Manitoba liquor workers’ union asking for ‘fair deal’ as strike impacts private sector – Winnipeg | 24CA News
An ongoing strike by unionized liquour and lottery staff in Manitoba is having an impact on the non-public market, with retailers unable to refill a few of their inventory. And as strikes go, that is one which’s seen its justifiable share of adjustments because it first began.
A strike discover was first issued by the Manitoba Government and General Employees’ Union resulting in staff convening on the picket strains on July 19. At difficulty are calls for for increased wages and a contract dispute.
By July 31, liquor retailer staff returned to work whilst workers at distribution centres remained off the job. As all of a sudden as they returned to work, Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries (MBLL) introduced the closure of seven shops from Aug. 1 to Aug. 2. According to them, any worker “with a home base at these stores will be locked out for this period.”
They added that this measure is in response to the union’s techniques and refusal to permit staff to restock cabinets.
Kyle Ross, union president, informed 680 CJOB that the union’s techniques makes it tough for the employer to plan for what they should do.
“We’re not asking for the moon. I think we are asking for a fair and reasonable offer,” stated Ross. “If we are not willing to fight for a fair offer, what are we here for?”
Ross added that the assist for the strike from the general public is there and that the placing staff perceive the plan shifting ahead. As for a mediation course of, he famous that each side are feeling one another out in negotiations.
“These things can end at the drop of a hat. It’s upon Heather Stefanson and (her) government to say, ‘Okay, we want to give these workers a fair deal,’” stated Ross. “This could end tonight with the stroke of a pen or one phone call… but we’re not seeing that.”
MBLL stated, in a press launch on July 31, that the union’s “disruptive tactic” is anticipated. It additionally added that it’s “committed to the collective bargaining process with the assistance of a conciliator and reaching a fair and reasonable agreement.”
As the strike carries on, the affect on the alcohol trade is being felt throughout the province. Rob Sankar, common supervisor with the Tux Beer Market, stated whereas gross sales at his business have gone up after the beginning of the strike, about 30 to 40 per cent of the merchandise are actually offered out.
With distribution centre staff out picketing, there’s nobody to replenish a diminishing product.
“We may get some disgruntled (customers), but they also understand distribution is striking as well,” stated Sankar. “They’re striking for a good reason… but you don’t like to see people on strike. I would like to see them back at work and the distribution system back up and running.”
— with recordsdata from Global’s Iris Dyck
© 2023 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
