Important guidance for trade, agents, and suppliers ahead of potential strike at LCBO

We’ve been keeping you updated on the status of labour negotiations between LCBO and the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) and to share information on our contingency approach to supporting licensee customers should the union go on strike on Friday, July 5 (or any time after).

You will have seen that we have been providing shopping guidance to customers in the lead-up to the strike deadline. Most recently we issued additional information on the preparations LCBO is putting into place if a strike happens and we need to pivot our operations, including closing all LCBO retail locations for 14 days. 

At this time, we are also reaching out to our valued trade partners, agents, and suppliers on what a strike at the LCBO would mean for you. Given it would not be business as usual for our operations, please note:

- We would not be accepting samples at LCBO Head Office or sharing sample results during a strike. We would resume sample submissions and sharing results as soon as possible and would be in touch at the right time.

- In-store tastings and all merchandising promotions would be on hold except for LTOs and Aeroplan Points which would continue as scheduled online for the duration of the LCBO period. If a strike occurs and you have a planned promotion that is impacted, we will be in touch at the conclusion of the strike.

- In-store visits would continue to be paused, which was communicated ahead of the long weekend, until regular operations resume after the strike. This guidance continues even as limited stores would re-open after 14 days.

-NISS and MPTS application processing would be paused for the duration of a strike and submission deadlines reevaluated given the circumstances.

- Price or code changes would remain as is while a strike is underway. 

We are committed to keeping you informed as the collective bargaining process continues to unfold. Please find our latest updates on LCBO and OPSEU labour negotiations at LCBONegotiations.com. 

Thank you for your patience and understanding. We will be in touch on any other matters that require your attention.