TORONTO — The union representing workers at Ontario’s largest liquor retailer says the two sides are still far apart ahead of the strike date.
The Ontario Public Employees Union has given its approximately 10,000 employees at the Liquor Control Board of Ontario a strike deadline of 12:01 a.m. on Friday.
A spokesman said they were determined to negotiate a good outcome for workers, but expected it to be a long day.
The LCBO has said that in the event of a strike, all stores would be closed for 14 days. If the strike continues after that, the state-owned company will open 30 stores three days a week with reduced hours.
Workers are demanding pay increases and more full-time jobs. They say that 70 percent of their workforce now works part-time.
The union also fears job losses after Premier Doug Ford’s government announced plans to open the alcohol market to allow convenience stores and all grocery stores to sell beer, wine and ready-to-drink cocktails.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 4, 2024.
The Canadian Press
