Alcohol and Gaming Commission staff authorize strike action

TORONTO - The employees of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario, members of Local 565 of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union, have voted 71 per cent in favour of strike action if they cannot achieve a fair first contract.

More than 80 per cent of the staff cast ballots. The strike vote was 108 to 43.

Key issues in the dispute revolve around the transition of staff from the Ontario Government and from the former Liquor Licensing Board of Ontario to the new crown agency. These include seniority with the new employer, job security and benefits, monetary issues and employer demands for concessions.

The workers inspect licensed premises where liquor is sold and regulate the gaming industry, including casinos, bingo halls and charity lotteries.

Three more dates are scheduled to continue bargaining with the help of a conciliation officer.

"I hope we can achieve a decent settlement without having to take job action," said bargaining team chair John Worton. "But our members have told us that they back our bargaining position, and we’ll be giving that message to the employer as clearly as we can when we return to bargaining."

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