THUNDER BAY – Stock up early? That is the word from the LCBO. The Long Weekend is Coming. The Liquor Control Board of Ontario is advising that stores will be closed on Victoria Day. As well the LCBO is stating that due to potential strike action, stocking up might be in order too. “In advance of the first long weekend of the summer, customers are encouraged to shop early for the best product selections,” said LCBO Senior VP, Retail Operations Bob Clevely. “Customers entertaining this weekend can avoid any possible service disruptions by shopping our stores early and stocking up.”  

LCBO Negotiations with OPSEU continue

The LCBO is reminding customers that, regardless of the status of negotiations with the union representing its bargaining unit employees, all LCBO stores will be closed on Victoria Day, Monday, May 20. 

Some agency stores will observe their normal business hours on May 20. Agency stores are locally-owned retailers that contract with LCBO to sell beverage alcohol, along with other products, in communities that are too small to support regular LCBO stores. 

OPSEU Opens Strike Trailer

“The question is, “What kind of an Ontario do we want?” said LBED mobilizer Craig Hadley at the opening of the strike trailer across from LCBO headquarters. The event was heavily covered by the Toronto media. “When it comes to jobs, do we want an Ontario where people are forever scrambling to make a living out of two or three part-time, temporary jobs with no benefits, no job security and no way to save for retirement?

“Or do we want an Ontario with good permanent jobs with benefits that allow us to live decently, give our children what they need, and retire with dignity. The answer is obvious. Yet the LCBO, like so many employers, acts as if our families – and our communities – can survive on part-time, temporary and unstable jobs.”

The LCBO states that negotiations are ongoing with the union.