Workers unhappy with liquor being sold at grocery stores, gas stations
Unionized workers employed by the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) are marching in the streets today ahead of the next round of bargaining between their union and employer.
The workers will be delivering petitions – signed by nearly 7,000 LCBO employees – demanding “a stop to the sell-off of the LCBO by the [Doug] Ford government and to protect good jobs across the province,” said the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU/SEFPO), which represents the workers.
“The LCBO generates $2.5 billion in annual revenue that goes directly into public services like health care and education. Premier Doug Ford has announced that his government will open the floodgate for big box grocers and gas stations to sell beer, wine, cider and ‘ready-to-drink’ cocktails – and he won't stop there,” said the union.
“LCBO workers are fighting to keep those revenues invested in public services instead of handed over to big box grocery store CEOs. They've shown that they are ready to fight for the future of the LCBO, and for the wages and working conditions they deserve.”
The “Day of Action” will take place in the following cities:
- Brockville
- Hamilton
- London
- Mississauga
- North Bay
- Ottawa
- Pickering
- Port Hope
- Thunder Bay
- Toronto
- Windsor
Previously, the strike of more than 8,000 academic and support workers at the University of Toronto (U of T) was averted thanks to a last-minute agreement.
Bill 124 wage adjustments
The “Day of Action” comes after, just this weekend, the Liquor Board Employees Division (LBED) won for LCBO workers wage adjustments related to Bill 124.
Arbitrator Gerry Lee issued an award that adds up 9.5% spread over three years:
- Year 1 – 2021 – 3%
- Year 2 – 2022 – 3%
- Year 3 – 2023 – 3.5%
The award is inclusive of the 1% already negotiated in the signed 2021-2024 collective agreement, according to OPSEU. LCBO workers’ wage rates will be adjusted with the new pay rates within 60 days of the award.
The wage increases apply to all current and former employees, including members on any leave including long-term incentive leave (LTIP), who were employed during the period of April 1, 2021 to present day.
Among current employees, all retroactive payments shall be executed as soon as practical but no later than 120 days from the date of the award.
For former employees, all retroactive payments shall be executed as soon as practical but no later than Dec. 31, 2024.
“Bill 124 is complete – and now we’re ready to build on that award in our next round of bargaining starting this week, stronger than ever,” said the union.
Ontario elementary and secondary teachers were also previously awarded retroactive pay to compensate for Bill 124.
