OPSEU Liquor Board Employees Division

2013 Collective Bargaining: News Alert Issue #3: LCBO workers set strike deadline: May 17

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LCBO workers set strike deadline: May 17

Frustrated by the LCBO’s refusal to negotiate a fair and just contract settlement, the bargaining team representing more than 7,000 liquor board employees has said to the Ministry of Labour that it is prepared to walk off the job on May 17 unless a contract settlement can be reached.

“We don’t apply for strike deadlines lightly but in this case we have no choice,” said Warren (Smokey) Thomas, president of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union which represents more than 7,000 unionized LCBO workers. ”The LCBO continues to try and force concessions and has no intention to make improvements despite its own employees voting 95 per cent in favour of strike action.

“We are looking to the LCBO to negotiate a deal that recognizes fair jobs for all its employees. To date it hasn’t demonstrated its willingness to recognize fair work for all LCBO employees.”

LCBO workers today filed an application with the Ministry of Labour indicating its intention to trigger job action on May 17 unless a tentative contract can  be reached .

Outstanding issues include conversion of part-time jobs to full-time jobs, equal pay for work of equal value, improvements to health and safety, and scheduling.

“We continue to negotiate with our employer but very little progress is being made at the table,” said Denise Davis, chair of the  liquor board employees’ bargaining team. “That has left us with no option but to declare a  May 17 strike deadline. We hope to reach an agreement before then.”

More information:

Greg Hamara
OPSEU Communications
647-238-9933 mobile            

Emily Visser
OPSEU Communications [French]
416-557-7936