FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 18, 2005
LCBO employees: Put no-privatization pledge in the contract
TORONTO- Liquor Board employees welcome Finance Minister Greg Sorbara's pledge not to sell the LCBO as recommended in a panel report released today.
But the union says the contract offer currently on the table would still cut key job security protections, allowing this government or a future government to privatize liquor stores and warehouses across the province. Union bargainers want to see an improved contract offer that reflects that commitment.
"We've seen a number of broken promises from this government already. If they are truly not going to privatize they should have no problem agreeing to better job protection for our members in the event of a sale of LCBO assets." said John Coones, chair of the Liquor Board Employees Division of OPSEU.
"A strong NO vote to the offer on the table now will send a message to the government and the LCBO that they have to put their pledge to keep the LCBO public, in writing, to our members," he said.
More than 5,400 workers represented by the Ontario Public Service Employees Union will cast ballots this week in communities across the province. Ballots will be counted July 22, with Thursday July 28 the strike deadline. The contract for LCBO staff expired March 31, 2005.
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For information please contact:
John Coones, Chair, OPSEU Liquor Board Employees Division - (647) 292-4401
David Cox, OPSEU Communications - (416) 443-8888 x 8314 ; or cell (416)-788-9197
Local voting locations can be found on-line at www.opseu.org
