LCBO strike: Shops no longer open on Fridays

The LCBO has scaled back its plan to open select stores on Friday as retail workers across the province continue to strike, the Crown corporation said in a statement Sunday.

The alcohol retailer had originally announced that it would open 32 of its stores on July 19, but that they would only be open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays with “restricted opening hours” even if no agreement was reached.

However, the LCBO announced on Sunday that due to its successful fulfillment of online orders within a week, it had made an operational change and was reassigning employees who were originally scheduled to be deployed in select retail stores.

More than 9,000 LCBO employees went on strike on July 5, closing 669 locations across Ontario.

This is the second time the LCBO has scrapped plans to temporarily reopen stores. On Monday, the LCBO withdrew its plan to open five stores so bar and restaurant owners could buy alcohol after the state-owned corporation said the union had threatened to strike outside those stores.

“This change in strategy means we can improve the way we supply bars and restaurants in Ontario to improve product selection, availability and delivery,” the LCBO said in a statement.

CTV News Toronto reached out to the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) on Sunday afternoon for a response to the LCBO’s statement.

The union representing the striking workers has said the biggest sticking point at the bargaining table is the Ford government’s plan to expand alcohol sales in the province. Beer, wine and ready-to-drink beverages will be available in some convenience stores by the end of the summer.

“We want this strike to end, remain committed to reaching an agreement with OPSEU and encourage them to respond to our fair offer,” the LCBO said in a statement.