Workers at the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) have ratified their new contract.
The Ontario Public Services Employees Union (OPSEU) narrowly approved a new contract with the LCBO, with 56% of the votes cast in favour of the deal.
The two sides had reached the tentative deal over three weeks ago in eleventh-hour bargaining that threatened to affect the upcoming Canada Day holiday, but with the tentative agreement in place LCBO stores remained open.
OPSEU President Warren Thomas is happy that the deal has been approved, though he understands the close vote means there are still some lingering negative feelings about the negotiations.
"[The] ratification vote of 56% in favour is a clear signal that there is still work to do to improve labour relations at the LCBO," says Thomas in a statement. "This is a Crown agency that creates revenue for services Ontarians need. It should serve as an example of how we expect employers to act in our province. Though obviously contentious, this deal sends a clear message. Workers can win when they stand together to push back against precarious work and demand better."
One issue raised during bargaining was the lack of full-time work at the LCBO. The new four-year contract caps the percentage of part-time employment at 70% by the end of the four-year term. Currently, 84% of LCBO retail employees are part-time.
While specific terms have not been released, the deal also improves scheduling practices, provides an increase in job security, and will eliminate a practice of scheduling two-hour shifts for employees.
LCBO President and CEO George Soleas says the deal has been approved by the Board of Directors and expects the Ontario government to sign off on it as well. In a video posted on the LCBO website, he says he is confident the agreement will help the union and the Crown corporation move forward.
"This round of bargaining will help with our future success," says Soleas in the video. "It's more important than ever that we offer a greater differentiation for our customers as we must earn their loyalty and their trust. We want the LCBO to be the alcoholic beverage retailer of choice and we cannot accomplish this goal without the efforts of everyone across the company."
The LCBO currently has 654 retail outlets across Ontario, according to the LCBO website.