Unionized Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries (MBLL) employees walked off the job on Wednesday, July 19, 2023, and set up picket lines to protest the lack of a “reasonable” contract with the government.

The job action involves workers at Liquor Marts, the distribution centre and other supporting business operations. Manitoba Government and General Employees’ Union (MGEU) says that the strike action began with a one day Manitoba-wide walkout but will continue with employees refusing overtime when they return to work on Thursday. The union says that other job action will be announced if they are unable to reach an agreement with the province.

MGEU represents approximately 1400 workers at MBLL.

Negotiations are slated to continue later this week.

Several Liquor Marts in Winnipeg and Brandon are operating with reduced hours during the walkout according to the MBLL website.