LCBO strike: Union returns to the negotiating table on Wednesday

The union representing thousands of LCBO workers and the Crown corporation will meet at the bargaining table on Wednesday for the first time since the historic strike began.

The Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) confirmed in a statement Tuesday that its negotiating team will present a plan to the LCBO that will include its key demands to protect jobs and hundreds of millions in public revenue.

“The team comes to the bargaining table in a position of power,” OPSEU said. “To reach an agreement and end this strike, LCBO management must do its job and negotiate in good faith.”

“When the team presents its plan, we will see if LCBO management is truly working toward these common interests of workers and all Ontario people,” the union added.

On Wednesday, the two sides will attempt to negotiate a new contract for the first time after talks reached an impasse ahead of the July 5 strike deadline.

Since then, more than 9,000 LCBO workers have been on strike, leading to the closure of all retail stores across the province.

According to the union, the main point of contention is the Ford government’s expansion of alcohol sales in the province, particularly ready-to-drink cocktails. OPSEU argues the expansion would lead to job losses and affect the $2.5 billion in revenue these products bring to the public service each year.

Premier Ford remained defiant on the issue, saying the expansion of alcohol consumption will move forward and “the train has left the station.” On Monday, the province announced that licensed grocery stores can begin selling RTDs starting July 18, accelerating the plan by two weeks.

In response to the announcement, OPSEU claimed that the “rush” to expand alcohol sales in the province would cost taxpayers more than a billion dollars.

Meanwhile, LCBO President and CEO George Soleas said in a video released Tuesday morning that the strike was not necessary and that the state-owned corporation’s proposal included many “worker-focused offers,” including job security, wage increases, improved benefits and hundreds of full-time jobs.

“But OPSEU has turned away from the question of where ready-to-drink beverages can be sold,” said Soleas.

“Let’s end this strike. OPSEU, it’s time to respond to the offer and sit down at the negotiating table. We are all waiting for it.”

With files from Phil Tsekouras