Liquor Mart workers picketing on Sunday, marking first weekend of strike action

The Manitoba Government and General Employees' Union (MGEU) says Liquor Mart workers will be taking strike action on Sunday, marking the first weekend since contract negotiations began that employees have been off the job.

The Manitoba Government and General Employees' Union (MGEU) says Liquor Mart workers will be taking strike action on Sunday, marking the first weekend since contract negotiations began that employees have been off the job.

The union said all Winnipeg and Brandon workers will be off the job, and northern and rural employees will be back with limited duties.

"There has been no movement towards a fair and reasonable wage increase and the Corporation is continuing to use replacement workers at the Liquor Distribution Centre," MGEU said in a news release.

On Saturday, waving hands, worn-in runners, and large signs saying “Catch up Keep up” lined the perimeter of the Grant Park Shopping Centre. It’s where one of five Winnipeg Liquor Mart locations remained opened with limited hours on Saturday.

Manitoba Liquor Mart workers have been picketing since Wednesday - calling for their wages to keep up with inflation. This was the first Saturday since contract negotiations began that workers walked off the job on a weekend.

Not everyone was aware doors would be locked. Melody Muzyka said it wasn't until she went to a St. Boniface Liquor Mart location that she learned it was closed. Then she tried the Osborne Village location.

"I figured it's just a short walk so I'll just take my chances, and I come here and it's closed,” Muzyka laughed.