Union says agreement delivers on members’ priority of fair wage increases
The Manitoba Government and General Employees’ Union (MGEU) announced Thursday that it has reached a tentative agreement with Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries (MLL) that would give its workers a 12% wage increase over four years. The union said the agreement also includes improvements to benefits, job security, and health and safety provisions.
The MGEU represents about 1,400 workers at MLL, who have been without a contract since March 31, 2022. The workers had voted 98% in favour of a strike mandate in June, after rejecting the employer’s initial offer of 2% annual raises.
The union said the new offer from MLL was a result of the workers’ solidarity and determination to achieve fair wage increases that help them keep up with the rising cost of living.
“We said from the beginning that our members’ priority was achieving fair wage increases that help all members keep up with the rising cost of living,” MGEU President Kyle Ross said in a statement Thursday. “By providing our members with wage increases of 12 per cent or more over four years, this agreement delivers on that priority.”
Some workers could receive more than 12% over four years
The union said some workers could receive more than 12% over four years, depending on their classification and seniority. The agreement also includes a one-time lump sum payment of $500 for full-time employees and $250 for part-time employees.
The agreement also addresses some of the issues that the union had raised during the negotiations, such as workload, staffing levels, scheduling, and health and safety concerns.
The union said the agreement includes:
- A new provision that allows employees to refuse unsafe work without fear of discipline or reprisal.
- A new joint committee to review workload issues and make recommendations to improve working conditions.
- A new process for filling vacancies that gives preference to internal candidates based on seniority and qualifications.
- A new clause that guarantees employees will not be laid off or have their hours reduced as a result of technological changes or contracting out.
- Improvements to benefits such as dental, vision, prescription drugs, and paramedical services.
Ratification vote to be held in September
The union said it will hold information sessions and ratification votes for its members in September. The dates and locations of the sessions and votes will be announced soon.
The union said it is recommending that its members accept the agreement, which it called “a significant improvement” over the previous offer from MLL.
“This agreement is a testament to the strength and solidarity of our members at MLL,” Ross said. “They stood together and sent a clear message to their employer that they deserve respect and fairness.”
MLL did not respond to a request for comment by press time.
