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LCBO workers, who are represented by Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU), will be in a legal strike position on July 5 at 12:01 a.m. after a recent vote in which 97% supported job action if provincial and union negotiators fail to agree on a contract.

The union says key issues include a call to expand public retail locations, opening hours, warehousing, logistics and e-commerce capacity, and adding more full-time positions to the workforce. Currently, 70% of employees are casual workers.

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“LCBO workers don’t want a dry summer, we love how busy it is and being a part of Ontarians’ celebrations,” said union bargaining team chair Colleen MacLeod. “But we can’t stand by while Doug Ford gives away the LCBO’s revenues to big box and convenience chain CEOs. It’s on Premier Ford and the LCBO to make sure that public services and good jobs don’t get left behind.”

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The union says it’s presented proposals “that would modernize alcohol sales in Ontario, increase convenience, protect good jobs, and allow the province to keep investing the LCBO’s revenues – at least $2.5 billion each year — in public services” such as health care and education.

“We envision a future where the LCBO grows with Ontario,” added OPSEU President JP Hornick in a statement.

“We could improve convenience by expanding public LCBO retail locations and hours. That would not only grow the LCBO’s revenues that pay for our health care and education, but also create good jobs in communities across our province.”

The LCBO has posted a statement on its website saying the government booze retailer doesn’t want a strike.

“Should a strike occur, LCBO has measures in place to ensure continued customer service and will provide updates to our customers and partners,” said the statement.

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Source link torontosun.com