Ontario's Liquor Retailer Braces for Potential Strike, Prepares for Store Closures

Ontario's Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) is preparing for a potential strike by its 10,000 unionized workers, with a strike deadline looming. The strike could shut down 669 stores if a new labor agreement isn't reached, marking the first LCBO strike. The union is seeking better job security and hours, while the LCBO plans to close for 14 days in the event of a strike, reopening 30 outlets with limited hours. The LCBO's expansion of beer and wine sales to 8,500 new outlets, including convenience stores, is not affected by the strike. Private retail locations will continue to sell beer and wine.

The Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) is bracing itself for a potential strike by its 10,000 unionized workers, which could lead to the closure of all 669 retail stores for up to 14 days [1]. The union is pushing for better job security, hours, and a modernization of alcohol sales, while the LCBO has proposed closing stores for two weeks and reopening with limited hours [2]. This strike would mark the first time the LCBO has experienced such industrial action, potentially disrupting Ontarians' summer celebrations.

The LCBO's decision to close all stores during the strike is aimed at transitioning to a new operations model [1]. However, the union argues that this move would result in the loss of public services and good jobs [1]. The union, represented by the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU), has presented proposals aimed at modernizing alcohol sales, increasing convenience, and protecting jobs [1].

According to a report by the Toronto Sun, the LCBO is currently operating with extended store hours across the province, encouraging customers to stock up on their products ahead of a potential strike [1]. If the strike does occur, the LCBO has outlined plans to close all stores for the first two weeks and open 30 stores on a limited basis from July 19 [2]. Private retail locations, unaffected by the strike, will continue selling beer and wine [1].

The potential impact of the strike extends beyond the closure of LCBO stores. The Ontario Restaurant, Hotel & Motel Association (ORHMA) has expressed concerns over the potential loss of revenue for restaurants and bars that rely on the LCBO for their beer and wine supplies [3]. Additionally, the ORHMA is concerned about the potential strain on the province's already burdened healthcare system, as alcohol sales are an essential source of revenue for the province [3].

As Ontarians gear up for the summer season, the LCBO strike looms as a potential disruption to their celebrations. Both parties are urging the public to stay informed and prepared for the potential impacts of this industrial action.

References:
[1] Toronto Sun. (2023, June 22). LCBO workers could be on strike next week, stores would close for 14 days. Retrieved from https://torontosun.com/news/provincial/lcbo-workers-could-be-on-strike-next-week-stores-would-close-for-14-days
[2] Global News. (2023, June 23). LCBO stores in Ontario to close entirely for two weeks if workers strike, limited shopping available after that. Retrieved from https://globalnews.ca/news/10592674/lcbo-strike-store-opening-hours/
[3] Ontario Restaurant, Hotel & Motel Association. (2023, June 23). ORHMA Statement on LCBO Strike. Retrieved from https://www.ohma.com/news/press-releases/2023/6/23/orhma-statement-on-lcbo-strike