The LCBO strike is officially over and stores set to re-open on Tuesday.
“LCBO has reached an agreement with OPSEU, ending the strike of our 10,000 OPSEU-represented members as of 12:01 a.m. on Monday, July 22, 2024,” LCBO officials say.
“We recognize the disruption the strike caused for our employees, partners, and customers who rely on our services, and we thank everyone for their continued understanding as we begin resuming regular operations.”
LCBO officials added: “We look forward to welcoming our employees back to work. They in turn are looking forward to serving our valued customers. Thank you for your patience and kindness in-store as our retail teams get back to doing what they do best.”
OPSEU officials say following an intense round of bargaining and an incredibly strong two-week strike, LCBO workers have voted to ratify a new three-year Collective Agreement that includes the protection of good jobs and public revenues.
“We went on strike to protect good jobs and public revenues, and to win more permanent jobs with benefits and guaranteed hours,” said Colleen MacLeod, bargaining team chair, in a press release.
“Our members stood strong. They held strong lines, they talked to their communities — and they won.”
The now-ratified deal includes significant improvements from the employer’s last offer on July 4 – the day before the strike started, OPSEU officials say.
In the new contract, there is a guarantee of no store closures and a cap on the number of agency stores (akin to private liquor stores).
Most importantly, there is a shared commitment to a future in which the LCBO, and its revenues, continue to grow with Ontario, OPSEU officials added.
In addition to wage, severance and benefit improvements, workers also achieved a massive win with 1,000 new permanent part-time jobs in retail and 60 permanent full-time jobs in logistics – an accomplishment MacLeod wasn’t sure she’d ever achieve in her career.
“In my 27 years at the LCBO, the employer has continuously casualized the workforce, so that people wouldn’t get guaranteed hours, benefits or any hope of permanent work. Permanent part-time nearly went extinct,” said MacLeod, in a press release.
“I am beyond proud that we fought back and won these permanent jobs – it will improve the lives of workers and their families for many years to come.”
The union says that while the new contract sets Ontario on a better path, the strike has made it clear that Doug Ford’s alcohol everywhere plan is ultimately bad news for the province, OPSEU officials say.
“Ontarians are more aware than ever that Ford’s plan isn’t for them, it’s for big box CEOs,” said JP Hornick, president of OPSEU/SEFPO, in a press release.
“We have no doubt that Ford’s webs of corporate buddies and corrupt backroom deals will continue to be exposed. OPSEU/SEFPO is a fighting union, and this fight is far from over. I am incredibly proud of the power that LCBO workers have built, and they know how to use that power moving forward. Luckily, Ontario voters are also on our side – Ford’s own polling shows it.”
LCBO officials say customers can resume in-store shopping starting on Tuesday, July 23 and they may continue shopping on lcbo.com.
There will no longer be product limits on online orders and a minimum online order spend of $50 will apply, with a flat delivery fee on all online orders, LCBO officials say, adding any online orders may take up to three weeks to receive.
Deliver to store and same-day pickup will once again be available as a delivery option starting July 30, 2024, LCBO officials added.
