Local LCBO employees are taking a stand against the Wynne government's privatization of alcohol sales.
By expanding the sale to grocery stores across the province, members of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU), are concerned that the increasing availability of alcohol will lead to an increase in health problems, as well motor vehicle collisions.
Local 162 President Jen Van Zetten says the situation is a public safety issue.
"The members are saying that we want to stop the expansion of wine, beer and cider in the grocery stores," she says. "[We want] to support public service, as well as the safety of our community."
Beer has been available in 60 grocery stores province-wide since December. Wine is to be sold in 70 grocery stores as of October or November.
OPSEU says the Wynne government did not do its due diligence and investigate the potential risks associated with selling alcohol in grocery stores.
"We partner with MADD, we have Students Against Drunk Driving; we make sure that folks in our community are safe at all times," says Van Zetten.
Van Zetten says there is also the fear that these changes may cause job losses.
"There's always the fear of the loss of good community jobs... We take pride in everything we do," she says.
Members of Local 162 in Windsor held an information picket on Friday outside of the LCBO at 3165 Howard Ave.