With pickets underway in communities across Ontario, local and regional media outlets came out to talk to workers about the issues facing them at the table, and the importance of keeping the public revenues the LCBO provides.
LCBO workers in Timmins take to picket line, 'we all own the LCBO'
In Timmins on Thursday, workers handed out pamphlets and asked people to help them fight to keep the LCBO, highlighting the importance of keeping profits for public services.
See the coverage from CTV Northern Ontario.
LCBO profits fund our social society: Cornwall OPSEU information picketers
Unionized employees from Cornwall’s two LCBO stores were showing the flag outside the Brookdale Avenue location on Thursday afternoon. The spokesman for the group, Jeff Scobie, said members want the public to know the issues at stake during the contract negotiations. “There’s precarious work, privatization, and getting the word out about the profit the LCBO makes for the people of Ontario,” said Scobie.
Read the full article from the Standard-Freeholder.
Public funds turn into private profits
LCBO employees were picketing outside of the LCBO on Brookdale Ave. in Cornwall on Thursday, May 18 to raise awareness about their concerns over the privatization of the liquor industry in Ontario.
Read the full article from the Cornwall Seaway News.
Union pickets ‘growing privatization’ of alcohol sales
The union representing Liquor Control Board of Ontario employees is arguing the privatization of liquor sales in the province will hurt all Ontarians where it matters most, their wallets.
Read the coverage from TBnewswatch.
'Impatience and frustration': Sudbury LCBO workers to hold picket
Just as the Victoria Day long weekend begins, workers with the Liquor Control Board of Ontario plan to hold a picket on Friday afternoon in Sudbury, Ont. Some of the main sticking points in the labour dispute include improving hours for casual employees and safety measures, especially for employees working alone.
Read the full article from CBC News Sudbury.
Local LCBO workers hit picket line, store still open
LCBO workers at the Hollinger Court location were on the picket lines Thursday to inform the public what the issues are at the contract bargaining table. Bargaining team chair Denise Davis spoke to local media about the challenges facing workers when it comes to job security, time with families, workers working alone and the need to stop privatization.
Read the full coverage from KISS FM in Timmins.
Precarious Work and Privatization Top Employee Concerns
Members of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union are holding protests throughout the province in response to privatization of the LCBO and unfair work practices. A protest in Windsor on Friday drew attention to the LCBO’s increasing reliance on casual workers, the majority of whom make less than $30,000/year, with some being in these positions for more than 17 years, with no access to full-time benefits, sick time, or vacation.
See full coverage of the Windsor picket from OurWindsor, AM800 and Blackburn News.
Related: OPSEU in the News