Liquor stores across Haliburton County reopened July 23 as a two-week standoff between the LCBO and its unionized employees concluded.
All 680 LCBO stores were closed from July 5 to 12, with 9,000 workers walking off the job to advocate for higher pay and increased job security. Select outlets reopened with limited hours last week, but all five County stores and one in Kinmount were shuttered for 18 days.
In a media release, the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) confirmed a new three-year contract includes significant improvements for LCBO workers. The new deal was approved by 90 per cent of union members.
The agreement includes an eight per cent wage increase over three years, an extra 7.8 per cent jump for those on minimum wage or just above, and a wage adjustment for some trade positions in LCBO warehouses.
Colleen MacLeod, bargaining team chair, said the new contract also includes a clause guaranteeing there will be no store closures over the term of the deal, while also implementing a cap on the number of agency or private liquor stores opening.
As well, approximately 1,000 casual workers will be taken on as permanent parttime staff, with 60 new permanent full-time positions created. There’s also improved access to benefits for casual part-time employees who work over 1,000 hours.
OPSEU said the strike impacted around 40 LCBO employees in Haliburton County.
“We went on strike to protect good jobs and public revenues, and to win more permanent jobs with benefits and guaranteed hours,” MacLeod said. “Our members stood strong. They held strong lines, they talked to their communities – and they won.”
On July 19, Haliburton LCBO workers paraded along Highland Street to celebrate their big win, serenading passersby with renditions of Queen’s We Are the Champions and Twisted Sister’s We’re Not Gonna Take It.
Stores reopened with regular hours on July 23.
