LCBO, union reach tentative deal to end 15-day strike
CBC
Striking LCBO workers have reached a tentative deal with their employer after a two-week historic strike, the two sides announced on Friday.
If the agreement is ratified, the strike will end at 12:01 a.m. on July 22, the LCBO said in a statement.
Retail stores will open for in-store shopping on July 23, the statement said.
"We look forward to welcoming our unionized employees back to work in service of Ontarians," the LCBO said.
About 9,000 workers walked off the job on July 5, the first strike in the LCBO's nearly 100-year history, shuttering 680 retail outlets across the province.
The Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) said the tentative agreement will protect jobs and public revenue generated by LCBO sales.
"The union is confident this agreement addresses the needs of workers and is a win for all Ontarians," the union said in a statement Friday.
Details on the deal won't be made public until they are communicated to all union members, OPSEU said. Union officials are expected to speak to media at 3:00 p.m. ET.
WATCH | Why LCBO workers are on strike:
On Monday, the province announced it was fast-tracking plans to bring ready-to-drink cocktails and larger packs of beer into some supermarkets.
The following day, OPSEU said in a statement it was returning to the bargaining table.
Its team was "ready with a plan to present to the LCBO tomorrow," the statement said. "To get a deal and end this strike, LCBO management need to do their jobs and bargain in good faith."
Ontario Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy reacted to the announcement on social media.