Liquor workers with Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries voted 97 per cent in support of possible strike action, said their union on Wednesday.
"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, in a statement.
A meeting between the two sides is scheduled for Dec. 4 to work towards 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,” said MGEU.
The union said its bargaining committee aims “to remain at the bargaining table until a fair agreement can be bargained in earnest with the employer taking all concessionary proposals off the table.”
The union said turnout for the vote was "historically high" from members of all departments, including head office, retail and the distribution centre.
Susan Olynik, VP corporate communications, with Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries, issued a statement on Thursday.
“A vote in favour of a strike mandate does not necessarily mean that strike action will be taken. Bargaining between Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries and the MGEU is continuing. We are hopeful that both parties will come to an agreement,” said Olynik.
