TORONTO — The union representing workers at Ontario's main liquor retailer says they will be going on strike after talks broke down ahead of a deadline.
The Ontario Public Service Employees Union has set a strike deadline of 12:01 a.m. Friday for its approximately 10,000 workers at the Liquor Control Board of Ontario.
Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy's office said in a statement that it is disappointed by the union's decision to walk away from the bargaining table hours before the deadline.
The LCBO says its latest proposal responds to a number of the workers' demands but the union refused to make a counterproposal.
The Crown corporation has said that if a strike takes place, all locations will close for 14 days and, after that point, if the strike continues, it will open 30 stores three days a week, on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, with limited hours.
It has also said it will continue operating its online retail services, though what customers can purchase may be limited.
"Recognizing the impact of a strike on distribution and operations, the LCBO will need to institute reasonable caps on products in store and online," the LCBO wrote in its strike plan.
A strike wouldn't affect LCBO convenience outlets in smaller communities, and sales would also continue at grocery stores, private winery, brewery and distillery outlets, as well as bars, restaurants and The Beer Store.
The workers are seeking wage increases and more full-time jobs, saying part-time roles have become 70 per cent of their workforce.
The union is also fearful of job losses after Premier Doug Ford's government announced plans to open up the alcohol market to allow convenience stores and all grocery stores to sell beer, wine and ready-to-drink cocktails.
Some of those changes are set to take effect this summer.
The LCBO's latest proposal, which it said was tabled Thursday afternoon, includes wage increases of 2.5 per cent in the first two years of the deal and two per cent in the third year, as well as a special adjustment for certain warehouse positions.
The proposal would convert about 400 casual workers to permanent full time; improve access to benefits for casual part-timers; expand shift ranges for retail permanent full-timers; and improve severance provisions.
The LCBO said it also includes letters of agreement to limit agency stores and contracting out, and to increase the volume of product at warehouses serving retail outlets.
