The new LCBO store at Tecumseh Mall. BlackburnNews.com file photo.The new LCBO store at Tecumseh Mall. BlackburnNews.com file photo.
Sarnia

LCBO workers vote to ratify new agreement

LCBO employees who have been on strike for just over two weeks have voted to ratify a new three-year agreement.

The strike will end at 12:01 a.m. Monday.

In a statement Sunday the Ontario Public Services Employee Union (OPSEU) said the collective agreement includes a guarantee of no store closures and a cap on the number of agency stores, similar to private liquor stores.

This new deal also includes 1,000 new permanent part-time jobs in retail and 60 permanent full-time jobs in logistics in addition to wage, severance and benefit improvements.

The union also said the new contract includes protection of good jobs and public revenues.

"In my 27 years at the LCBO, the employer has continuously casualized the workforce, so that people wouldn't get guaranteed hours, benefits or permanent work. Permanent part-time nearly went extinct," said Colleen MacLeod, Bargaining Team Chair. "I am beyond proud that we fought back and won these permanent jobs- it will improve the lives of workers and their families for many years to come."

The LCBO also issued a statement Sunday.

"We thank the negotiating teams for LCBO and OPSEU, as well as the mediator, for their work in reaching an agreement that is fair for our unionized employees and helps the LCBO operate efficiently and effectively for Ontarians in a changing marketplace," it said.

The union also said the strike made it clear that the plan for alcohol everywhere is bad news for the province.

A full ratification of the deal by the provincial government will follow.

LCBO stores will open to shoppers on Tuesday.

"We are focused on returning to normal operations in support of our retail and wholesale customers and of Ontario's beverage-alcohol industry," said the LCBO. "We thank our customers for their understanding and patience as we make the necessary adjustments to return to the service levels expected from us."

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