LCBO workers set strike date for early July

Workers at Ontario’s main liquor retailer have set a date in about two weeks for a potential strike.

The Ontario Public Service Employees Union says they have received a no-board report from the Ministry of Labour and will be in a legal position to strike on July 5.

The Liquor Control Board of Ontario workers are seeking wage increases and more full-time jobs, saying part-time roles have become 70 per cent of their workforce.

On Saturday the Ontario Public Service Employees Union said 97 per cent of participating LCBO workers voted in favour of a strike.

OPSEU President J.P. Hornick says they are fearful of job losses after Premier Doug Ford’s government announced plans to open up the alcohol market to allow convenience stores and all grocery stores to sell beer, wine and ready-to-drink cocktails.

The union delivered a notice to bargain in January ahead of the March 31 expiration of its collective agreement with the LCBO.

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LCBO management received double-digit per cent salary and benefit increases between 2021 and 2022 while workers were offered a 0.75 per cent lump-sum increase in talks with the province.

The LCBO has said it wants to avoid a strike, but said it will ensure continued customer service during a work stoppage.

– With files from Insauga.com