LCBO and OPSEU reach a tentative contract, ending a two-week strike and improving wages and job security
The Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) and the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) have reached a tentative agreement to end a two-week strike, according to BNN Bloomberg.
The deal was ratified by LCBO workers on Sunday, meaning the strike will end at 12:01 am on Monday, with stores reopening on Tuesday.
Workers walked off the job on July 5, largely due to concerns about Premier Doug Ford’s plan to allow convenience and grocery stores to sell ready-to-drink cocktails. The LCBO had offered increases in wages, benefits, and job security but stated that the policy issue was not a bargaining matter.
As reported by CBC News, the striking workers voted on Sunday to ratify the new three-year contract, officially ending the first-ever strike at the provincial Crown corporation. The LCBO expressed satisfaction with the ratification, while OPSEU highlighted the improvements in the new contract.
Colleen MacLeod, chair of the OPSEU bargaining team, said, “We went on strike to protect good jobs and public revenues, and to win more permanent jobs with benefits and guaranteed hours.” She added, “Our members stood strong. They held strong lines, they talked to their communities—and they won.”
Premier Doug Ford allowed grocery stores licensed to sell beer and wine to sell ready-to-drink cocktails starting Thursday, with an initial launch set for August 1.
Details of the Agreement, according to CBC News:
-
Wage increases of eight percent over three years
-
Additional 7.8 percent for the lowest-paid workers
-
Special wage adjustment for certain trade positions in warehouses
-
Conversion of 1,000 casual workers to permanent part-time status
-
Hiring 60 permanent full-time employees in warehouse operations
-
Improved access to benefits for casual part-time employees working 1,300 and 1,000 hours
-
Improved mental health benefits and severance provisions
-
No retail store closures related to marketplace expansion for the life of the collective agreement
A non-binding joint union-management committee will decide the best way to implement marketplace plans. MacLeod celebrated the gains, stating that the revival of permanent part-time positions after 27 years was a significant achievement.
The LCBO thanked customers for their patience and is focused on returning to normal operations to support retail and wholesale customers, as well as Ontario's beverage alcohol industry.
