'Ford's dry summer begins': All LCBO stores closed as workers go on strike
CTV
All LCBO stores are closed on Friday as thousands of workers hit the picket lines after their union and employer failed to reach an agreement.
The strike is the first in LCBO's history. The Crown corporation has previously announced that its 669 retail stores will not open in the event of a job action.
In a statement after the 12:01 a.m. deadline passed without a deal, the Liquor Control Board of said it was disappointed with the leadership of the the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU), which represents more than 9,000 employees, for initiating the historic strike.
"For the past several months, we have engaged in collective bargaining with OPSEU in hopes of reaching a fair and equitable agreement that addresses their considerations while ensuring the long-term sustainability of our operations. Despite our best efforts, we have not yet been able to do so," the Crown corporation said.
"We remain hopeful that we can quickly reach an agreement that is fair to our employees, while enabling the LCBO's continued success in a changing marketplace."
