LCBO Strike: What You Need to Know

On Friday July 5^th, LCBO workers across Ontario walked off the job and began striking, closing stores province wide. Here’s what you need to know:

Why are workers on strike?

According to the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU), the union which represents the approximately 9000 striking LCBO workers, the main issues of contention are what they call the provincial government’s “privatization” of alcohol sales and the number of part time workers.

OPSEU is angered by the provincial government’s recent change to alcohol sales, which will expand the number and type of booze that can be sold in grocery stores, including adding seltzers, and allow convenience stores to sell beer, wine and mixed drinks. OPSEU claims that this expansion of alcohol sales will lead to job insecurity for LCBO employees.

The union is also pushing for more full-time positions for the workers it represents, 70 percent of whom it claims are “casual.” It also wants higher wages.

What has the LCBO response been?

The LCBO claims that it is the union which refuses to negotiate. The most recent offer from the crown corporation included a 7% wage increase over the course of three years, converting 400 casual positions to full-time and expanding benefits to casual workers.

What has the government’s response been?

Premier Doug Ford has stated that the expansion of alcohol sales is finalized, and that there won’t be any changes. Ford also claimed that LCBO employees want to get back to work, but that the union is playing politics.

Where can I still buy Liquor?

Ontarians can purchase liquor and spirits for delivery from the LCBO’s website, LCBO.com. Buyers are limited to 2 units of spirits, 12 units of beer and 12 units of wine. According to the LCBO’s website, customers can expect delivery within 2-5 business days. 

When will the LCBO re-open?

Unless a deal is struck, the earliest that in-store shopping at the LCBO will resume is on July 19^th in a limited fashion at select stores on limited days and hours (Friday, Saturday and Sunday). More information on specific store locations will be announced in the coming days.