(Today’s Northumberland file photo)
It’s been one week since the LCBO workers went on strike and the Government shows no signs of backing down from their offer.
“It’s a generous offer the Government has put forward,” said MPP David Piccini who is Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development from his office in Port Hope on Friday, July 12, 2024.
The Provincial Government has offered a “significant” increase of 7% that includes 400 temporary employees into full-time.
Piccini said he’s spoken with a number of LCBO employees and understand that, “with any change comes an element for them of uncertainty.”
“We, Premier Ford, our Government has said, unlike the (union) leadership talks about privatization which is not on the table, we’re expanding convenience.”
Piccini gave an example of Clark’s Dale Road Variety which sells ready to drinks, beer and wine.
“It’s been a wonder for people on their way home as they head north from Cobourg and into Hamilton Township.”
Piccini said it’s about expanding convenience for Ontarians.
“LCBO will be the exclusive distributor of it and we’ll expand the tax base as well.”
Since the strike, social media has stated that stores may sell alcohol through the late and early morning hours, but Piccini said there will be rules with the sale in stores.
“People will lose a license if they do anything irresponsibly.”
“LCBO offers an exceptional services that we’ve come to know and appreciate and we appreciate what they do.”
But vehemently states, “any notion that they, and they alone are the only people on planet earth that are capable of selling beer is unfair.”
“It’s unfair to convenient stores, it’s unfair to small businesses, it’s unfair to our craft breweries who have been selling as well.”
Piccini says he hopes workers will return to the bargaining table, “and bargain with Government to land a deal.”
Adding, “what makes Ontario different from any community? We’re bringing Ontario to where the rest of the world already is.”
“They have expanded convenience across the globe so we’re not going to be the last jurisdiction with a horse and buggy when the world has gone to cars.”
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
