The union representing workers at the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) is increasing pressure on the organization as a strike looms and no talks are planned.
The Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) has announced that its members will be holding a strike vote on September 14 and 15. This comes after months of negotiations with the LCBO, which have failed to produce a new contract for the workers.
According to OPSEU, the main issues at stake are job security, fair wages, and improved working conditions. The union is also calling for an end to the use of temporary workers and the privatization of LCBO stores.
In response, the LCBO has stated that it remains committed to reaching a fair and reasonable agreement with its employees. However, the organization has not scheduled any talks with the union, leading to growing tensions between the two parties.
The potential strike has raised concerns among Ontarians, as the LCBO is the province’s primary retailer of alcohol. A strike would not only impact the availability of alcohol, but also the province’s revenue, as the LCBO is a major source of income for the government.
In the event of a strike, the LCBO has stated that it has contingency plans in place to ensure that stores remain open and customers are still able to purchase alcohol. However, the union has expressed doubts about the effectiveness of these plans and has urged the LCBO to return to the bargaining table.
The last time LCBO workers went on strike was in 2009, when a two-week strike resulted in a significant decrease in sales and a loss of revenue for the province. The union is hoping to avoid a similar situation this time around, but is prepared to take action if necessary.
As the strike vote approaches, both the union and the LCBO are urging for a resolution to be reached in order to avoid any disruptions to the province’s alcohol supply. However, with no talks planned, it remains to be seen if a strike can be averted.
