LCBO workers’ union returns to bargaining table for second day

For the second day in a row the union representing LCBO workers, and the crown corporation were back at the bargaining table, trying to hammer out a deal to end the strike.

On Thursday, the worker’s strike pay kicked in which works out to be $50 a day. Picketers on the Hamilton Mountain said that while it isn’t much, it is worth the possibility of job security in the future.

This comes as ready-to-drink cocktails are set to appear on shelves across 450 grocery stores across the province.

Premier Doug Ford’s government announced on Monday they were accelerating their plan that was originally set for an August rollout date.

READ MORE: LCBO bargaining to resume Wednesday, union says

This alcohol expansion has been a main sticking point for LCBO workers on strike, who say they are concerned about job security, and what this will mean for the company’s future.

“This is not about wages, this is about protecting jobs. The province tends to keep people as temporary contract workers for a very long time which isn’t sustainable in this day and age,” says OPSEU Regional VP, Peter Figliola.

Negotiations between the union and LCBO management started up again on Wednesday with the goal of reaching a deal.

A spokesperson for the minister of finance says they are glad the union has returned to the bargaining table, but ready-to-drink beverage sales are not up for negotiation.

As the strike continues, Restaurants Canada says eateries are facing significant challenges when it comes to getting alcohol.

READ MORE: Just 15 per cent of Ontarians say they’re affected by the ongoing LCBO strike: poll