STRIKE: LCBO workers walk, stores close across Ontario

The talks didn’t produce a deal, as a result more than 600 LCBO retailers across Ontario are closed today, and could be for some time.

The Ontario Public Service Employees Union says roughly 10-thousand workers at the province’s main liquor retailer went on strike at 12:01 a-m Friday as contract negotiations with the LCBO didn’t produce a new collective agreement.

In a release the LCBO stated, “LCBO is disappointed that the leadership of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) has decided to initiate the first strike in our long history.”

Retail stores will be closed for 14 days. After that period, up to 32 stores will open for weekend-only service. The locations of those stores has not been disclosed as of this morning.  Online ordering services are still being offered.

“LCBO is committed to maintaining the highest standards of service that we can during this challenging time,” continues the statement. “We have implemented contingency plans to help minimize disruption as much as possible and ensure that our products remain available to our valued retail and wholesale customers. We will be operating our business, but it is not business as usual.”

The strike does not affect the province’s Beer Stores. Nor does it affect grocery stores that have alcohol for sale.

LCBO agency stores remain open to serve customers. You can see a list of those stores here: LCO Directory.pdf (doingbusinesswithlcbo.com)