Yesterday, a bustling downtown Toronto was the site of an impassioned rally by striking Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) workers. The protest, located near Bay and Bloor streets, marked the second day of the strike, as workers voiced their demands for job security and called on the Ford government to reconsider its accelerated plans to liberalize the alcohol market.
The rally comes after months of unsuccessful contract negotiations between the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) and LCBO management. At present, no further bargaining sessions have been scheduled.
One of the main points of contention is job security for LCBO employees. Workers are concerned that the government’s plan to expedite the availability of ready-to-drink cocktails in grocery stores and convenience stores will threaten their positions. Starting next month, grocery stores that already sell beer and wine will also be allowed to sell these cocktails, with convenience stores following in September.
Union representatives argue that this move not only jeopardizes the future of the LCBO but also poses a risk to the financial health of core public services.
While Premier Doug Ford has yet to publicly address the strike, the province’s finance minister’s office issued a statement asserting that LCBO revenues and dividends paid to the government have consistently grown, despite the expansion of alcohol sales to private outlets, bars, and restaurants.
In a press release, the LCBO expressed disappointment over the strike, emphasizing its commitment to maintaining high service standards during this challenging period. “We have plans in place to minimize disruption as much as possible and ensure that our products remain available to our valued retail and wholesale customers,” the statement read.
Despite the strike, the LCBO is offering various shopping options to customers. While all LCBO retail locations are closed for 14 days, online orders with free home delivery remain available, albeit with certain product limits. Additionally, starting July 19, a limited number of retail stores will reopen for in-store shopping three days a week with restricted hours.
The strike does not affect approximately 2,300 private retail points of sale across the province, including LCBO Convenience Outlets, licensed grocery stores, The Beer Store, and winery, brewery, cidery, and distillery outlets, as well as bars and restaurants. LCBO Specialty Services and Duty-Free operations also remain unaffected.
As this situation develops, stakeholders on all sides will be watching closely to see how it unfolds and what it means for the future of alcohol sales in Ontario.