LCBO strike ends, Barrie employees react to decision

Although employees were still striking outside closed LCBO branches on Saturday, many were optimistic after a tentative agreement was reached between the LCBO and the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) to end the strike.

“We are all excited, we want to get back to work, we love our jobs,” said Sandra Scian, an LCBO customer service representative from Barrie who works in Toronto.

Scian protested with her colleagues in front of the store on Bayfield Street on Saturday afternoon.

“It was a long journey, but we got most of the things we wanted,” said Angella Bernard, a customer service representative at the LCBO in Barrie.

As the strike nears its end, many local businesses are keen to return to the site to stock up on needed supplies.

“I think these sales and everything else will be positive for our company and generally for everyone in Dunlop and Barrie,” said Mackenzie Emerson, assistant general manager of Flying Monkeys Craft Brewery, which sells its craft beers to the LCBO.

The Ontario Tourism Industry Association said the strike had significantly impacted tourism in the province during peak season.

“I think operators can breathe a little easier now,” said Andrew Siegwart, president and CEO of the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario. “We need to wait and see to make sure the supply chain gets back up and running as quickly as possible and bars can get back to doing what they do best.”

OPSEU said in a statement that the tentative deal protects good jobs in all communities and the public revenue generated by the LCBO.

Voting on the new agreement began Saturday. If a majority of LCBO employees vote for the new contract, they will be able to return to work on Monday and businesses will be able to reopen on Tuesday.