The union representing striking LCBO workers announced that the strike will continue as the employer refuses to sign the return-to-work protocol document.
Around 3 p.m. on Friday, doubts emerged about the tentative deal. OPSEU spokesperson stated, “We were prepared to announce this deal. The premier said there was a deal, but the employer is now refusing to sign that protocol.”
Without the signed document, the strike, which began on July 5, continues, causing province-wide store closures. The union remains at the table, awaiting the employer’s signature. A government source indicated that the union is making new monetary demands after an agreement was supposedly reached.
The strike was initially set to end on July 22 at 12:01 a.m., with stores reopening on July 23.
However, uncertainty looms over the reopening.
Earlier, the LCBO celebrated the supposed deal, stating they were preparing to return to business as usual, with more information to come. Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy expressed pleasure with the agreement, viewing it as positive news for workers and Ontarians.
