LCBO workers strike in Windsor | CTV News

For the first time in the history of the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO), unionized employees are on strike – including about 525 workers from Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent.

In Windsor, strikers formed three picket lines at 7:00 a.m. on Friday.

“We are out here protecting our jobs,” said Jennifer Van Zetten, holding a picket sign.

Van Zetten, a regional board member of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU), felt encouraged by every honk of a passing car.

“We have the understanding of the public,” she said. “They understand.”

In the days leading up to the strike, long lines formed outside LCBO stores across the province, and on Thursday evening the union announced that negotiations had completely broken down.

The union demanded wage increases and more permanent positions for its members.

There were also concerns about job security given the expansion of alcohol sales in Ontario to retail outlets such as convenience stores.

The union said it was not opposed to the measure, but the province had not given any guarantee that workers would not be affected.

The province, for its part, said it had offered salary increases and full-time positions to about 400 casual workers.

In a statement, Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy wrote, among other things, that the government was disappointed that the union was “opposed to giving Ontario residents the choice and convenience of purchasing ready-to-drink beverages such as coolers and seltzer at grocery and convenience stores.”

Impact on distilleries

In Amherstburg, the Wolfhead Distillery was preparing for a loss of about $100,000 when the LCBO strike began.

“This will have a huge impact on sales. July is a really busy month in the LCBO,” said Danielle Moldovan, the distillery’s events and marketing manager.

The ability for consumers to pick up their products locally at their retail store, online or at one of the duty-free shops gives them reassurance.

She also hoped that restaurants and establishments in need of liquor could turn to Wolfhead if the LCBO did not have liquor in stock.

“We would be happy if you would pick up the phone and call us,” said Moldovan.

“If it’s not a product they’ve ordered or carried in the past, this can be a new opportunity to try some craft.”

Consumers also had the opportunity to shop online at the LCBO and could purchase alcoholic beverages at The Beer Store and select grocery stores.