Government-run liquor stores in Ontario open today as tentative agreement reached
The Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) has reached a tentative agreement with its 6,700 unionized employees.
Terms of the new collective bargaining agreement were not disclosed, pending ratification by employees. The agreement must also be approved by the LCBO board of directors and by the province through an Order-in-Council, the LCBO said.
“We believe this agreement is fair to employees, is in the best interest of taxpayers and will enable LCBO to continue to provide responsible, quality service to customers and licensees across the province,” said Bob Peter, president and CEO of LCBO.
Warren (Smokey) Thomas, president of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU), said he was pleased to announced a tentative agreement had been reached.
“These were very tough negotiations,” he said. “Did we get everything we were asking for? No. Did the LCBO get everything they were demanding of our members? No.”
Denise Davis, chair of the union's bargaining team, said she believes the tentative deal will meet the expectations of employees.
"Our members were demanding in what they expected from a new contract. I believe we have met many of those expectations and we are recommending that our members endorse this tentative settlement."
