Toronto – With skids of bottles appearing in the aisles of LCBO stores across the province, the President of the union representing LCBO workers says that management’s attempts to profit from public anxiety about a strike have gone too far.
Warren (Smokey) Thomas, President of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU), says the employer’s actions are putting profit before people and threatening the safety of workers and the public, “all in the name of making a couple extra bucks.”
“There’s no need to drag this out just to pad the LCBO’s profits,” said Thomas. “With the bargaining dates we’ve added this week, and the five days we have scheduled next week, there’s just no need to go down to the wire if this employer wants to get a deal.
“Six and a half days is plenty of time, especially given the Premier’s comments yesterday, where she made it very clear her government has made addressing the concerns of exploited workers a priority.”
In an interview with the Toronto Star yesterday, Premier Wynne made it clear that she agrees that government has a responsibility to set an example when it comes to good labour practice.
Thomas pointed out that, given this clear signal, “there’s no reason we can’t get an agreement by next Friday, putting things to rest before the weekend.”
“Dragging things out just increases anxiety for restaurant and bar owners, adds stress for the public, and leads to unsafe working conditions for my members,” said Thomas. “We know LCBO management loves the profits they get from playing this game every time, but enough is enough.
“The Premier has already made her position clear. There’s just one question left: will her LCBO President follow her lead and come to an agreement with our team on how to build a better LCBO together?
“Or is he so desperate to sell an extra couple bottles that he doesn’t care who pays the price?”
For more information: Warren (Smokey) Thomas, 613-329-1931