The Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) is on the brink of a significant operational shift as collective bargaining with the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) intensifies. With OPSEU legally able to strike starting at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, July 5th, the LCBO is preparing for the potential impact on its services.
In the event of a strike, the LCBO will temporarily close all retail locations for 14 days to transition to an updated operations model. Starting July 19th, 30 LCBO stores will reopen with limited hours, operating three days a week (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday). Customers can continue to shop online at LCBO.com and through the mobile app, which will offer free home delivery across Ontario during the strike. However, reasonable product caps will be instituted both in-store and online to manage supply.
Despite the strike, LCBO ensures that alcohol will remain accessible through its 2,300 private retail partners, including LCBO Convenience Outlets, licensed grocery stores, The Beer Store, and various winery, brewery, cidery, and distillery outlets. LCBO Specialty Services and Duty-Free locations will also remain operational.
LCBO says their priority is to secure a fair deal for its employees while maintaining effective service delivery for Ontarians. While they strive to minimize disruptions, LCBO acknowledges that operations will not be business as usual and asks for customers’ patience and understanding during this period.
For ongoing updates and detailed information about the strike and its impact on services, customers are encouraged to visit LCBO.com.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)