Earlier today, MGEU President Kyle Ross provided an update on the status of negotiations and escalating strike action at Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries (MBLL).

“Here’s what we’re hearing at the MBLL bargaining table and at other major tables – this is all we can offer. What is clear is that Heather Stefanson and Cabinet are calling the shots here,” he said.

Last week, it was reported that the Stefanson Government and doctors reached a “landmark tentative agreement” that included “record overall funding levels”, including an 18% increase over four years.

We also know that the Premier and cabinet ministers recently took a wage increase of 3.3% this year, and are projected to receive 3.6% in each of the next two years.

“It’s become clear that the Stefanson Government’s wage mandate is flexible. But only for some folks. Folks like the Premier, Cabinet, doctors and typically those making six figures. For front line workers, 2 percent is as good as it gets,” Ross said.

The Stefanson Government wants Manitobans to believe that there is no provincial wage mandate, that they are not involved in public sector negotiations. James Teitsma, the Minister Responsible for the Manitoba Public Service, said in a media interview that the government is “hands off” with respect to negotiations at crown corporations and other public sector employers.

This is just an attempt to deflect responsibility.

The reality is that the provincial government sets a wage mandate for public sector bargaining.

“Don’t take it from me. Take it from this government’s own words. They actually put it in writing – in a letter to our members at MPI,” Ross said.

The letter from then Minister of Finance Scott Fielding and Minister Jeff Wharton said, “...setting broad monetary collective bargaining mandates for employers within the public sector reflects governments traditional role-spanning several decades.”

So, the issue isn’t that the provincial government isn’t involved. The issue is how they are involving themselves by imposing a wage mandate that is out of touch with reality.

“This is why we are seeing so many strikes and conflict. I am very confident that we could negotiate a fair contract for liquor workers if the employer didn’t have its hands tied behind its back on wages. After all, Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries is a VERY profitable corporation. Liquor operations generated more than $300 million in profits for the government last year. The corporation can afford fair and reasonable wages for its dedicated employees,” said Ross.

Until we receive a fair and reasonable offer, we will continue to bargain and continue with our strike.

Today we announced an escalation of strike action by liquor workers …

· All members at MBLL will continue to refuse all overtime.

· All members at the Liquor Distribution Centre will be on strike on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.

· All members at Liquor Marts will be walking out province-wide for two days – on Wednesday and Thursday.