). This is not uncommon. If these members vote in favour of a strike, this will result in a “strike mandate” being given to the bargaining committee and it gives the MBLL bargaining committee the authority to establish a date for a strike.

To be clear: a favourable strike vote result does not always mean a strike will follow; it means authority is given to the bargaining committee  to establish a strike date if no agreement is reached on a new contract in a reasonable time frame. 

Strike vote ballots will be counted on December 3rd, and results will be released to the media and on the MGEU website.

Overview:

On November 17, members of GOLICO (Locals 56-61) overwhelmingly rejected a tentative agreement with their employer. The vote had the best turn out of any GOLICO vote in the last four rounds of bargaining and was reflective of the full complement of members from all departments – including retail, head office and the distribution centre.

The GOLICO Bargaining Committee’s goal from day one was to bargain a new contract that included a fair and reasonable wage increase, a few improvements to benefits and no concessions.

On October 22, Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries made a final offer to the GOLICO Bargaining Committee which included a modest wage increase over four years, but only if GOLICO members agreed to give up several provisions they had bargained over the past 50 years and accept a benefits plan for which the employer can’t provide any details on.

The GOLICO Bargaining Committee’s number one priority is to remain at the bargaining table until a fair agreement can be bargained in earnest with the employer taking all concessionary proposals off the table.

On November 19, the GOLICO Bargaining Committee spoke with the employer and a bargaining date was set for November 26th.

In the interim, the Bargaining Committee is seeking members’ support to provide a strike mandate through a vote, which is very important for a number of reasons:

1. It lets management know that GOLICO members want their proposals taken seriously; and

2. It gives the Bargaining Committee the authority to plan strike action if management refuses to return to the bargaining table.

The Bargaining Committee has scheduled membership meetings across the province between Nov 27th and December 2nd to get a strike mandate. See below for the complete schedule.

All GOLICO members are encouraged to update their contact information to ensure they receive complete details on the upcoming votes.

Complete Strike Mandate Vote Schedule

Thursday, November 27, 2014
7:30 PM – 8:30 PM
The Pas, MGEU Office, 10-11th St. W

Thursday, November 27, 2014
7:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Thompson, MGEU Office, 19 Elizabeth Dr.

Friday, November 28, 2014
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Flin Flon, Flin Flon Public Library, 58 Main St.

Saturday, November 29, 2014
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Steinbach, Superstore – Community Room,130 PTH 12 N

Sunday, November 30, 2014
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Selkirk, MGEU Office, 413 Main St.

Sunday, November 30, 2014
10:00 AM or 1:00 PM or 4:00 PM or 7:00 PM
Winnipeg, Union Centre Room 2C, 2nd Floor 275 Broadway

Sunday, November 30, 2014
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Dauphin, 322 Main St. S

Sunday, November 30, 2014
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Portage la Prairie, MGEU Office, 214 Saskatchewan Ave. E

Monday, December 1, 2014
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Churchill, 180 Laverendrye Ave.

Tuesday, December 2, 2014
10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Brandon, MGEU Office, 1665 Parker Blvd.