Centre Wellington LCBO employees rally on Day 1 of strike
FERGUS – Any residents headed to their local LCBO should brace for a dry summer ... at least for the next two weeks.
On strike as of Friday at 12:01 a.m., thousands of Liquor Control Board workers (LCBO) are picketing for wage increases and more full-time jobs outside locations across Ontario, including two in Wellington County.
There are seven LCBO locations in Wellington County, not including outlets.
At the LCBO on Parkside Drive in Fergus, just over 10 LCBO employees from across Centre Wellington are picketing. There is a second county picket location outside the Arthur store.
Fergus union representative Deirdre Marszalek said the group is striking to protect their jobs so they're not laid off with privatization.
Marszalek has been a casual employee at the LCBO for a year and a half. She's on strike because she doesn't get hours outside of summer and Christmas and works a second full-time job to "pay the bills."
The group's union, OPSEU/SEFPO has previously shared fears about job losses if the Ford government allows alcohol sales in convenience stores and all grocery stores.
"I'm energized. We've come out here to walk and show support for our bargaining team and to be a face," said Marszalek. "There has not been one negative comment from customers, they all have been very supportive of us so I hope that they can continue supporting us while we're out."
In a statement on its website, the LCBO said after several months of collective bargaining for a "fair and equitable agreement," the corporation is "disappointed" a strike has been initiated.
"LCBO is committed to maintaining the highest standards of service that we can during this challenging time. We have plans in place to help minimize disruption as much as possible and ensure that our products remain available to our valued retail and wholesale customers," said the LCBO in the statement.
The LCBO has said locations will close for 14 days and if the strike continues, 30 stores will be opened Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays with limited hours.
LCBO online retail is still operating although what can be purchased may also be limited.
Isabel Buckmaster is the Local Journalism Initiative reporter for GuelphToday. LJI is a federally-funded program.
Isabel Buckmaster, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, GuelphToday.com
