LCBO workers edge closer to June strike

Toronto – The Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) has announced that it has requested a No Board Report from the Ontario Ministry of Labour, with a strike deadline anticipated before the end of June 2017.

A 17-day countdown begins to a legal strike once the Ministry of Labour issues the No Board Report, which is expected this week.

“We have workers trapped in so-called casual positions for decades, working seven days a week, and bringing home an average of less than $30,000 a year,” said OPSEU representative Denise Davis. “And we have seasonal workers sitting at home while underpaid temp agency workers do their jobs. The status quo isn’t sustainable – and management’s proposals would make an already difficult situation worse.”

The LCBO stated, “We have begun planning for the delivery of products and services in the event that we are unable to reach a negotiated settlement with the Union. Our goal is to provide certain services to our customers, both retail and wholesale. We will be providing updates regarding our contingency plans as the bargaining process unfolds.”

In the event of a strike, locally made beer, cider, and spirits can be purchased at 181 breweries, 41 cideries, and 24 distilleries in the province.