Ontarians are rejoicing after the union representing nearly 7,000 employees of the Liquor Control Board of Ontario reached a tentative agreement late Thursday, averting a walkout that would have shut down LCBO stores across the province going into the long weekend.
The last-minute deal was reached shortly after 10 p.m., a couple of hours shy of a strike deadline that would have resulted in unionized workers walking out on the eve of the typically busy Victoria Day long weekend.
"I’m pleased to announce that, our bargaining team is satisfied with the tentative contract agreement reached with the LCBO," president of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) Warren Thomas said in a press release late Thursday.
The news was welcomed by many Ontarians, many of whom flocked to LCBO stores earlier this week after the retail giant urged customers to stock up on alcohol in case of a strike.
"On behalf of all the drinkers & #liquor lovers I’d like to #thankyou for not going on #strike this long weekend. #lcbostrike," tweeted one person on Friday.
"Looks like the #LCBOStrike is off – thank goodness. Enjoy #VictoriaDay every!" tweeted another.
The last-minute rush to LCBO outlets across Ontario resulted in an uptick in sales. While spokesperson Heather MacGregor didn’t have the final sales figures yet, she said sales were "brisk."
On Wednesday, sales totalled approximately $28.1 million for the agency -- an increase of approximately 150 per cent over the same time last year.
But with the strike averted, many customers are now left with a surplus of alcohol.
"If life as we know it is ending today it’s a good thing I’m well stocked for alcohol. #earthquake #lcbostrike," tweeted one Ontarian, referring to Friday morning's 5.2-magnitude quake that struck close to Ottawa but was felt across the province.
"Finding yourself a little TOO prepared for the nonexistant #LCBOstrike? #TimeToParty ;)," tweeted another.
In April, union members voted 95 per cent in favour of a strike in the event contract talks with the retail giant failed. The LCBO's four-year contract with the workers ended on March 31, and the two sides had been in negotiations since mid-February.
"These were very tough negotiations," Thomas said, suggesting both OPSEU and the LCBO had to make compromises. "Did we get everything we were asking for? No. Did the LCBO get everything they were demanding of our members? No."
But despite the compromises, it is expected the tentative contract will be ratified.
Denise Davis, who led the union’s bargaining team, said she believes the tentative deal meets workers’ expectations.
"Our members were demanding in what they expected from a new contract. I believe we have met many of those expectations and we are recommending that our members endorse this tentative settlement," she said.
In a statement posted on the LCBO website, president and CEO Bob Peter said the agreement is "fair to employees" and “in the best interest of taxpayers.”
According to OPSEU, the main issues it sought to resolve were part-time wages, and improved health and safety standards.
Details of the tentative contract will not be released until after it’s been ratified.
With files from the Canadian Press
