Chair’s message
Greetings,
I don’t think I’m alone when I say it feels like this winter has been dragging on for years. Between the record cold snaps and snowfalls leaving cars completely buried in, we’ve reached the end of our snow-patience. Fortunately, the worst of winter is over, things are beginning to thaw, and warmer days are on the horizon.
Also on the horizon, are OPSEU/SEFPO regional elections and Convention. I want to offer a big congratulations to LBED members who have put their name forward or plan to run for any of the provincial or executive board positions. It takes a lot of guts to put yourself out there and our union is stronger because of it.
Speaking of stronger, that’s exactly what your DivEx plans to be when pre-bargaining activities kick off later in the year. Preparations have already been made to update our campaign management database – Action Builder. When our new bargaining team and mobilizers are elected at the May 30 pre-bargaining conference, they’ll be able to get right to work on what could be one of our most important rounds of negotiations yet!
CEO George Soleas has retired after nearly 30 years with the LCBO. Premier Ford consistently plagued day-to-day LCBO operations with publicity stunts, failed product campaigns and trivial nonsense. Time and Time again, George had to wear our Premier’s poor decisions, and the new CEO will have to do the same or potentially face an expedited retirement.
As for the new boss… welcome to the LCBO. You have the privilege of leading a 99-year-old multi-billion-dollar retail operation with more than 10,000 “best in class” workers. You’re inheriting an activist workforce that is organized, mobilized, and ready do whatever it takes to keep the LCBO public.
As spring arrives nature awakens, bringing warmer temperatures and longer days. If you garden, it won’t be long before you’re preparing the soil. Coincidentally, that’s where our sector is in terms of the bargaining timeline: cultivating member unity. I have my cellphone, I have my member list, and I’m pumped. I’m ready to sow some seeds of solidarity, are you?
We got this!
Colleen Macleod,
LBED Divisional Chair
Vice-Chair / Grievance Committee
The committee held its first meeting with newly elected members on December 12, where the committee’s mandate and terms of reference were reviewed.
In addition, 31 grievances were vetted: four were recommended for arbitration, three for mediation/arbitration, two were placed on hold pending more information, 20 were deferred, one was held in abeyance, and the last was recommended for withdrawal.
Looking ahead, the committee will focus on improving the grievance process, strengthening information gathering at the filing stage, and enhancing the appeal process. A grievance investigation form, for instance, is being reintroduced to support local presidents and stewards when assisting members.
In solidarity,
Damian Campbell – Chair (L378)
Brenda White – Member-at-Large, Retail (L377)
Justin Malette Larcher – Member at Large, Non-retail (L164)
Secretary/Treasurer
In this role, my aim is to build trust and strengthen relationships with local presidents and designees by ensuring our financial records are accurate and meeting minutes are shared in a timely manner.
Current executive contact lists have been received from several locals. These annual updates are required to keep our records up-to-date. Locals needing assistance submitting this information are encouraged to reach out.
Divisional trustee audit reports for July – December 2024 and January – December 2025 remain outstanding. Meetings will be scheduled with the trustees and leadership to finalize the reports.
Locals were not charged divisional dues last year because of their strike-related expenses and the division’s strong financial position. Billing for 2026 is being prepared, and clarification may be required for any outstanding invoices.
Moving forward, I am focused on building a strong financial foundation that supports our sector’s goals. This includes exploring more efficient ways to keep our books organized and members informed. A standardized Excel tracking system, for example, is being implemented to monitor allotted, used, and remaining union leave time.
In solidarity,
Shelly Robitaille
Secretary/Treasurer (L162)
Pension and Benefits Committee
As a new committee chair it is very exciting to work alongside Tricia and Lee, two remarkably keen committee members who are also new to their roles. We are committed to making information easier for members to access, which is crucial for building confidence in understanding pension and benefits entitlements.
Over the next three months, members can look forward to an informative Zoom social meeting as well as straightforward infographics and other helpful resources. Planning for retirement is important, and our committee is here to help members understand their options and work toward achieving their goals.
In solidarity,
Stephanie Hickman – Chair (L377)
Lee Hamilton – Member-at-large (L378)
Trisha Harrison – Member-at-large (L164)
Provincial Health and Safety Committee
In November, the committee met with the employer and received confirmation that the “You Are in Control” program is under review. Concerns about managers not prioritizing the annual Workplace Violence Risk Assessment were also raised, and the employer advised that further education is underway.
The committee met with the employer again in January where the impact of workplace violence on mental health was explored, and the importance of mental health first-aid training for managers and supervisors was also reinforced.
Objections were voiced about cancelled cleaning contracts at stores following the introduction of new legislation, which the committee has asked to be addressed at Regional Labour Management meetings.
Overcrowding, noise, and stress at head office following return-to-office mandates were also discussed. The employer responded that additional workstations are being added, and alternate work arrangements are under review.
The committee raised concerns about the reliability of health and safety huddles in logistics. Management confirmed employees should have these huddles monthly, and receive information via communication boards, display screens, and Workday notifications. The employer will consider the committee’s recommendation to increase huddle frequency and tracking.
The committee also reviewed Ministry of Labour and WSIB reports and will continue to monitor.
In solidarity,
Debbie McGuiness – Chair (L5110)
Jonathon Pukila – Member-at-Large (L163)
Kristan Wolfe – Member-at-Large (L377)
Anti-Privatization Committee
The committee has set several objectives for the next few months that will provide critical information to members about keeping the LCBO public.
We are developing a Zoom social meeting outlining the “Cost of Convenience” to educate and strengthen resolve within the membership. We will continue research on the impacts of increased access to beverage alcohol on our communities, including a rise in healthcare costs, impaired driving, and theft. The committee is also investigating changes to the Ontario Deposit Return Program after the closure of more than 100 Beer Store locations. We look forward to sharing our findings, inspiring the membership, and assisting the bargaining team.
In solidarity,
Lorrie Scuffell -Chair (L4100)
Meg Owen – Member-at-Large (L741)
Skylar McCarthy – Member-at-Large (L163)
Education and Communication Committee
The committee met virtually in December to compose the holiday edition of The Echo. It included a holiday greeting from the sector chair, along with bios and portraits of the new divisional executive (DivEx). The next edition will be available sometime in March.
As of February 9, the official Liquor Board Employees Division (LBED) Facebook page has maintained more than 2,700 “likes” with 3,338 followers. The page continues to engage our members and LBED followers.
The committee has purchased a subscription to Canva Pro and has already used it to design eye-catching posters to promote our next sector divisional meeting.
We are excited to be working on another around of Zoom social meetings, beginning in March.
Craig Hadley – Chair (L5109)
Amanda (AJ) Johnson – Member-at-Large (L163)
Kristan Wolfe -Member-at-Large (L377)
In Solidarity,
Your Liquor Board Employees Division (LBED) Divisional Executive:
Colleen MacLeod (L5107), Chair
Damian Campbell (L378), Vice-Chair
Shelly Robitaille (L162), Secretary/Treasurer
Craig Hadley (L5109) Chair, Education and Communications Committee
Debbie McGuinness (L5110) Chair, Health and Safety Committee
Stephanie Hickman (L377) Chair, Benefits and Pensions Committee
Lorrie Scuffell (L4100) Chair, Anti-Privatization Committee