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"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.
Winnipeg (05 Dec. 2014) — Members of the Manitoba Government and General Employees' Union (MGEU/NUPGE) voted 97 per cent in favour of possible strike action in the ongoing negotiation toward a new contract. The ballots were counted on December 3 after several days of polling. The MGEU/NUPGE members are employed by Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries (MBLL) and have been in bargaining since May 2014.
Strike mandate reinforces bargaining priorities for liquor workers
"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 at a historic high and was again reflective of the full complement of members from all departments — including retail, head office and the distribution centre.
Bargaining continues to reach a fair contract
Both sides are meeting on December 4 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 bargaining committee’s number one priority is to remain at the bargaining table until a fair agreement can be bargained with the employer taking all concessionary proposals off the table.
Further bargaining updates can be found on the MGEU website.
NUPGE
The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE