LCBO Secondary Strikes at UFCW stores

Attn: Members at Retail Grocery Stores

As the strike at the LCBO continues, affecting almost 10,000 LCBO workers across the province, you may see secondary pickets appear at grocery stores that sell alcohol. Especially since some stores are now adding mixed drink beverages, these secondary pickets may include the store where you work.

In this case, however, LCBO secondary picket lines are not YOUR picket lines.

You are legally obligated as a result of your collective agreement and the Ontario Labour Relations Act to attend your scheduled shifts at work.

You are not scabs performing the work of striking workers. You are not entering an LCBO to shop.

Your Union will continue to monitor the strike as it continues. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to your Union Representative.

UFCW Locals 175 & 633 supports the OPSEU members at the LCBO in their strike action, and we encourage you to show your support for the LCBO workers.

What are LCBO workers striking for?

• OPSEU members have been on strike since 12:01 a.m. on July 5, 2024.
• They’re fighting to protect public services and to keep the LCBO public.
• The LCBO generates $2.5 billion in dividends that get invested in public services such as health care and education.
• Premier Doug Ford is trying to privatize the LCBO. If he succeeds, he will undercut these good public sector unionized jobs and all that revenue will go to billionaires instead of back into our communities.

We encourage you to show your support for the LCBO workers in the following ways:

• Use your free time to stop and talk to the striking workers. Take their flyers or other materials. Ask them questions and discuss their concerns respectfully.
• Sign and share the OPSEU letter writing campaign here.
• Speak with your MPPs about your concerns with Doug Ford and the Ontario government.
• Do not purchase any alcohol products from any store except the Beer Store for the duration of the strike.
• Bring food or drinks to the workers on the picket lines.
• Honk your horn in support when driving by.
• Talk with your friends and family about the issues at stake.