You may find long lineups at your local LCBO today.
Nearly 10,000 LCBO employees represented by the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) will be in a legal strike position as of 12:01 a.m. on Friday.
The LCBO has said that in the event of labour action all retail locations will close for 14 days to transition to an updated operations model.
If a deal has not been reached by July 19, 30 LCBO stores will open provincewide for in-store shopping but will only operate on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays with limited hours. Mobile orders through the LCBO’s website and app will continue, allowing for free home delivery anywhere in Ontario for the duration of the strike.
There are alternatives for people to purchase alcohol during a strike. It will remain available at 2,300 private retail points of sale across the province, including LCBO Convenience Outlets, licensed grocery stores, The Beer Store, and winery, brewery, cidery, and distillery outlets. Bars and restaurants will still have access to liquor.
The union said the primary point of contention at the bargaining table is the Ford government’s expansion of alcohol sales. The liquor retailer has said negotiations are ongoing and it is focused on achieving a deal that is fair to bargaining unit employees and helps the LCBO continue to operate effectively and efficiently in Ontario in a new marketplace.
The Crown Corporation said last week OPSEU has signalled its intent to strike.
