This morning, MGEU liquor workers at Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries (MBLL) voted 97% in favour of possible strike action in the ongoing negotiation toward a new contract.
"The members spoke loud and clear and gave the bargaining committee a strong strike mandate. 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," said MGEU President Michelle Gawronsky.
Voter turnout amongst the 868 workers was historically high and was again reflective of the full complement of members from all departments – including retail, head office and the distribution centre.
Both sides will meet again tomorrow, December 4th, in an effort to reach a new contract.
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.
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.
Any further updates on these negotiations will be posted here.
Overview:
On November 26th, 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 did agree to meet again on December 4th in an effort to find solutions to the remaining issues.
On November 17, members of GOLICO (Locals 56-61) overwhelmingly rejected a tentative agreement with their employer. The vote had one of 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.
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.