LCBO, Union reach a deal to end strike

DAN CEARNS The Standard

DURHAM/KAWARTHA LAKES: It appears the dry summer is over in Ontario, with the LCBO and OPSEU (Ontario Public Service Employees Union) reaching an agreement.

It was announced on Friday, July 19th the Union and employer had reached a tentative agreement to end a strike which had started on Friday, July 5th.

“LCBO workers were forced to go on strike to protect public revenues and fight against the Premier’s expensive alcohol everywhere plan. We have now reached a tentative settlement, which is a win for workers and Ontarians,” an OPSEU press release stated. “We maintain our vision to continue growing the LCBO, improving working conditions for our members, and focusing on its long-term viability.”

The agreement was then ratified by OPSEU LCBO employees over the weekend.

“The now-ratified deal includes significant improvements from the employer’s last offer on July 4th, the day before the strike started. 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. In addition to wage, severance and benefit improvements, workers also achieved a massive win with 1000 new permanent part-time jobs in retail and 60 permanent full-time jobs in logistics,” another OPSEU press release explained.

The strike officially ended on Monday, July 22nd, with stores reopening on Tuesday, July 23rd.

“We again thank the negotiating teams for LCBO and OPSEU, as well as the mediator, for their work in reaching an agreement which is fair for our unionized employees and helps the LCBO operate efficiently and effectively for Ontarians in a changing marketplace,” a statement from the LCBO read. “As we welcome back our valued employees, we are focused on returning to our normal operations in support of our retail and wholesale customers and of Ontario’s beverage alcohol industry. Our in-store workers and welcome news for Ontarians. We look forward to working together to deliver choice and convenience across Ontario.”