Drinkers, restaurant and bar owners are breathing a sigh of relief after an LCBO strike was averted early Monday when the liquor monopoly and its unionized employees reached a tentative contract agreement. So is Finance Minister Charles Sousa, now that the deal with the Ontario Public Service Employees Union has been struck. “This is good news for LCBO workers and for the people of our province,” he said in a statement. Some stores were open extended hours over the weekend as customers stocked up in preparation for a potential strike in advance of the Canada Day long weekend. Union president Warren (Smokey) Thomas said OPSEU recommends liquor store workers, many of whom were concerned about being stuck as part-timers despite years with the company, ratify the deal once voting dates are set.

Source: thestar June 26, 2017 20:26 UTC