LCBO and the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU), the union representing approximately 10,000 LCBO team members, have been at the bargaining table negotiating a renewal collective agreement over the last several months. Most recently, OPSEU was granted a ‘no board’ report from the Ontario Ministry of Labour, which, coupled with their strike vote, puts them in a legal strike position as of 12:01 a.m. on Friday, July 5 (or any time after).
Over the course of the past few weeks, we have been in touch with our valued wholesale customers, including licensed bars and restaurants, existing grocers, and LCBO Convenience Outlets, on the importance of the timely placement of orders and the consideration for increased sales demand in their forecasting. We strongly recommend following this direction.
This morning, we shared guidance that customers should consider shopping early to help prepare for the potential disruption to the retail customer experience and we would like to offer a bit more information on our approach to wholesale planning at this time as well.
In the event of a strike at LCBO, we have robust contingency plans that cover our ability to continue to take and fulfill wholesale orders. We’ve put measures in place across our inventory build, our warehouse operations, and our fulfillment approach that reflects the importance of beverage alcohol availability to wholesale, especially during the busy summer months. Our priority is to ensure continued service and the support of our valued customers.
While LCBO will provide continued service, it will not be business as usual and there may be some changes in our ways of working with operators. These ways of working may also shift in the event of a prolonged disruption. What we can say with all confidence is that customers will be supported through the ordering and delivery process as things evolve.
In the meantime, we remain committed to reaching a deal that is fair and helps the LCBO to operate efficiently and effectively in the new marketplace and will keep you informed as the collective bargaining process continues to unfold. Please find our latest updates on LCBO and OPSEU labour negotiations at LCBONegotiations.com.
We will be sharing this message with our customers and hope you find this information helpful in supporting your members.
Again, we will be in touch on any other matters that require your attention. In the meantime, our support for your business continues. Please feel free to reach out should you have any questions.
Thank you.