The ongoing liquor labour dispute in Ontario has taken a new turn as Premier Doug Ford’s government and the Ontario Public Services Employees Union (OPSEU) continue to clash over the future of alcohol sales in the province.
The strike, which began on July 5th, has left more than 9,000 employees of the Liquor Board of Ontario (LCBO) on the picket line, resulting in the closure of all 650 stores for at least two weeks. The primary issue at hand is the government’s plan to allow convenience stores, big-box stores, and grocers to sell ready-to-drink cocktails, a move that the union believes threatens their business and the province’s revenue.
Despite initial hopes of a resolution, talks between the union and the government have stalled, with both sides accusing the other of negotiating in bad faith. Premier Ford has remained firm on his stance, stating that the plan to expand alcohol sales is non-negotiable.
While the strike has had minimal impact on Ontarians due to the availability of alcohol at other retailers, the underlying issues surrounding the province’s liquor control system and the future of alcohol sales remain at the forefront of the dispute. As both sides dig in their heels, the fate of the LCBO and the future of alcohol sales in Ontario hang in the balance.
