The LCBO put out a statement this morning, claiming to be looking for “clarity” on LCBO workers’ bargaining priorities.
Throughout months of bargaining, LCBO workers have been clear: this strike is a fight for the future of the LCBO and the $2.5 billion in revenues it generates for public services each year. That’s why we put forward a plan to grow the LCBO to meet demand, to expand revenues and to support good jobs at the LCBO and in our communities. That’s our priority.
If those revenues get handed away, public services will suffer, and our jobs will be threatened in favour of big box billionaire and oil company profits (after all, it’s oil companies behind the majority of convenience store licensees, not mom-and-pop corner stores).
On Thursday, July 4, the LCBO put forward an insulting offer and told us not to come back unless we were willing to give up on our core demands for a better future.
They say they’re willing to talk about job security, but the offer they put forward would threaten thousands of jobs and public revenues. Our questions remain: how much revenue will be lost by the plan to expand alcohol sales, including ready to drinks? What is their plan to provide better job security for thousands of LCBO retail employees who are casuals and already struggling to make ends meet when revenues take a hit?
The LCBO has said they want us back at the table, but only if we follow their rules and drop ready to drink cocktails. Ready-to-drink spirit based cocktails are the fastest growing market in the alcohol industry. To us, seeing those products go into 8,500 new private retail locations (like gas stations and convenience chains) means less hours of work, fewer jobs, and lower public revenues.
The employer does not get to unilaterally decide what is discussed at the table – that’s why it’s called bargaining. We’re willing to return to the table at any moment – and for us, nothing is off the table. We know bargaining is a two-way street.
So, our question to the LCBO is this: will you stop the bullying and start bargaining?