LCBO scraps plan for limited store openings as strike persists

The LCBO is scrapping plans for constricted shop openings arsenic a onslaught by immoderate 9,000 workers enters its 2nd week.

The LCBO had said if a woody pinch nan Ontario Public Sector Employees Union (OPSEU) was not reached by July 19, 32 stores crossed nan state would beryllium unfastened for constricted hours connected Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

However, nan Crown agency changed people connected Sunday, citing nan request to service unit customers, who person been relying connected nan LCBO’s online work for transportation since nan onslaught began connected July 5.

“Because of this occurrence and because of our assurance successful our expertise to proceed serving unit customers online, we will beryllium re-allocating nan unit that was planned to unfastened LCBO unit stores for in-store shopping to different parts of nan operations to further heighten support for bars, restaurants and different businesses,” nan LCBO said successful a statement.

“That intends LCBO unit stores will nary longer beryllium opening for nan long of nan strike.”

The LCBO added nan pivot intends it will beryllium capable to amended service Ontario bars and restaurants truthful they tin thief summation merchandise action and availability.

“We would for illustration to convey customers for their elasticity and patience arsenic we proceed to strive to meet nan expected work timelines,” it said.

“We want this onslaught to end, stay committed to reaching an statement pinch OPSEU, and promote them to respond to our adjacent offer.”

LCBO workers went connected onslaught July 5 for nan first clip successful nan province’s history aft talks betwixt nan Crown agency and OPSEU collapsed down.

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The waste of pre-mixed drinks astatine area and market stores — a move nan Ford authorities has been instrumental successful making a reality — has been a cardinal sticking constituent betwixt nan 2 sides.

OPSEU contends that nan authorities is jeopardizing nan $2.5 cardinal successful nationalist gross by introducing thousands of backstage retailers into nan intoxicant distribution network.

The authorities has said ready-to-drink products dress up 9.1 per cent of each income astatine provincial liquor stores.

On July 10, Ontario Premier Doug Ford said he wouldn’t backmost down connected his scheme to grow intoxicant income successful nan province.

“Let maine beryllium very clear. It’s done. It’s gone. That vessel has sailed crossed Lake Ontario,” he said.

Despite nan LCBO reserving people connected constricted shop openings, nan Beer Store, section breweries and wineries arsenic good arsenic nan LCBO’s online transportation services remain open during nan strike.

— pinch files from Gabby Rodrigues