FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 8, 2005
Liquor board employees set strike deadline to keep LCBO public
TORONTO - It could be a hot, dry summer if the LCBO continues its drive towards privatization of Ontario liquor stores, the union representing 5,400 LCBO employees says.
The Ontario Public Service Employees Union bargaining team is asking LCBO staff to reject the employer's offer in a vote to be held July 18-21, and has set a strike deadline of July 28. The team's decision follows almost 50 days of bargaining in which LCBO management has refused to back off on concession demands that
would eliminate members' job security protection and set the stage for privatizing liquor stores across the province.
OPSEU also requested the provincial conciliation officer issue a "no board" report. This will start the clock ticking towards the union's July 28 strike deadline.
"Our members simply want the LCBO to negotiate a contract that's fair to employees." said John Coones, chair of the Liquor Board Employees Division of OPSEU. "We want to avoid a labour disruption and keep the stores open this summer," he said. "But we also want to keep the LCBO in public hands and that may take a
fight."
OPSEU members will be leafleting at larger LCBO stores in nine Ontario cities on Saturday, July 9 from 10 a.m - 1 p.m., to warn customers about the dangers of privatization and the risk of a strike if the LCBO fails to negotiate a fair contract with its employees.
Privatization of liquor outlets in Alberta has led to higher prices, increases in alcohol-related crime, increased enforcement costs, increased underage consumption, and reduced government revenue, studies say. According to polls, two-thirds of Ontarians consistently oppose LCBO privatization.
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
OPSEU's Liquor Board Employees Division website
OPSEU members will be leafleting at the following LCBO stores on
Saturday, July 9 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Toronto - Summerhill store, 10 Scrivner Square, Yonge St. south of Summerhill Ave
Barrie - 534 Bayfield St. at Hanmer St. East
Brampton - 545 Steeles Ave East at Hwy 410
London - 109 Fanshawe Park Rd East
London - 3050 Wonderland Rd South
Ottawa - 275 Rideau St. at King Edward Ave
Sudbury - 2040 Algonquin Rd at Regent St.
Thunder Bay - 620 Arthur St. West at Mountdale Ave
Whitby - 170 Taunton Rd West at Brock St. North
Windsor - 3165 Howard Ave at E.C. Row Expressway
