LCBO workers set to strike Friday if no deal reached, union says

The union representing workers at Ontario’s main liquor retailer says they are ready to strike if they don’t come to an agreement with their employer before 12:01 a.m. Friday.

Members of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) are in talks with the LCBO but says the two sides remain far apart ahead of the strike deadline.

In preparation, union members have begun setting up their Hamilton and Halton regional strike headquarters as the deadline approaches.

READ MORE: Alcohol sales expanding across Ontario

The union’s original collective agreement had expired on March 31, leaving nearly 10,000 workers without a contract since then.

The workers are seeking wage increases and more full-time jobs, and have said that 70 per cent of their workforce are filled with part-time roles.

Another big issue workers are worried about is potential job losses from the Ontario government’s plan to allow grocery and convenience stores to stock alcohol, including beer, wine and ready-to-drink cocktails, starting later this summer.

READ MORE: LCBO extending store hours ahead of looming strike

The LCBO has said that if a strike takes place, all locations will close for 14 days and after that, if the strike continues, the corporation will open 30 stores for three days per week, with limited operation hours.

Some stores extended their closing hours until 9:30 p.m. ahead of the strike, which is slated to last until the end of Thursday if no agreement is reached.

– With files from The Canadian Press