LCBO strike looms as talks go down to the wire

Union fighting against province's decision to expand alcohol market

- JOSH RUBIN

With a strike looming at LCBO stores this Friday, shoppers as well as restaurants and bars are wondering if they'll be able to get their favourite drinks.

You might want to stock up on your favourite drinks.

A strike by thousands of LCBO workers could begin as soon as 12:01 a.m. Friday, and contract talks between the liquor board and the Ontario Public Service Employees appear set to go down to the wire. And customers — both ordinary shoppers as well as restaurants and bars — are wondering if they’ll be able to get their favourite tipples.

“Collective bargaining is ongoing,” an LCBO spokesperson wrote in an email to the Star on Wednesday afternoon.

Colleen MacLeod, chair of the bargaining committee for OPSEU’s Liquor Board Employees Division, said the union and its members are still committed to getting a deal.

“We have been working long, hard hours to get a fair deal and will continue that work right up until the strike deadline,” MacLeod said. “LCBO workers don’t want a dry summer. We have put forward a plan that would grow the LCBO to meet demand and increase convenience, to expand public revenues, and to support jobs at the LCBO and in our communities.”

OPSEU has repeatedly criticized the provincial government’s decision to open up Ontario’s alcohol retail market, arguing that it puts LCBO jobs and profits at risk, while helping private retailers, including grocery and big box stores, as well as convenience stores.