LCBO Deal Crumbles Just Hours After Being Announced

July 19, 2024 TruthUSA

A potential resolution to end the two-week strike of Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) employees quickly crumbled shortly after being declared by the LCBO.

A deal with the union representing LCBO workers was announced in a July 19 LCBO press release setting July 22 as the anticipated end date for the strike.

However, the LCBO later stated that the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) introduced new significant monetary demands which they deemed as bad faith bargaining.

OPSEU clarified that the proposal they presented was a back-to-work plan and not part of the agreement.

“What we did was tabled a standard Return to Work protocol that we use to resolve the past three strikes within our union,” OPSEU president JP Hornick stated during a July 19 press conference.

The union had expected the LCBO to provide an alternative offer, as per Ms. Hornick’s statement.

“All we need to see from the employer is a counterproposal on paper so that we can respond to it appropriately as we would with any other employer,” stated the union.

The LCBO had initially announced that if the deal was ratified, stores could start reopening for in-person shopping as early as July 23, facilitated by a mediator.

“LCBO is now gearing up to restore normal operations,“ stated the Crown agency in its initial press release. ”Further details will be shared soon.”

OPSEU, representing over 9,000 liquor store employees in the province, had raised concerns about the government permitting the sale of ready-to-drink beverages in various stores.

In a July 19 X post, the union said, “Workers went on strike to protect good jobs and LCBO revenues supporting public services—this agreement just does that.”

Details of the settlement were to be presented to workers on July 19 before being made public.

LCBO employees initiated the strike on July 5, resulting in closure of 669 locations across Ontario after unsuccessful negotiations between the union and the province.

While the union argued that the province’s expansion of alcohol sales posed a threat to LCBO and numerous jobs, the province defended it as part of public policy.

Ten days into the strike, the government announced the early introduction of alcohol sales in convenience and grocery stores.

“Licensed grocery stores will be able to order ready-to-drink beverages and large beer pack sizes starting Thursday, July 18, 2024, and begin selling them immediately upon arrival,” stated a government news release.

This move enables 450 grocery stores to offer beer, cider, and wine earlier than the previously announced date of Aug. 1.

“Our government is fulfilling its commitment to provide Ontarians with choice and convenience while supporting local beverage producers, including those responsible for over 80% of ready-to-drink beverages in our province,” stated Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy in the press release.

Jennifer Cowan contributed to this article.

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