FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 22, 2005
OPSEU welcomes liquor board employees
TORONTO: The Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) grew even stronger today as it welcomed 5,400 new members from the Ontario Liquor Boards Employees Union (OLBEU).
OLBEU members recently voted 87 per cent to become OPSEU's new Liquor Workers Division, representing unionized employees at the Liquor Control Board of Ontario. OPSEU's executive board approved the merger plan today.
"It's a big step for these new OPSEU members, and for our union as a whole," said OPSEU President Leah Casselman. "As members of OPSEU, the liquor workers will be part of a strong, dynamic network of public employees."
Former OLBEU President John Coones, now chair of OPSEU's Liquor Workers Division, said the merger will help OLBEU members combat the increasing erosion of their working conditions. He is also concerned about the current attempt to privatize the LCBO through private franchise stores and the Liberal government's desire to
place the LCBO into an income trust.
"OPSEU has the resources we need to fight for our jobs. Now we have the support of another 110,000 public sector workers to help us keep the LCBO in public hands," Coones said.
LCBO employees are now bargaining a new contract to replace one that expired March 31, 2005. They will be at the table with LCBO management June 27-30.
OPSEU represents about 115,000 workers across Ontario in all areas of the public sector.
-30-
For further information:
David Cox, OPSEU Communications, 1-800-268-7376 x 8314
