LCBO strike averted as tentative deal struck
Posted May 16, 2013 7:08 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Long weekend revelers will be able to pop the cork on their favourite alcoholic beverages after the LCBO struck a tentative deal with the union representing its workers Thursday night, averting a strike.
Word of the deal came at around 10 p.m. just hours before the 12:01 a.m deadline.
The deal, which must still be ratified, affects nearly 7,000 employees. Details of the agreement haven’t been released.
Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OSPEU) president Warren “Smokey” Thomas said a “fair balance” was struck.
“The (bargaining) team is unanimously recommending it for ratification,” he said.
LCBO president Bob Peter thanked the public for its patience.
“We believe this agreement is fair to employees, is in the best interest of taxpayers and will enable LCBO to continue to provide responsible, quality service to customers and licensees across the province,” Peter said in a statement.
Inequities of part-time work along with benefits, job security and improvements to health and safety standards were some of the main sticking points between the two sides.
The union said the Crown-owned corporation deliberately classifies many employees who work 25-40 hours a week as “casual” so it can pay them less than permanent workers. Only 2,800 of the LCBO’s 7,000 workers are full time.
Last week, OPSEU also filed a claim with the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario to try to force the LCBO to end the wage discrimination.
The employees contract expired March 31.
Fears of a strike had many stockpiling booze ahead of the Victoria Day long weekend. LCBO spokeswoman Heather McGregor said a final tally wasn’t available, but admitted that “sales were certainly brisk.”
With files from The Canadian Press
