LCBO Workers Strike: The Impact on Ontario
What is the current status of the LCBO workers’ strike?
The ongoing strike by the union representing Ontario liquor store workers has intensified, with the labor action entering its sixth day and no negotiations currently scheduled.
Last Friday, thousands of employees at the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) walked off the job. In response, Ontario’s primary liquor retailer has closed its stores for two weeks. Despite plans to open five distribution centers this week to supply alcohol to restaurants, bars, and other licensees across the province, picketing at these locations has halted those efforts. Instead, the LCBO is now offering online ordering for smaller orders.
The Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) argues that Premier Doug Ford’s initiative to expand the alcohol sales market threatens the very existence of the LCBO, potentially leading to significant job losses. Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy has stated that the government remains firmly committed to its alcohol expansion plans. Meanwhile, the LCBO has highlighted that its last contract offer included wage increases and the conversion of several hundred part-time jobs to full-time positions.
What Options Do Unionized Employees Have?
According to the Ontario Labour Relations Act, your union has a legal duty to fairly represent you. This means your union must ensure that the interests of all unionized employees are served in a manner that is not arbitrary, discriminatory, or in bad faith. As a unionized employee, you must follow the guidelines set out in your Collective Agreement, which is a written agreement addressing the employment relationship between the employee, union, and employer.
A strike can only happen after the Collective Agreement has expired and the union and employer have met all the requirements set out by the Canada Labour Code to hold a legal strike. Part of those requirements is the holding of a strike vote during the collective bargaining process. In the case of the LCBO, all conditions were met to allow the LCBO members of OPSEU to legally strike
How can I contact Whitten & Lublin for legal advice?
If you have questions about your employment, we recommend reaching out to an experienced employment lawyer. At Whitten & Lublin, we offer personalized insights and advice tailored to your specific situation. For more information on how our employment lawyers can assist you, please contact us online or call us at (416) 640 2667 today.