Members at Crown Royal distillery vote down final offer

Gimli, Man. – April 4, 2016 – UFCW Canada Local 832 members on strike at the distillery which produces Crown Royal whisky have voted overwhelmingly to reject the company’s final offer. Members have been on strike since March 5, and voted 81% to reject the company’s final offer on April 1.

The union and the company had met with a Manitoba Labour Board appointed conciliation officer where the company had presented their final offer.

“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,” stated UFCW Local 832 President Jeff Traeger.

The union will now wait for when the window opens to apply to the Manitoba Labour Board for ‘Alternative Dispute Resolution’ when an independent arbitrator will impose a one-year deal. That application can be made in 60 days.

Outstanding issues on wages, pension, long-term disability coverage, and vacation remain sticking points in these negotiations.