(DIAGEO CANADA)
Workers who produce Crown Royal whisky in Gimli have voted down their company’s final contract offer.
UFCW Local 832 members at the Diageo plant have been walking the picket line since March 5 and rejected an offer by 81 percent on Friday.
“Diageo made a final offer that was an improvement from what they gave us prior to the strike. With these improvements we presented them to the group and the membership voted it down,” said UFCW Local 832 president Jeff Traeger.
Both sides met with a Manitoba Labour Board appointed conciliation officer and the company presented their final offer.
An independent arbitrator will impose a one-year deal after the union applies to the Manitoba Labour Board within 60 days.
Outstanding issues on wages, pension, long-term disability coverage and vacation remain sticking points in these negotiations.
