Wine Rack and The Beer Store say they’re ready for an influx of customers, as thousands of LCBO workers are officially on strike after no deal was reached with the union.
Following the 12:01 a.m deadline on Friday, the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) initiated the strike, which marks the first in LCBO history. The union represents more than 9,000 LCBO employees.
The union says throughout negotiations it proposed another plan to “Ford’s alcohol everywhere scheme” and said it was ready to strike for it.
“We told Ford not to ruin everybody’s summer, but now he’s closed the Science Centre and forced a dry summer for Ontarians by refusing to offer a deal that would be good for LCBO workers and Ontario,” PSEU/SEFPO President JP Hornick said in a statement on Thursday.
“We argued that we grow the LCBO to meet demand and increase convenience by opening more stores, increasing the hours of operation, and increasing warehousing, logistics and e-commerce capacity,” the union continued.
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The LCBO says it’s “disappointed” that the union decided to strike.
“For the past several months, we have engaged in collective bargaining with OPSEU in hopes of reaching a fair and equitable agreement that addresses their considerations while ensuring the long-term sustainability of our operations. Despite our best efforts, we have not yet been able to do so,” the Crown corporation’s statement reads.
“LCBO is committed to maintaining the highest standards of service that we can during this challenging time. We have implemented contingency plans to help minimize disruption as much as possible and ensure that our products remain available to our valued retail and wholesale customers,” it continued.
As a result, all LCBO retail locations are closed for 14 days. However, customers can still do online ordering through its website and mobile app for free home delivery.
If the strike continues after July 19, 32 stores will re-open for in-store shopping and operate on Friday, Saturday and Sunday with limited hours.
“We remain hopeful that we can quickly reach an agreement that is fair to our employees, while enabling the LCBO’s continued success in a changing marketplace,” the liquor board said.
The union was bargaining for 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.
In anticipation of the strike, Wine Rack and The Beer Store have made plans to prepare for the rise in customer demand.
“Wine Rack locations across Ontario are working around the clock to prepare the stores and same-day online delivery to meet customer demand,” Wine Rack Spokesperson Mark Wasserman said in a statement to Now Toronto on Thursday.
“All 164 neighbourhood Wine Rack stores have increased their on-hand inventory and have prepared in-store staffing to ensure they are ready and able to support customers,” he continued.
Meanwhile, The Beer Store told Now Toronto it is offering customers extended summer hours across the province and will continue to operate routinely during the labour disruption.
Online, some people are supporting the union’s decision to strike.
“LCBO is a profitable entity, generating billions for Ontario each year. It’s not a burden on the public purse, so every effort should be made to prevent strikes, including meeting workers’ demands. Ensuring fair wages & conditions will maintain its success and benefit all Ontarians,” one X user said.
“Hope they strike all summer,” another user said.
“I think a dry summer would do a lot of people some good. Let them strike until September. Ford needs to stand his ground on this one,” another user commented.
Meanwhile, others are displeased with the move.
“Just fell to my knees in my own home,” one X user said.
“@fordnation you ruined this province,” another user said.
