Amid the LCBO workers’ strike that began this Friday, the government says they continue to be committed to the plan, and directed the LCBO to focus on the promotion of Ontario-made products. So far, no negotiations are in place to end the strike.
The strike was triggered by the government’s plan to expand alcohol sales, particularly the sale of pre-mixed ready-to-drink beverages at convenience and grocery stores, which OPSEU argues could threaten jobs and reduce public revenue.
The final amount of the cost of the government’s plan to speed up the sale of beer in corner stores by 16 months is still unknown, but it is expected to be more than the originally announced $225-million.