OPSEU and the Liquor Board Employees Division are working with the LCBO to ensure better protection for workers and the public during the COVID-19 pandemic, says OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas.
Our members at the LCBO are proud public service workers and they want to do their part during this crisis, but they shouldn’t be asked to put their health, or their families’ health, at risk.
We have heard your concerns and have stated them forcefully to the LCBO and are waiting to hear back on some of our concerns including:
- Eliminating cash payments for products
- Issuing masks to staff
- Clarification of the impact of Monday closure.
The Divisional Executive members and the LCBO have met by phone almost daily since the outbreak. OPSEU has persuaded the LCBO to install plexiglass barriers at checkout counters and the work will be proceeding as soon as possible. The LCBO has also agreed to limit the number of customers in some stores at any one time and provide security to enforce that. Stores are also putting tape on the floor to ensure social distancing and every other cash register is closed. The LCBO has also agreed to breaks every 30 minutes for handwashing and has taken steps to put more hand sanitizer in stores and keeping disinfecting supplies on hand.
If the LCBO is going to stay open, it must put in place any and all measures necessary to keep workers and the public safe. We respect the decision to stay open to help a vulnerable population, however we want to ensure all the necessary precautions are implemented to protect our workers and the public.
The LCBO is a public service which keeps alcohol out of the hands of kids and contributes $2.37 billion annually to public services. We will continue working with the LCBO to ensure staff and customers remain safe.
If you have concerns please contact Local President who has direct contact with your Staff Rep or a member of your divisional executive who are here to help you.
OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas
LBED Sector Divisional Chair Colleen MacLeod