LCBO union warns of 'dry summer' as it announces July 5 strike date
LCBO employees will be in a legal position to strike on July 5, according to its union.
The union representing approximately 10,000 LCBO workers requested a no-board report from the Ontario Ministry of Labour on Tuesday, starting a 17-day countdown to strike on July 5 at 12:01 a.m.
“We chose this date because we did not want to impact the first long weekend of the summer,” Liquor Board Employees Division Bargaining Team Chair Colleen MacLeod said at a news conference on Tuesday.
“Let's make this clear. LCBO employees also do not want a dry Ontario for the summer.”
If no deal is reached in the eight bargaining dates scheduled in just over two weeks, the union said it will go on strike. This comes after 97 per cent of LCBO employees voted overwhelmingly in favour of a mandate to walk off the job. However, MacLeod said the goal is to reach a deal.
The primary point of contention between the Crown corporation and LCBO employees is the Ford government’s expansion of alcohol sales.
“I firmly believe that the government is the one who is directing our employer on how to bargain,” MacLeod said.
The Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) is also seeking wage increases that keep up with inflation. Currently, LCBO wages start at $17.65 and go up to about $30 per hour.
With 70 per cent of its workforce employed part-time, MacLeod added that more full-time jobs is a priority in negotiations.
OPSEU President JP Hornick said the union has put forward an alternative plan to the Ford government’s, which would allow for the expansion and convenience of alcohol sales while protecting good jobs and public profits. At the news conference, Hornick said she could not reveal details of the plan just yet.
“If the government doesn't want a hot dry summer, then they need to look at the alternative plan that keeps the convenience that doesn't roll back on expansion, but just makes sure that it is done in a way that is responsible that protects public money,” Hornick said.
On Monday, the LCBO requested a third-party mediator be brought in to help reach an agreement, which the union agreed to, the liquor retailer said in a statement on Tuesday.
“We do not want a strike at the LCBO,” the statement said.
“Should a strike occur, LCBO has measures in place to ensure continued customer service and will provide updates to our customers and partners.”
The Ford government has announced it is planning to expand alcohol sales in grocery and convenience stores. It begins with ready-to-drink beverages and large-packs of beer at grocery stores as soon as Aug. 1, followed by beer, cider and wine available at convenience stores as early as Sept. 5.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Rescuers race to free people trapped by Hurricane Helene after storm kills at least 40 in 4 states
Hurricane Helene left an enormous path of destruction across Florida and the entire southeastern U.S. on Friday, killing at least 40 people in four states, snapping towering oaks like twigs, tearing apart homes and sending rescue crews on desperate missions to save people from floodwaters.
U.S. fines Air Canada over flights over prohibited Iraqi airspace
The U.S. Department of Transportation said Friday it had fined Air Canada US$250,000 for operating flights in 2022 and 2023 in prohibited Iraqi airspace.
Ship, extra CAF members deployed near Lebanon in case of evacuation needs: defence minister
Defence Minister Bill Blair says there is a ship in place near Lebanon, as well as 150 deployed additional Canadian Armed Forces members prepared for a military-assisted departure of stranded Canadians, if more violence in the region requires it.
DEVELOPING Israeli airstrikes hit the southern suburbs of Beirut after another strike destroyed buildings
The Israeli military said it struck Hezbollah's headquarters in Beirut on Friday in a series of massive explosions that targeted the leader of the militant group and levelled multiple high-rise apartment buildings.
Killer who stabbed victim 'at least 52 times' dies in B.C. prison
A 72-year-old inmate serving a life sentence for a brutal murder that happened in Chilliwack in 2016 has died, according to the Correctional Service of Canada.
P.E.I. shellfish festival gastrointestinal illness outbreak largest in province's history: health officer
More than 550 symptomatic people responded to an online questionnaire about a gastrointestinal illness at a Prince Edward Island shellfish festival last weekend.
Former military reservist sentenced for shotgun video calling Liberal MP a 'communist agent' for China
A former Canadian military reservist has been sentenced to house arrest after posting a video of himself firing a shotgun at a picture of a member of Parliament whom he accused of being a "communist agent" for China.
Canada booking seats on flights out of Lebanon as violence escalates
Global Affairs Canada began booking blocks of seats on the few remaining commercial flights leaving Lebanon on Friday as it issued another urgent plea for any Canadians in the country to leave immediately.
Family of man who died in incident involving Calgary police issues statement
The family of Jon Wells, a man who died in an incident involving Calgary police earlier this month, say they are seeking time to grieve their loss.