Union says LCBO contract talks have broken down, Friday strike looms
Posted Jul 3, 2024 06:11:23 AM.
Union executives representing thousands of Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) workers say talks with the provincial corporation have broken down ahead of Friday’s midnight deadline.
Representatives for the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) say in a statement they are “not hopeful a deal can be reached at this time.”
OPSEU representatives will be holding a news conference at 6 p.m. on Thursday to provide an update.
Should workers walk off the job, liquor stores would close for two weeks. If a deal is still not reached at that point, LCBO officials say 32 stores will then open for in-store shopping and operate three days a week (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) with limited hours in effect.
A spokesperson for the Ontario Ministry of Finance says they’re disappointed that the OPSEU could be heading toward unnecessary strike-threatening summer plans.
OPSEU officials tell CityNews that they’re “says they are “committed to bargaining a good deal” and expect a “long day today.”
LCBO staff say in a statement collective bargaining will continue leading right up to the strike deadline.
They add online retail services would continue to operate and limited in-store shopping would be offered if the strike goes ahead.
Bars and restaurants, along with licensed grocery stores and The Beer Store, will continue to receive wholesale orders.
The LCBO has extended hours on Thursday for those still wishing to purchase alcohol ahead of the strike.
