STATEMENT FROM LCBO AS OPSEU STRIKE BEGINS

July 5, 2024 – Toronto – LCBO is disappointed that the leadership of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) has decided to initiate the first strike in our long history. 

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 (details on LCBO’s proposal can be found here). 

LCBO is committed to maintaining the highest standards of service that we can during this challenging time. We have implemented contingency plans to help minimize disruption as much as possible and ensure that our products remain available to our valued retail and wholesale customers. We will be operating our business, but it is not business as usual.  

As we previously communicated, LCBO’s retail locations are now closed for 14 days while online ordering remains available with free home delivery. Should OPSEU remain on strike after the 14 days period has elapsed, 32 LCBO retail stores will begin to re-open for in-store shopping and operate three days a week (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) with limited hours in effect. 

The LCBO is continuing to receive and fulfill wholesale orders and beverage alcohol is available through the approximately 2,300 private retail points of sale across the province, including through LCBO Convenience Outlets, licensed grocery stores, The Beer Store, and winery, brewery, cidery, and distillery outlets, as well as at bars and restaurants.

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.

We thank our customers, partners, and communities for their patience and understanding.  

We will continue to keep customers informed with the latest updates and any changes to LCBO services through our website and social media channels. Information regarding the status of negotiations between LCBO and OPSEU, visit LCBOnegotations.com. Our Customer Care team is here to help with any questions or concerns from retail and wholesale customers.  

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For more information:

LCBO Press Office
416-864-6700
pressoffice@lcbo.com
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