LCBO strike latest: Tourism industry struggling as convenience store applications pour in
Global News
Ontario's tourism industry is starting to feel the crunch of an LCBO strike that shows no signs of ending. Talks between the Ford government and OPSEU are yet to restart.
Tensions between the Ford government and the union representing more than 9,000 LCBO workers continue to rise as the provincial liquor store strike enters its 12th day.
Government-run LCBO stores across Ontario have been closed since July 5, when unionized workers went on strike, mainly over the province’s decision to allow corner and grocery stores to sell pre-mixed alcohol drinks.
Bargaining has not resumed since the strike began and, as both sides raise their rhetoric, Ontario’s tourism industry association says it fears profits during peak season could be ruined.
On Tuesday, the LCBO launched a television and newspaper advertising blitz, apologizing to customers for the strike and urging the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) to return to the table to negotiate.
The public relations campaign follows a decision by the Ford government to accelerate the timetable for its controversial liberalization of alcohol sales.
Instead of allowing the 450 grocery stores that already hold an alcohol licence to sell multi-packs of beer and pre-made drinks from Aug. 1, stores have been told they can begin ordering the drinks on Thursday and sell them to customers the moment they arrive.
OPSEU accused Ontario Premier Doug Ford of firing a strike to “push his alcohol-everywhere agenda” and “dismantle” the LCBO.
“Instead of bargaining in good faith with the union and revisiting public policy that’s flat-out bad for Ontario, Doug Ford is only focused on pushing his harmful agenda – he can’t be trusted,” said Colleen MacLeod, chair of the Bargaining Team.
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