TORONTO, July 21,
2024 /CNW/ - Following an intense round of bargaining
and an incredibly strong two-week strike, LCBO workers have voted
to ratify a new three-year Collective Agreement that includes the
protection of good jobs and public revenues.
"We went on strike to protect good jobs and public revenues, and
to win more permanent jobs with benefits and guaranteed hours,"
said Colleen MacLeod, Bargaining
Team Chair. "Our members stood strong. They held strong lines, they
talked to their communities -- and they won."
The now-ratified deal includes significant improvements from the
employer's last offer on
July 4 – the day before the
strike started. In the new contract, there is a guarantee of no
store closures and a cap on the number of agency stores (akin to
private liquor stores). Most importantly, there is a shared
commitment to a future in which the LCBO, and its revenues,
continue to grow with Ontario.
In addition to wage, severance and benefit improvements, workers
also achieved a massive win with 1000 new permanent part-time jobs
in retail and 60 permanent full-time jobs in
logistics – an accomplishment MacLeod wasn't
sure she'd ever achieve in her career.
"In my 27 years at the LCBO, the employer has continuously
casualized the workforce, so that people wouldn't get guaranteed
hours, benefits or any hope of permanent work. Permanent part-time
nearly went extinct," said MacLeod. "I am beyond proud that we
fought back and won these permanent jobs – it
will improve the lives of workers and their families for many years
to come."
The union says that while the new contract sets Ontario on a better path, the strike has made
it clear that Doug Ford's alcohol
everywhere plan is ultimately bad news for the province.
"Ontarians are more aware than ever that Ford's plan isn't for
them, it's for big box CEOs," said JP Hornick, President of
OPSEU/SEFPO, the union representing LCBO workers. "We have no doubt
that Ford's webs of corporate buddies and corrupt backroom deals
will continue to be exposed."
"OPSEU/SEFPO is a fighting union, and this fight is far from
over," added Hornick. "I am incredibly proud of the power that LCBO
workers have built, and they know how to use that power moving
forward. Luckily, Ontario voters
are also on our side – Ford's own polling shows
it."
"We are tremendously grateful for the outpouring of support we
saw from our communities and allies – it
strengthened us on the lines," added MacLeod. "We are also
thankful to mediator Gerry Lee for
his experience in assisting both parties."
With stores set to open on Tuesday, Ontarians can once again
shop at the LCBO knowing that their purchases are an investment
into the very public services Ford is set on slashing.
SOURCE Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU/SEFPO)