LCBO strike: All stores in Ontario could close on Friday

Ontario residents may face long lines at LCBO stores across the province today as customers prepare for a possible strike that will result in the closure of all LCBO stores for the next two weeks.

Here’s what you need to know about the looming industrial action:

What happens when employees stop working?

Approximately 10,000 LCBO employees, represented by the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU), are in a lawful strike position as of 12:01 a.m. Friday.

The LCBO has stated that in the event of industrial action, all LCBO outlets will be closed for a period of 14 days “to transition to an updated operating model.”

When will LCBO stores reopen?

If no agreement can be reached between the two sides, only 30 LCBO stores nationwide will be open for in-store shopping on July 19, but only on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays with “limited hours.”

Can I order alcohol online?

Mobile ordering through the LCBO website and app will continue to be available, allowing free home delivery anywhere in Ontario for the duration of the strike.

“Given the impact of a strike on distribution and operations, the LCBO must implement appropriate caps on products in-store and online,” the LCBO said in a statement released last week.

Is the LCBO extending its opening hours ahead of a possible strike?

Late last month, the Crown corporation announced that all of its stores would open as early as 9:30 a.m., and many would stay open until 10 p.m. to ensure customers had plenty of time to shop. Hours vary by location, the LCBO said.

Are other retailers allowed to sell alcohol during the strike?

The state-owned company has indicated that alcohol will continue to be available at 2,300 private outlets across the province, including LCBO convenience outlets, licensed grocery stores, The Beer Store, and outlets at wineries, breweries, cider houses and distilleries.

The LCBO has advised that customers may want to “stock up” on spirits and vintage wine products that are not available at other alcohol retailers in the province.

Why is the union considering industrial action?

According to the union, the biggest point of contention at the negotiating table is the expansion of alcohol sales by the Ford government.

The LCBO said negotiations are ongoing and that the focus is on “reaching a deal that is fair to the bargaining unit’s employees and helps the LCBO continue to operate effectively and efficiently in a new market in Ontario.”

The state-owned company said last week that OPSEU had “given clear signals of its intention to strike.”