LCBO workers vote to ratify new contract after two-week strike

TORONTO, July 21, 2024 /CNW/ – After an intense round of negotiations and an incredibly strong two-week strike, LCBO workers have voted to ratify a new three-year collective agreement that includes protections for good jobs and public revenues.

“We went on strike to protect good jobs and public revenues and to fight for more permanent jobs with social benefits and guaranteed working hours,” said Colleen MacLeodChairman of the negotiating team. “Our members have behaved strongly. They have followed clear lines, they have spoken to their communities – and they won.”

The now ratified contract contains significant improvements compared to the employer’s last offer in July 4 – the day before the strike began. In the new contract, there is a guarantee that no stores will be closed and a cap on the number of agency stores (similar to private liquor stores). Most importantly, however, is a shared commitment to a future where the LCBO and its revenues continue to grow. Ontario.

In addition to wage, severance pay and benefit improvements, employees also achieved a major success with 1,000 new permanent part-time jobs in retail and 60 permanent full-time jobs in logistics. – a feat MacLeod wasn’t sure she would ever achieve in her career.

“In my 27 years at the LCBO, the employer has continually transitioned the workforce to casualization, so that people have no guaranteed hours, no benefits, and no hope of permanent employment. Permanent part-time work has almost died out,” said MacLeod. “I am extremely proud that we fought back and won these permanent jobs. – it will improve the lives of workers and their families for many years to come.”

The union says that the new contract Ontario on a better path, the strike has made it clear that Doug Ford’s The plan to drink alcohol everywhere is ultimately bad news for the province.

“Ontarians are more aware than ever that Ford’s plan is not for them, but for the CEOs of major corporations,” said JP Hornick, president of OPSEU/SEFPO, the union representing LCBO workers. “We have no doubt that Ford’s webs of corporate cronyism and corrupt backroom deals will continue to be exposed.”

“OPSEU/SEFPO is a militant union, and this fight is far from over,” Hornick added. “I am incredibly proud of the power that LCBO workers have built, and they know how to use that power in the future. Fortunately Ontario Voters are also on our side – Ford’s own polls show this.”

“We are incredibly grateful for the outpouring of support we have received from our communities and allies. – it has strengthened us in the lines,” added MacLeod. “We are also grateful to the mediator Gerry Lee for his experience in supporting both parties.”

The story goes on

With stores reopening on Tuesday, Ontario residents will be able to shop at the LCBO again, knowing that their purchases are an investment in the very public services that Ford is currently seeking to drastically cut.

SOURCE: Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU/SEFPO)

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