Tentative deal reached to avoid Manitoba liquor strike

It might not be a dry Christmas after all in Manitoba.

A tentative agreement was reached Thursday night between the bargaining committee for 868unionizedliquor mart workers and the province.

Members of theManitoba Government and General Employees' Union (MGEU) who work at liquor marts, in the distribution centre and at head office voted 97 per cent in favour of possible strike action earlier this week.

Any strike action will be postponed now untilMGEUsmembers have a chance to vote on the deal.

• Manitoba liquor mart employees vote 97% in favour of strike

In a news release issued Friday, the MGEU said it won't comment on theagreement before members have a chance to see the terms of the deal. The union, however, said the bargaining committee is recommending members support it.

This was not an easy process for anyone, and its important to remember that these workers have families of their own who were facing the uncertainty of a possible strike over the holiday season, but the hard work done here has resulted in a deal the bargaining committee can recommend acceptance of,saidMGEUpresident MichelleGawronsky.

Ratification meetings to determine if members accept or reject the employers latest offer will be held "in the very near future," the MGEU release stated.