The union representing LCBO workers in Ontario has announced that over 9,000 employees will be going on strike starting at 12:01 a.m. on Friday. The decision to strike came after unsuccessful negotiations with the LCBO during the bargaining process. Colleen MacLeod, chair of the OPSEU/SEFPO Liquor Board Employees Division, stated that the workers are prepared to make history and referred to it as the start of “Ford’s dry summer.”
OPSEU/SEFPO president JP Hornick criticized the LCBO for rejecting their vision for the future of the corporation and not proposing a better way forward to keep it public. He expressed concerns about the potential privatization of the LCBO, which he referred to as “Ontario’s crown jewel.” The union is standing firm in their demands for a fair agreement that benefits both the workers and the province as a whole.
In the event of a strike, the LCBO has announced that all locations will be closed for 14 days. If the strike continues beyond that point, the Crown corporation will open 30 stores three days a week with limited hours on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Online retail services will still be available, but there may be restrictions on what customers can purchase during this time.
The strike has the potential to impact both workers and customers, as well as the overall operations of the LCBO. The union’s decision to strike reflects their commitment to fighting for their rights and the future of the corporation. As negotiations continue, it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold and what steps both parties will take to reach a resolution.
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Video “LCBO strike to begin Friday involving 9,000 workers at Ontario liquor retailer | FULL” was uploaded on 07/05/2024 to Youtube Channel Global News