Bargaining Update #1: March 15, 2024

Bargaining update meeting: Wednesday, March 20

After an incredibly powerful first week of bargaining, your LBED Bargaining Team wants the opportunity to share an update with all LBED members directly via an online meeting!We’ll let you know what happened at the bargaining table on March 13-14, and report back on the very successful Day of Action we held in 11 cities across Ontario on March 12^th.You can pick one of the following times to join us on March 20^th:

• 10:00 – 11:00 am
• 7:30 – 8:30 pm

Please register in advance at the links below:

(You must register in advance in order to get the meeting link.)10:00 am – Wed. March 20, 2024: Click here to register.7:30 pm – Wed. March 20, 2024: Click here to register.

First week bargaining update: Taking the power we’ve built together to the bargaining table

What a week!This week we kicked off the 2024 round of bargaining together. Your team was ready to face the employer head on, carrying the momentum and power we have built together, with our 7,000 petition signatures and our LCBO Day of Action kick-off events across Ontario!

Day 1 at the bargaining table: March 13

The first step in collective bargaining is talking about non-monetary proposals (issues that don’t have financial commitments from the employer, unlike monetary proposals such as wages and benefits). Your Team provided an opening statement to set the tone for bargaining and then tabled a 43-page document consisting of proposals to improve our workplace and ensure the LCBO as a public asset is around for another 100 years.The employer provided no opening statement but tabled many concessions that would lead to an increase in precarious work and the ongoing privatization of the LCBO. Their package also seeks drastic changes to scheduling that all but guarantees a permanent and devastating blow to our work-life balance.

The employer’s proposals included the following:

Removal of Letters of Agreement regarding:

• • protections against contracting out; and
  • agency and grocery store job loss protections; and
  • repatriation of stores.

Union Notice – Employer would no longer allow those employees hired before Sept 4, 2001, the right to decline work on Sundays.The ability to have casuals lose all seniority and be deemed terminated if they are absent without leave for longer than 10 consecutive days.Proposed language that would remove defined shifts in the Collective Agreement for Retail.Proposed a concept of alternate scheduling for RSCs with the intent of running facilities 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.In Logistics/Private stock they tabled language to remove the protections PFT employees currently have, to not be scheduled Saturday for straight time.Proposed expanded hours of work for Security in Logistics with the intent to have them work weekends.In Logistics they proposed to remove the posting of three-week advance schedule and provide only one week notice.In Logistics they tabled language that would put limitations on qualifying for the second consecutive day of overtime at double time.For Retail & POS/Help Desk they tabled to remove the rotation of 17 weekends off and provide those weekends when it suits their business need.For Retail & POS/Help Desk they tabled to remove the language that Sunday be voluntary for PFT and remove the ability to sign up for shifts and get two consecutive days off for working a Sunday.For all PFT employees they tabled to remove the language that provides at least two consecutive weeks of vacation in the summer months.Expanding the ability to use fixed term in Retail and Logistics.For Head Office they proposed to have fixed terms for as long as two years with no ability to move on a grid.In Logistics the Employer wants to revamp the overtime equalization language to eliminate payouts.

Day 2 at the bargaining table: March 14

On the second day, wearing red in solidarity, we contacted the employer to check if they had any questions. They indicated they are still reviewing our document and will not be in a position to respond until our next scheduled bargaining dates. We met with them and asked a number of clarifying questions on some of their proposals. We are continuing our thorough analysis of their documents and preparing a response to their proposals.

Next Bargaining Dates:

• April 15 & 16
• May 7 – 10
• May 16 & 17
• June 3 – 7
• June 17 – 20
• July 2 – 5

LCBO Day of Action demonstrated our worker power!

On our LCBO Day of Action this past Tuesday (March 12), we put the Ford government and our employer on notice that LCBO workers are fighting back! And boy, did we get their attention.After our show of force across the province on Tuesday, not only did we get dozens of media stories, but Doug Ford, Vic Fedeli, Peter Bethlenfalvy and the LCBO were forced to release statements to the press. You know we’re gaining momentum when all of them had to respond. Our actions worked. We’re getting under their skin, and we’re not letting up.Click here to see a roundup of news coverage and a few pics from the LCBO Day of Action.Also, check out the pictures and videos from all over Ontario posted on OPSEU/SEFPO’s social media accounts: @opseu on Twitter/X and Facebook, and @opseusefpo on Instagram and TikTok. #LCBOWorkersFightBackMore than ever before, your Bargaining Team can feel the tremendous support behind us. LBED members are a force to be reckoned with. Together, we will win!In solidarity,Your LBED Bargaining Team:Colleen MacLeod – Chair Jeremy Trainor – Vice-Chair Rachel Brunet Damian Campbell Craig Hadley