Strike on the cards for LCBO?

A date has been set for employees to vote over industrial action as the union rallies against “creeping privatization.''

Strike on the cards for LCBO?
Strike action could soon be on the cards for the Liquor Control Board of Ontario as union representatives have set a date for an employee vote.

The Ontario Public Service Employees Union – which represents approximately 7,500 LCBO staff – confirmed yesterday that a vote will take place over April 24 and April 25.

The OPSEU has also called on the Ministry of Labour to appoint a third party conciliator amid claims the LCBO is demanding “alarming” concessions that cannot be met.

“If accepted, these proposals will weaken the LCBO and that our members cannot and will not accept,” said Denise Davis, chair of the bargaining team for OPSEU’s Liquor Board Employees Division. “Our proposals are aimed at building a stronger LCBO.

Job security, scheduling, and health and safety are among several major concerns for the OPSEU as is the government’s move to sell beer, wine and cider in grocery stores – something the union claims is a clear sign of “creeping privatization.”

In response, the LCBO has said it is committed to reaching a negotiated agreement and is still optimistic that will happen. Its collective agreement with the OPSEU expired on March 31.