(Credit: OPSEU) Strikes are still underway across the province, with nearly 10,000 workers on the picket line.
The ongoing strike for LCBO workers is now entering its first full week.
LCBO locations across the province have been shut down since Friday, with close to 10,000 Ontario Public Service Employees now on the picket line.
“We can’t guarantee anything about our jobs,” says LCBO worker and Product Consultant, Stephane Bisson.
“The government and negotiating table has told us we have to accept job losses and we have to accept that there is no guarantee for our future, that there’s no guarantee that the LCBO will exist.”
The strike is helmed by the recently announced changes to alcohol distribution in the province, with convenient stores soon to be able to sell beer and wine, with grocery stores and more soon able to sell spirits and further alcoholic products.
Bisson says the problem comes down to the Ford government continuing to push for privatisation.
“Let’s not let rich people take more of our money than to enrich themselves, to buy new yachts or whatever they want because they want our money,” says Bisson.
“Keep our public services, keep our government revenues, and that’s what we’re fighting for today.”
(Credit: Thechris53/Reddit) Strikes are currently spanning across all major cities, from London, Toronto, and more.
This comes as Premier Doug Ford and the Ontario government has invested $225-million to fast track the new program, which was initially expected to come into effect in January of 2026.
The Premier recently released a video today, announcing a new interactive map for Ontarians to navigate around alcohol sales during the strike.
“Even though LCBO workers are on strike, there’s still plenty of options for you to buy beer, wine, cider, coolers, and even spirits, including products made right here in Ontario,” says Ontario Premier, Doug Ford.
“I hope you’ll all give it a try and take the opportunity to support Ontario producers and their fantastic Ontario-made products this summer.”
The strike is currently set to last until July 19th, but could be extended further with limited store operations.
