TORONTO, May 24, 2024
/CNW/ - OPSEU/SEFPO, the union representing LCBO workers, is
reacting today to Premier Ford's announcement that he is
fast-tracking his "alcohol everywhere" plan that will make beer,
wine, cider, and ready-to-drink beverages available for sale at
participating convenience, grocery, and big box stores – starting
in August.
"Earlier this spring Ford promised he'd never sell the LCBO, yet
he's clearly trying to sell us all down the river with this move,"
said OPSEU/SEFPO President JP Hornick. "Expanding private alcohol
sales is just the latest scheme to transfer public funds into the
pockets of CEOs and Ford's friends while further gutting our public
services."
The LCBO invests roughly $2.5
billion in revenues directly into public services like
health care and education each year. Last week, the union launched
an ad campaign and parody crowdfunding website for CEOs to raise
awareness about what's at stake. Thousands of Ontarians have
already used the site to send the premier an email opposing his
plans.
"It's clear that Ford felt the heat and knew that LCBO workers
were building a lot of momentum going into this round of bargaining
and is trying to distract and intimidate us," said Colleen MacLeod, Chair of OPSEU/SEFPO's Liquor
Board Employees Division (LBED) and the Bargaining Team. "We know
Ontarians won't fall for his tricks – not with billions of dollars
on the line. As LCBO workers we know this isn't just the fight of
our lives, it's a fight for everyone in Ontario."
Last December, the Ford government announced they would not
renew the Master Framework Agreement in 2026 and eliminate the cap
on the number of grocery stores who sell alcohol beginning in
January of that year. They also announced that at that time they
would open the door to convenience stores and gas stations selling
beer, wine, cider and pre-mixed drinks.
Ford announced today that this expansion of private alcohol
sales will begin August 1 – more than
a year ahead of schedule.
Today's announced plan clearly contravenes the Master Framework
Agreement, which is still in effect, unless they have reached side
deals to break it. The financial consequences of such a deal –
including one with the Beer Store worth $225
million - remain unclear. The union is demanding answers
about how much this decision will cost Ontarians and why public
funds are paying for rushed bad policy.
In the current round of negotiations with the LCBO, the union
has made it clear that LCBO workers are prepared to fight back
against Ford's privatization plans and to protect good jobs in
every community and the revenues the LCBO generates for generations
to come.
LCBO workers will be taking a strike vote in the coming
weeks.
OPSEU/SEFPO represents 180,000 public service workers in
Ontario, including more than 9,000
LCBO workers.
SOURCE Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU/SEFPO)