Liquor Mart employees to return to work as strike ends
CTV
All of Manitoba's Liquor marts will be open for business Monday as Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries (MBLL) and its unionized workers have come to a tentative agreement after weeks of strike action.
All of Manitoba's Liquor marts will be open for business Monday as Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries (MBLL) and its unionized workers have come to a tentative agreement after weeks of strike action.
The MBLL announced Sunday that its 1,400 employees who are members of the Manitoba General Employees Union (MGEU) have voted to ratify the offer.
“We knew a deal was to be had at the bargaining table, and our members proved just that,” said MGEU President Kyle Ross. “We'd like to thank everyone for their patience, support, and solidarity during this extremely difficult round of bargaining."
Ross said the majority of members voted for the deal. "It was a good turnout, and I think our members believe it’s a fair deal," he said.
The union said employees at the distribution center are going back to work Sunday evening and all other members should return as early as Monday.
The new contract includes compounding general wage increases of two per cent for each of the four years, plus pay scale adjustments reflecting the part-time nature of the workforce.
The deal also features targeted shift premiums and allowances, benefit enhancements, and one-time lump sum payments.