LCBO to extend hours ahead of union strike

As LCBO In response to a strike by union workers on July 5, the provincial liquor store will extend its hours so customers can purchase goods.

Contract negotiation Negotiations between the Crown Corporation and the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) have stalled over fundamental disagreements over the future of the LCBO and alcohol sales in Ontario.

The union has received 97% of the strike authorization and will legally strike from 12:01 a.m. on July 5, which has triggered a series of preparations before the upcoming strike action.

Beginning June 27, all LCBO retail stores will open at 9:30 a.m. and close at 10 p.m. until July 4. Stores will remain closed on Canada Day.

The LCBO also said it had “taken steps to ensure continued customer service,” but has not yet said whether managers would be asked to take over employee duties, how many stores would remain open or whether sales and delivery services to bars and restaurants would continue in the event of a strike.

Although LCBO union employees Preparations have begun for the strike line, and the bargaining team said progress had been made in contract talks following the strike vote, but issues remain.

“We are seeing progress on some issues, but the two sides remain far apart on the fundamental stakes of this round of negotiations,” the union said in a negotiation update on Friday.

The main sticking point appears to be the Ford government’s agreement with the Beer Store, which allows convenience stores to sell beer, wine, cider and ready-to-drink beverages starting Sept. 5.

While the Ford government has been reluctant to share revenue loss projections, OPSEU believes the deal will Cutting into LCBO profits, Leading to store closures and possible job losses.

OPSEU presented the LCBO with a series of demands that the union believes will help liquor stores compete with convenience and grocery stores.

The union is asking for expanded retail locations and hours to “meet demand and improve convenience,” increased LCBO warehousing and logistics, and bringing e-commerce capabilities in-house.

On the product side, the union is asking the LCBO to keep “profitable products” such as spirits and ready-to-drink beverages exclusively in LCBO stores.

The LCBO said the union’s proposed “alternative model” was surprising given the Ford government’s public announcements about liberalizing alcohol sales in the province.

“The Ontario Services Union has been informed of the Ontario government’s plan to expand alcohol sales to convenience, grocery and mass merchandise stores, including ready-to-drink beverages, beginning in December 2023,” the Liquor Control Board of Ontario said on June 18.

The LCBO said it hopes to reach an agreement that is “fair to bargaining unit employees and helps the LCBO continue to effectively and efficiently serve Ontarians in new markets.”

On June 18, shortly after the OPSEU held a press conference, a third-party mediator joined the negotiations to help break the impasse.

The LCBO’s request for mediation came after the union held a strike vote and demanded a “no board” report, a required legal step before the union can withdraw services.

Following the prime minister’s protest, the union assured members that a deal could still be reached.

“Both sides have a strong incentive to engage in serious negotiations as the strike deadline approaches,” OPSEU said in a letter to members.

The union said the two sides have a negotiation date scheduled for the week of July 1, meaning they have just four days to reach an agreement before the deadline.

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