Don’t be surprised if it’s busier than normal at your local LCBO today as a strike date looms just after midnight.
OPSEU, the union representing the 10,000 workers, and the LCBO have yet to reach a deal.
If the workers do strike, the stores will be closed for 14 days, then 30 will re-open on weekends only. The LCBO has not said which stores will open. It operates more than 600 in the province.
The LCBO says they will continue online sales and sales of certain alcoholic beverages and spirits will also continue at agency stores and grocery stores, though they are few in our listening area. You can find agency stores in Camden East, Newburgh, Odessa, Stella and Yarker.
The province’s Beer Store retail outlets would not be affected by the strike.
Traffic at local stores in Napanee, Deseronto, Amherstview and Tamworth was picking up slightly yesterday. It is expected to be even busier Thursday ahead of the deadline.
Talks between the union and the LCBO have been ongoing for months with little movement on both sides. The Union received an overwhelming strike mandate in June with 97% of those who voted opting to walk.
That announcement came shortly after Premier Doug Ford announced an accelerated plan to get more alcohol offerings in grocery and big box stores, and expand sales to convenience stores by the end of the summer/early fall.
A mediator has been appointed to oversee the talks, but so far neither side has reported any progress.
Written by Bob Perreault