LCBO stores to remain closed: It’s on Ford to end the strike he forced and the dry summer it is causing for Ontarians

Today, the LCBO announced that it was reversing its decision to try and open select stores 3 days per week, saying that all stores will now remain closed for the duration of the strike.

A major reason that strikes work is that they are disruptive. The strength of our lines and our solidarity are clearly making an impact.

Workers saw this announcement coming. Without LCBO workers, the LCBO doesn’t work.

We understand that this strike impacts our customers and communities. Our members want stores to be open and to be back at work as soon as possible. Our members miss their regulars and want to get back to work. It is on Ford to end this strike, after all – he forced it to justify his rushed alcohol everywhere scheme.

Our bargaining team is prepared to return to the bargaining table as soon as it is clear to us that Ford and the LCBO are prepared to bargain in good faith a future that will protect good jobs and protect public revenues as well as create more stable and permanent jobs.

The Premier needs to be reasonable and stop interfering with our bargaining. It was clear to us that our employer was told never to bargain with us at the table. Instead of interfering with our negotiations, he should instead consider regulatory changes that will protect public revenues and put workers, communities and Ontario small businesses first.

Because our employer will see that the changes we propose are good for the LCBO – and Ontario.