Liquor distributor and workers reach tentative agreement in Ontario

Thousands of union workers in Canada have reached a tentative agreement with the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO), according to the CBC. If ratified over the weekend, 10,000 workers are expected to return to work on Monday, with LCBO stores reopening on Tuesday.

The liquor distributor and workers reach tentative agreement in Ontario after nearly collapsing when the LCBO reportedly refused to sign a return-to-work protocol. The LCBO was also planning to file an unfair labor practice complaint, alleging that the union introduced new monetary demands after the tentative agreement was signed.

The union sought compensation for striking workers for the time lost during the strike.
The LCBO stated that the return-to-work protocol does not include any new monetary elements but does provide for an 8% wage increase over three years, an additional 7.8% for the lowest-paid workers, and a special wage adjustment for certain trade positions.

Additionally, 1,000 casual workers will be transitioned to permanent part-time status, 60 full-time employees will be hired for warehouse operations, and part-timers who work between 1,000 and 1,300 hours will now receive benefits.

The deal also includes mental health benefits and severance provisions.

The strike was primarily driven by the expansion of alcohol sales to convenience and grocery stores in Ontario.

Starting last Thursday, grocery stores licensed to sell beer and wine were also allowed to sell ready-to-drink cocktail beverages and larger cases of beer.

The union believed the expansion would jeopardize jobs. The LCBO assured that the tentative agreement guarantees no retail stores will close due to the marketplace expansion.