LCBO could reopen in days as union reaches tentative deal to end strike

LCBO stores could reopen in a few days now that a tentative deal has been struck to end a two-week-old strike.

The LCBO said on Friday it had “reached a tentative agreement” with the union representing workers and is preparing for “business as usual” in-store shopping next week.

The tentative agreement will end the strike at 12:01 a.m. on Monday if it is ratified and the retailer is planning to reopen stores on Tuesday, the LCBO said in a statement.

“We recognize the disruption the strike caused for our employees, partners, and customers who rely on our services, and we thank everyone for their continued patience and understanding as we begin resuming regular operations,” the statement reads.

Some 10,000 workers walked off the job on July 5 after negotiations broke down, shuttering stores across the province. The LCBO said it would have five select locations open to assist bars and restaurants throughout with their liquor inventory, but those plans were scrapped.

The Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) has said the strike was largely due to Premier Doug Ford’s plan to open up the alcohol sales market poses an existential threat to the LCBO that will lead to major job losses if convenience stores and all grocery stores are allowed to sell beer, wine and ready-to-drink cocktails.

The strike is the first in the LCBO’s history and follows months of unsuccessful contract negotiations between their union and management.

– With files from The Canadian Press.