LCBO workers' union to return to bargaining table amid strike

The union that represents some 9,000 striking Ontario liquor store employees says it will return to the bargaining table on Wednesday.

In a statement on Tuesday, the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) said it will resume negotiations in a "position of power" because its members are united on the picket lines and because it has public support for its job action that began July 5. 

The last day of its negotiations with the LCBO was July 4, the union said.

"Right now, the team is focused on the task at hand, looking at our proposals to bring to the table tomorrow. They have a clear purpose: protecting good jobs and hundreds of millions in public revenue that are invested into public services," OPSEU said in the statement.

"They're ready with a plan to present to the LCBO tomorrow. To get a deal and end this strike, LCBO management need to do their jobs and bargain in good faith."

The union said its members will continue to strike while bargaining resumes and until the union reaches a fair deal with management.

When asked if negotiations will resume, the LCBO press office said in an email on Tuesday night: "We understand that OPSEU has signalled their intent to provide a proposal tomorrow. We hope that OPSEU is prepared to reach an agreement and end this unnecessary strike."

The union has said it believes Premier Doug Ford's plan to open up the alcohol sales market poses an existential threat to the LCBO that will lead to major job losses.

It does not want ready-to-drink cocktails sold outside LCBO stores, wants the province to guarantee its jobs as well as wage increases, and wants more permanent rather than part-time positions.

Talks to resume as province prepares to expand sales

On Monday, Ontario government says it is accelerating plans to bring ready-to-drink cocktails and larger packs of beer into some supermarkets.

With the province's LCBO retail outlets closed due to the strike, the government said there are 450 grocery stores already licensed to sell beer, wine and cider and they will be able to order canned spirit drinks and 12- and 24-packs of beer beginning Thursday, two weeks ahead of schedule.

The province said the stores can start selling the beverages as soon they receive the products.