Pickets now surround LCBO stores in northwestern Ontario.
The members of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union are fighting against the Ford government’s move to expand liquor sales to corner and big box stores.
It is the key issue in their labour dispute with their employers.
Christina Rose, a local union president in Fort Frances, fears what it could mean to stores like hers.
“I’m scared. I’ve pretty much grown up with the LCBO, and I’m scared. I don’t know what I’ll do if we lose our jobs. I honestly don’t,” says Rose.
Rose says the union is also for expansion and more convenience but wants to be the ones to be the distributors.
OPSEU argued at the bargaining table for opening more stores and increasing hours, which it says would expand sales and revenues that help fund public services like health care and education.
Many northwestern Ontario stores operate with a limited number of full-time staff that is complimented with several part-time employees.
“So, there’s no guaranteed hours. They get no benefits until after five years. A lot of them work full-time hours but don’t get the benefits, the benefits of working full-time hours.”
LCBO says its offer includes plans to have about 400 casual employees become full-time.
It has also presented the union with wage increases totalling 7 per cent over the next three years, improved benefits for part-time workers, and guarantees to limit the number of agency stores and contracting out.
The strike comes amid the tourism season.
Stores like the one in Fort Frances see a lot of U.S. residents heading to fishing lodges around the region.
They now drive past the picketers, unable to obtain their favourite beverage.
Rose wishes they could help them.
“We apologize. It’s not fun for us either. It definitely isn’t where we wanted to go. I’ve never done this before. None of us have. And we hope they come to a tentative agreement quickly and help everybody.”
The LCBO says all stores will remain closed for at least two weeks.
It is preparing to reopen 32 select locations at reduced hours if the strike goes beyond July 19.
The LCBO is also planning to continue fulfilling online and wholesale orders for its agency outlets and private retailers, as well bars and restaurants.
