In the wake of the launch of LiqiLeaks.ca and an accompanying province-wide ad campaign, media outlets from across Ontario are covering the issues faced by workers and the possibility of a strike on June 26.
Quality-of-life issues at centre of LCBO labour dispute
The union representing nearly 8,000 LCBO workers says that as negotiations continue it is turning up the pressure on Premier Kathleen Wynne’s government to sign a new collective agreement and fix what it says are significant quality-of-life issues facing employees at the Crown corporation before a June 26 strike deadline. Both sides in the dispute are warning Ontarians to stock up on liquor before the Canada Day long weekend.
Read the full story in the Globe and Mail
LCBO extends hours in lead up to Canada Day as potential strike looms
The LCBO is extending hours amid fears of a last call due to a possible work stoppage next week. With 8,000 unionized workers set to hit the bricks on Monday, the provincial alcohol monopoly says some Liquor Control Board of Ontario stores will be open from 9 a.m. until 11 p.m. starting Thursday.
See the full story from the Toronto Star
LCBO's Monday strike deadline looms
Negotiators for the LCBO and its workers — represented by Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) — are at the bargaining table. But in its most recent online update, the provincial booze retailer encouraged customers to shop early to avoid possible long lineups. Some stores will even offer extended hours as the strike date looms.
OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas expressed concerns that management may be dragging out the talks to score a spike in sales — something he suspects has happened in previous rounds of collective bargaining
Read the full Toronto Sun article
Why Ontarians might want to stock up on booze before Canada Day
A group of 8,000 workers who are represented by the Ontario Public Service Employees Union are poised to go on strike if the company cannot meet the June 26th deadline for signing a new collective bargaining agreement. The previous agreement expired in March and the two parties have been negotiating since then. One of the main concerns of LCBO workers is the precarious and part-time nature of their employment. Eighty-four percent of employees are part-time with no room to be promoted to full-time. They are also fundamentally disappointed with how the establishment treats their staff.