Over 1,400 MGEU liquor workers (Locals 56-61) across Manitoba walked off the job on July 19 to call on Premier Heather Stefanson and her government to lift their unfair, restrictive wage mandate that is stifling contract negotiations. These workers are simply asking for a fair deal with wage increases that are in line with the increases that Manitoba MLAs and the Premier are receiving (3.3 per cent this year, and a further 3.6 per cent in 2024 and 2025).
For the latest news about the strike and picketing times and locations, members and supporters of the picket line can check out what's happening at the bargaining table. This page is updated as new information becomes available about job action or negotiations. Members of Locals 56-61 should also update their information with the MGEU, including a personal email address, to receive emailed updates.
Why Manitoba Liquor Workers are on strike...
We are more than 1,400 MGEU members who work for Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries — a Crown Corporation owned by Manitobans and controlled by the provincial government.
We have been working under an expired contract since March of last year.
Negotiations for a new contract have been compromised by a very restrictive bargaining mandate imposed by the Premier and her cabinet.
As a result, the employer has only offered wage increases of 2%/year over 4 years, plus a little extra for workers at the very bottom of the wage scale to keep them in line with minimum wage increases.
This falls far short of what’s needed to keep up with the soaring cost of living.
It falls far short of what’s needed to catch up for ground lost in our last contract when our wages were frozen for two years, then capped at just 0.75% and 1% in the next two years.
It falls far short of what’s needed to help retain workers who are leaving for better pay at Walmart and Sobeys — our starting wage is currently just $14.91/hr.
And it falls far short of the pay increases that Premier Stefanson and her cabinet are taking ! (3.3%, 3.6%, and 3.6% over 3 years)
We have proposed wage increases in line with those that Premier Stefanson is taking on her $189,000 salary, plus an amount to catch up for how far we fell behind in our last contract.