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This article was published 3/12/2014 (2118 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The province is inching closer to a Christmastime liquor store strike now that staff have voted 97 per cent to strike.

The results of a series of strike votes taken at various locals around the province over the last week were released this afternoon by the Manitoba Government and General Employees’ Union.

Officials there say they are focused on getting back to the bargaining table Thursday and pushing for a deal. But, the bargaining committee now has a strong mandate from workers to set a strike date if no deal can be reached.

The 868 unionized liquor outlet and distribution centre workers could be on strike over the holiday booze-buying season.

Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries (MLL) made a final offer to the bargaining committee Oct. 22 that included a modest wage increase over four years. It hinged on members agreeing to give up several contract provisions in place for 50 years and accept a new benefits plan for 2016.

It's believed the offer included a two per cent wage hike, but half of that increase would supposedly be made up by savings through the new benefits plan.

The union says it would see MLL take away the existing sick-time provision and replace it with something more difficult for employees to accrue and use, and is valued at 66 per cent less than the current package.