LCBO Workers in Ontario Ratify Three-Year Collective Agreement After Strike

Ontario's Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) workers have approved a three-year collective agreement after a strike. The deal ensures job security, protects public revenues, and includes wage and benefit enhancements. The contract also establishes 1,000 permanent part-time retail positions and 60 permanent full-time roles. Union officials have praised the agreement but criticized the government's policies as favoring corporate interests over public welfare.

The Ontario Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) workers' persistent efforts have yielded fruit as they recently approved a three-year collective agreement. The strike, which lasted two weeks, served as a testament to the workers' unwavering commitment to protecting good jobs and public revenues [1].

The newly ratified contract ensures job security for LCBO employees, safeguards public revenues, and includes wage and benefit enhancements. Moreover, the deal establishes 1,000 permanent part-time retail positions and 60 permanent full-time roles, marking a significant victory for the union.

Colleen MacLeod, Bargaining Team Chair, expressed her pride in the workers' accomplishments. "Our members stood strong, held strong lines, and talked to their communities. They won," MacLeod said, reflecting on the strike's success [1].

However, the union officials expressed concerns over the government's policies, which they perceive as prioritizing corporate interests over public welfare. MacLeod emphasized the need for a future where the LCBO and its revenues continue to grow with Ontario, rather than being undermined by the government's controversial plans [1].

The strike also highlighted the potential negative consequences of Doug Ford's 'alcohol everywhere' plan for the province. JP Hornick, President of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU/SEFPO), the union representing LCBO workers, asserted, "Ontarians are more aware than ever that Ford's plan isn't for them, it's for big box CEOs" [1].

References:
[1] Finance.yahoo.com. (2024, July 21). LCBO workers vote to ratify contract after two-week strike. Retrieved from https://finance.yahoo.com/news/lcbo-workers-vote-ratify-contract-200100152.html