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"It doesn't have to be this way. We hope that growing public pressure on the government and LCBO management will help them do the right thing and come to the table with a fair deal for these workers." — Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU President
Toronto (21 June 2017) — With a strike deadline at the LCBO only 10 days away, the union representing LCBO workers has launched a new website — www.LiqiLeaks.ca — and an extensive advertising campaign to expose the reality of their working conditions.
New campaign shares stories of LCBO workers, why they're fighting for contract improvements
The website tells the real story of what's happening at the LCBO, and includes a section called "Real People. Real Stories," filled with first-hand interviews that provide a window into what life is like for workers.
Warren (Smokey) Thomas, President of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU/NUPGE), says the employer "has brought this on itself."
"The way that senior management has acted, and the pressure from the provincial government to drive up profits, no matter the cost to workers, has brought us to the brink of a strike," said Thomas. "No worker should be treated the way these folks are being treated right now — especially not at a profitable Crown corporation that can afford to do better."
"The LCBO should be setting an example for Ontario employers, not joining a race to the bottom with Walmart," Thomas said.
Government, LCBO need to negotiate fair deal
The province-wide advertising campaign, which includes print, billboard, digital, radio and television ads, has started to share this website with the public and build support for LCBO workers and their call for change.
"It doesn't have to be this way," said Thomas. "We hope that growing public pressure on the government and LCBO management will help them do the right thing and come to the table with a fair deal for these workers."
"It's not complicated. If Premier Wynne really wants to improve the lives of workers, she should start with the companies her government runs," continued Thomas. "We need her to pick up the phone and tell LCBO President George Soleas that enough is enough, and it's time management worked together with our members to build the better LCBO we all know is possible."
"Whether these stores are open on June 26 is up to her."