OPSEU "No-Board" report request expected step in bargaining: LCBO

TORONTO, April 23, 2013 /CNW/ - LCBO is not surprised but is disappointed that, after only 17 hours of face-to-face bargaining, the union representing its bargaining unit employees has requested a "No-Board" report. It is not an unusual occurrence in collective bargaining and negotiations are scheduled to continue until at least mid-May.

"A 'No-Board' report request by OPSEU does not mean that a strike is imminent," explains LCBO President & CEO Bob Peter. A 'No-Board' report is a letter from the Ministry of Labour stating that a Conciliation Board will not be appointed.

"LCBO and the union representing our employees have reached an agreement on two previous occasions after a 'No-Board' report was issued," notes Peter. "Each time, a successful agreement was reached without a strike."

Once the Ministry of Labour issues the "No-Board" report, it will be 17 days before the union will be in a legal strike position.

"Negotiations are continuing," said Peter. "We look forward to negotiating a new collective agreement with OPSEU that is fair to the employees. However, it must be in the best interest of taxpayers and enable LCBO to continue to provide responsible, quality service to customers and licensees across the province. It must also contribute to LCBO's ability to generate revenues that help pay for health care, education, social programs and other government priorities."

For updates on developments related to collective bargaining, visit the LCBO Media Centre at www.lcbo.com or follow us on Twitter @LCBONEWS.

SOURCE: LCBO

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Heather MacGregor, LCBO Media Relations Co-ordinator
Tel: [phone]; Cell: 416 587-3729
E-mail: [email protected]

Sally Ritchie, LCBO Senior Communications Consultant  
Tel. [phone]; Cell: 647 339-5428; E-mail: [email protected]