Liquor strike to continue; MBLL accepts conciliator recommendation to end strike

Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries is accepting a recommendation from a conciliator to move ahead to binding arbitration with unionized workers, but it doesn't appear the union has the same plans.

Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries (MBLL) is accepting a recommendation from a conciliator to move ahead to binding arbitration with unionized workers, but it doesn't appear the union has the same plans.

MBLL said Monday afternoon that an independent conciliator recommended the strike end and both sides move ahead with binding arbitration on wage increases.

"MBLL has now confirmed that it accepts the independent conciliator's recommendations," MBLL said in a statement.

Gerry Sul, the president and CEO of MBLL, said the conciliator's recommendations provide a "clear pathway" to end the strike.

"It would end disruption for our employees and all Manitobans – our customers and over two thousand Manitoba businesses," he said.

Short-term strikes started in July, but longer, more significant strikes have been happening over the last few weeks, with the majority of stores being closed over the weekend, with the exception of two in all of Manitoba.

Despite MBLL's acceptance, the union representing workers doesn't have the same plan.