Seven Liquor Marts to close Saturday in labour dispute

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This article was published 04/08/2023 (816 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries says it will close seven Liquor Marts this long weekend because of concerns related to inventory amid job action by its 1,400 workers, which began in mid-July.

In a media release, the Crown corporation said the closures are necessary to ensure it can manage inventory and distribution for the locations that remain open.

However, the Manitoba Government and General Employees’ Union said store workers — who returned to work Friday after staging job action — are being locked out.

“We are disappointed the employer has decided to take this step after employees had agreed to report for work, and keep stores open so Manitobans could enjoy the long weekend,” MGEU president Kyle Ross said in a statement.

“Our striking workers have been trying to find a balance between standing strong in the face of the aggressive tactics they’ve seen and Manitobans who are caught in the middle who want to shop and enjoy the products Liquor Marts offer.”

The striking workers are calling for a 3.3 per cent wage increase in line with what the premier and Manitoba MLAs received.

On Saturday, the following Liquor Mart locations will be closed: Madison Square, Rivergrove, Southglen, Transcona Square, Dominion, Brandon South and Flin Flon. All Liquor Mart Express Outlets, which are included in grocery stores, will stay closed.

Fifty Liquor Marts will remain open.

— Staff