The strike by 1,400 Manitoba liquor mart workers continues as the union fights for higher wages.
Three of Brandon’s four outlets will be closed today (Aug 11). The store on Victoria Avenue and 10th Street will be the only one open from noon until 5:00 pm. On Saturday and Sunday, all Brandon liquor marts will be closed.
The employees’ union, the Manitoba and Government and General Employees’ Union, says it’s after fair wage increases for members, and in the meantime, has revealed that between 2018 and 2022, two two top executives at Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries received 16 per cent pay raises. In the same period, workers got just 1.75 per cent due to a government wage mandate.
According to Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries (MBLL), the two execs, CEO Gerry Sul and EVP Robert Holmberg, received more than just salaries – there were also benefits, payouts for unused ‘discretionary’ leave time and vacation, and remunerations paid.
In a statement released August 10th, MBLL Ceo Gerry Sul said “Our customers, business partners and our employees continue to be subjected to unnecessary disruption. We are making every effort to maintain operations, but our most important efforts should be on getting our employees back to work.”
“Given the very public focus on our employees and our offer, we feel compelled to help Manitobans understand what’s on the table.” Sul added. “Suggestions that 800 or more of our employees would only receive 8-9% in base pay increases are not accurate. For example, for customer service clerks and warehouse workers, the simple calculations are:
For part-time employees currently earning our $14.91 an hour, base pay would go to $18.57 an hour – an increase of 24.55% over 4 years
For part time employees currently earning $16.19 an hour, base pay would go to $18.57 an hour – an increase of 14.7% over 4 years
For part-time employees currently earning $16.79 an hour, base pay would go to $19.27 an hour – an increase of 14.8% over 4 years
For part-time employees currently earning $17.46 an hour, base pay would go to $20.04 an hour – an increase of 14.8% over 4 years
On top of these direct base pay increases, most of these employees would also receive a one-time lump sum payment/signing bonus of between $600 and $1000, depending on hours worked. MBLL remains committed to reaching a fair and reasonable agreement with our employees, while balancing the needs and expectations of all Manitobans.”
As the strike continues to close stores across the province, a report today said more Manitobans have been heading out of the province to buy booze. The general store in Churchbridge, Saskatchewan – west of Russell is seeing more Manitobans – also The Rock Bottle Shop in Grand Forks, North Dakota.
