TORONTO, July 17,
2024 /CNW/ - On the 13th day of their historic,
first-ever strike, LCBO workers will return to the bargaining
table today with their key demands top of mind: protecting
thousands of jobs and hundreds of millions in public revenues
generated by the LCBO annually.
On July 4th, the
employer handed the bargaining team an insulting offer that made it
clear they did not have a mandate to address our members' core
demands. Despite months of scheduled dates, the employer remained
unwilling to engage in meaningful discussion or disclose
information to the team that would be critical for informed
bargaining – including the extent of lost revenues from the Ford
Government's expanded alcohol-everywhere scheme or a plan to make
up for those losses.
"We are showing up today in good faith that a fair deal can
finally be reached," said Colleen
MacLeod, Chair of the Bargaining Team. "What we're putting
forward are ideas that are good for workers and good for
Ontario."
"We have shown our strength on our picket lines, and we've been
talking to our communities. We know that we have their support,"
added MacLeod. "We have been clear all along that we are willing to
talk, but that we will not back down from our core demands to
protect good jobs and public revenues. Now that the employer has
agreed to return, we're hopeful they'll come with a mandate to move
forward."
The union says today will be an important test of whether the
LCBO shares our vision of an Ontario where public revenues are protected
and where more stable and permanent jobs are created.
"Today is about the concrete gains that must be achieved at the
bargaining table, directly with this employer, to end the strike
that Ford forced by interfering," said OPSEU/SEFPO President JP
Hornick. "This round of bargaining is about what's best for
Ontario and our team is focused on
the task at hand - we hope the LCBO management team finally is
too."
"Ford never should have forced this strike and should rethink
his plan that puts big box CEOs and billionaires before the needs
of Ontarians, threatens good jobs and public revenues. It's
corporations that will win under his plan, not mom and pop stores
or Ontario craft producers," added
Hornick.
The bargaining team is headed back to the table confident in the
support they have from their communities. More than 9,000 LCBO
workers are still on strike and will remain strong on the picket
lines, joined by allies and supporters, until there is a fair deal
that every member can be proud of.
The union will hold an availability later today to update media
on progress at the table. More details to come.
SOURCE Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU/SEFPO)