Report: Union returns to the negotiating table in LCBO strike

Article content

The union representing striking LCBO workers will reportedly return to the bargaining table on Wednesday.

Article content

The Ontario Public Service Employees Union, which represents about 10,000 LCBO workers, told CityNews it would resume negotiations with management.

The workers went on strike on July 5 and have been protesting outside LCBO locations and warehouses across the province for nearly two weeks.

The union’s main points of contention include a plan to expand alcoholic beverage sales to convenience stores and to allow grocery stores to sell ready-to-drink cocktails in addition to beer, wine and cider. The union fears this could mean job losses across the province and millions of dollars in lost public revenue.

The provincial government announced Monday that it would accelerate its alcohol expansion plan to allow grocery stores to sell ready-to-drink beverages as early as Thursday instead of August 1.

Premier Doug Ford’s previous plan called for beer, wine and ready-to-drink cocktails to be available in convenience stores and all grocery stores by 2026. But in May he announced that would not happen until 2024 instead.

RECOMMENDED VIDEO

We apologize, but this video could not be loaded.

play video

Share this article on your social network