LCBO scraps plan to open dozens of stores amid ongoing strike

Ontario's primary liquor retailer says it will not be opening some stores during the ongoing strike, walking back its initial plan to reopen select locations with limited hours, starting Friday. 

In a statement posted on its website Sunday, the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) said it will be "re-allocating the personnel that were planned to open LCBO retail stores for in-store shopping" to online retail sales operations.

"This pivot means that we will be able to improve how we serve Ontario bars and restaurants to help increase product selection, availability, and expedited delivery," its statement reads, adding that more details will be shared directly with its customers.

"This means LCBO retail stores will no longer be open for the duration of the strike."

The company previously said it would open 32 locations for limited hours after 14 days of a strike. 

Roughly 9,000 unionized workers with the LCBO began strike action more than a week ago. The Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU), which represents the striking workers, has called for the provincial government to either reconsider that part of its plans for privatized booze sales or make the LCBO whole for lost revenue. 

As of Friday, talks between the workers' union and the LCBO have broken off completely, with no end to the strike in sight. 

It also marks the second time the LCBO has nixed plans to open some stores during the strike. On Tuesday, the company announced it would not temporarily re-open five stores Wednesday to supply wholesale customers.

In its latest statement, the LCBO said it wants the strike action to end and is encouraging OPSEU to respond to "our fair offer."

Internal government and LCBO figures estimate the province is facing a net revenue loss of $150 to $200 million per year as a result of the alcohol sale changes.

"The fight has always been about protecting good jobs and protecting public revenues," OPSEU president JP Hornick said last week.

In a statement Sunday, OPSEU continued calling on Premier Doug Ford to end the strike by meeting the unionized workers' demands and to "stop interfering" in the bargaining process.

"A major reason that strikes work is that they are disruptive. The strength of our lines and our solidarity are clearly making an impact," the statement reads.

"Our bargaining team is prepared to return to the bargaining table as soon as it is clear to us that Ford and the LCBO are prepared to bargain in good faith a future that will protect good jobs and protect public revenues as well as create more stable and permanent jobs."

The union added it wants to see the province implement regulatory changes that will "protect public revenues and put workers, communities and Ontario small businesses first."