More than 9,000 workers from the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) are on strike, as talks between the LCBO and its employees have failed to reach an agreement.
The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation has reported citing the retailer that this will result in a two-week closure of all LCBO retail locations.
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Should a resolution be found within the 14-day period, the LCBO has stated its intention to “reopen stores and resume normal operations as soon as possible”.
The Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU), representing the striking workers, has pointed the finger at Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s administration for the negotiation stalemate.
OPSEU/SEFPO president JP Hornick said: “Doug Ford wants to make life better for his wealthy friends. It is why he is wasting upwards of a billion dollars of our money to fast-track privatised alcohol sales and hand more of the public revenues generated by the LCBO over to the CEOs and big box grocery and convenience chains like Loblaws and Circle K.”
The union has been vocal about its alternative proposal to Ford’s “alcohol everywhere” plan, emphasising their readiness to strike in support of it.
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By GlobalData“We told Ford not to ruin everybody’s summer, but now he has closed the Science Centre and forced a dry summer for Ontarians by refusing to offer a deal that would be good for LCBO workers and Ontario,” Hornick added.
The OPSEU has outlined a growth strategy for the LCBO that includes opening more stores, extending operating hours, and enhancing warehousing, logistics and e-commerce capabilities.
The union believes that such expansion would not only meet consumer demand and increase convenience but also boost public revenues, thereby supporting healthcare, education, key infrastructure and other such public services.
The union is demanding more permanent part-time and full-time job opportunities, which would lead to improved product knowledge and customer service.
Currently, 70% of LCBO employees are casual workers without guaranteed hours, limiting their access to benefits and permanent positions.
The union’s goal is to secure a better future for its members, the LCBO and the province of Ontario.
