LCBO deal put on hold and strike to continue until retailer signs return-to-work protocol

In a shocking turn of events, the tentative agreement between the LCBO and the union representing about 10,000 of its workers is on hold until the employer signs the return-to-work protocol.

On Friday afternoon, both the liquor retailer and the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) announced that a tentative agreement had been reached. If ratified, the LCBO stores would have been able to reopen as early as Tuesday.

However, that tentative deal is now on hold, with the union claiming the LCBO is refusing to sign a return-to-work protocol that would send employees back to stores next week.

“As part of the (tentative) agreement, we presented a return-to-work protocol that would bring workers back to their jobs as early as Monday, which is what the employer wanted last night,” union representative Katie Arnup told reporters at a news conference on Friday.

“We were ready to announce this deal. The premier said there was a deal, but the employer is now refusing to sign it. A return to work protocol is necessary so that workers can go back to work in the event of a strike. Without this signed document, we have no deal and the strike will continue,” Arnup explained.

“We will stay at the table and discuss the deal once the employer has signed the document (on reintegration into work).”

After the tentative agreement was announced, union representatives planned to hold a live press conference to discuss the details of the deal. Instead, they made only brief statements and did not answer reporters’ questions.

In a statement on the LCBO’s negotiating website, the liquor retailer said it expects to receive a charge of unfair labor practices shortly.

“OPSEU approved the agreement earlier today by signing a settlement protocol, which requires a recommendation for ratification to its members,” the statement said.

“They have since made significant new monetary demands that should have been dealt with at the negotiating table. Making new demands after a preliminary agreement is tantamount to negotiating in bad faith.”

Since July 5, approximately 700 LCBO stores have been closed after approximately 9,000 LCBO employees walked off the job.