The union representing LCBO workers says its members could hit the picket lines as of July 5.
This comes after the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) requested a no-board report on Tuesday from the Ministry of Labour, representing formal notice of intended strike action.
The OPSEU represents over 9,000 LCBO employees and 97 per cent of them have voted overwhelmingly for strike action over the weekend.
“LCBO workers don’t want a dry summer, we love how busy it is and being a part of Ontarians’ celebrations,” OPSEU/SEFPO Liquor Board Employees Division Bargaining Team Chair Colleen MacLeod said in a press release on Tuesday.
“But we can’t stand by while Doug Ford gives away the LCBO’s revenues to big box and convenience chain CEOs. It’s on Premier Ford and the LCBO to make sure that public services and good jobs don’t get left behind,” she continued.
MacLeod says there are talks scheduled in the next two weeks which she hopes lead to a deal. If not, LCBO workers are set to walk off the job as of 12:01 a.m. on July 5.
Some of the demands the union is bargaining for include the expansion of public retail locations and opening hours, expanding LCBO warehousing, logistics and e-commerce capacity in-house, and better jobs at the LCBO.
This includes moving 70 per cent of its casual workforce to more permanent part-time and full-time positions.
Earlier in May, the Ford government unveiled its accelerated plan to expand alcohol sales in grocery and convenience stores. Starting in August, Ontarians will be able to purchase ready-to-drink beverages and large-packs of beer at grocery stores.
After Sept. 5, beer, cider and wine will be available at all convenience stores and after Oct. 31 all grocery stores, convenience and big-box stores will be able to see these alcoholic beverages, and in large quantities.
