TORONTO, April 23, 2013 /CNW/ - Frustrated by the LCBO's refusal to negotiate a fair and just contract settlement, the bargaining team representing more than 7,000 liquor board employees has said to the Ministry of Labour that it is prepared to walk off the job on May 17 unless a contract settlement can be reached.
"We don't apply for strike deadlines lightly but in this case we have no choice," said Warren (Smokey) Thomas, president of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union which represents more than 7,000 unionized LCBO workers. "The LCBO continues to try and force concessions and has no intention to make improvements despite its own employees voting 95 per cent in favour of strike action.
"We are looking to the LCBO to negotiate a deal that recognizes fair jobs for all its employees. To date it hasn't demonstrated its willingness to recognize fair work for all LCBO employees."
LCBO workers today filed an application with the Ministry of Labour indicating its intention to trigger job action on May 17 unless a tentative contract can be reached.
Outstanding issues include wages and benefits, job security and improvements to health and safety standards.
"We continue to negotiate with our employer but very little progress is being made at the table," said Denise Davis, chair of the liquor board employees' bargaining team. "That has left us with no option but to declare a May 17 strike deadline. We hope to reach an agreement before then."
SOURCE: Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU)
Greg Hamara
OPSEU Communications
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Emily Visser
OPSEU Communications [French]
416-557-7936
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