LCBO workers to vote on strike in April; craft beer could become harder to come by
Craft beer in Ontario could potentially become harder to come by when 7,000 LCBO employees, also members of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU), say they will take a strike vote in April.
OPSEU says they are upset by a proposed four-year wage freeze and other drawbacks from their current contract. Additionally, according to OPSEU, the LCBO has proposed a revised pay grid for new employees, a wage freeze for wage progression and wants to eliminate 270 assistant management positions at its larger stores
Denise Davis, chair of the liquor board employees division of OPSEU, indicated that, “a strike vote does not mean employees will walk off the job. It’s a signal to management to get serious about negotiating a good contract that preserves good jobs in the community. The union’s contract with the LCBO expires on Mar. 31, with bargaining dates set for April.
The Toronto Star wrote that, The LCBO said in an emailed statement that the union put in only 10 hours of face-to-face bargaining before going public with plans for a strike vote.
The last threat of LCBO strike was in the June of 2009, which was averted after a deal was reached.
If the LCBO were to strike, consumers can always purchase beer at their local microbrewery retail store.
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