Strike Looms Ahead Of Long Weekend

With a midnight strike deadline looming, the Ontario
government is hopeful there won’t be a walkout by employees at the province’s liquor stores.
Finance Minister Charles Sousa says the Liberals want to respect collective bargaining rights, but the union representing workers at the government-owned liquor stores must realize there is no money for pay raises.
Sousa says he’s not worried LCBO stores could be closed for the Victoria Day weekend because of a strike.
He says he’s hopeful and confident the two sides will come to an agreement before the long weekend, which is the unofficial start to summer.
LCBO spokesperson Heather MacGregor says both sides are still at the negotiating table, which she calls a good sign, adding the agency is cautiously optimistic a deal will be reached in time to avoid a walkout.
MacGregor says LCBO management has a contingency plan to try and provide some service in the event of a strike, but couldn’t say which stores could be closed by a walkout.
A media blackout is now in place regarding negotiations.