Officials with the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) announced that as of 12:01 A.M. on Friday, July 5, more than 9,000 LCBO workers went out on an “historic strike.”
“This fight isn’t just about one workplace or one employer,” OPSEU officials say.
“This is a fight for our entire province and every public good we enjoy, be it health care, education, or infrastructure. Every year, the LCBO generates $2.5-billion in revenues which help pay for these vital public services.”
OPSEU officials added: “Join us on the lines as we send a message to Doug Ford and his Conservative cronies that OPSEU/SEFPO is ready for this fight, and we will win.”
More details from the workers perspective can be found at https://opseu.org/.
LCBO officials said in a statement they are “disappointed that the leadership of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) has decided to initiate the first strike in our long history.
“For the past several months, we have engaged in collective bargaining with OPSEU in hopes of reaching a fair and equitable agreement that addresses their considerations while ensuring the long-term sustainability of our operations. Despite our best efforts, we have not yet been able to do so,” LBCO officials stated.
LCBO is committed to maintaining the highest standards of service that they can during this challenging time, their statement read.
“We have implemented contingency plans to help minimize disruption as much as possible and ensure that our products remain available to our valued retail and wholesale customers,” LCBO officials say.
“We will be operating our business, but it is not business as usual. As we previously communicated, LCBO’s retail locations are now closed for 14 days while online ordering remains available with free home delivery. Should OPSEU remain on strike after the 14 days period has elapsed, 32 LCBO retail stores will begin to re-open for in-store shopping and operate three days a week (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) with limited hours in effect.”
LCBO officials added: “The LCBO is continuing to receive and fulfill wholesale orders and beverage alcohol is available through the approximately 2,300 private retail points of sale across the province, including through LCBO Convenience Outlets, licensed grocery stores, The Beer Store, and winery, brewery, cidery, and distillery outlets, as well as at bars and restaurants. We remain hopeful that we can quickly reach an agreement that is fair to our employees, while enabling the LCBO’s continued success in a changing marketplace. We thank our customers, partners, and communities for their patience and understanding.”
More details on the LCBO’s stance, here.
We’ll provide more information as it becomes available.
