LCBO workers rally in Ottawa on day 2 of historic strike
It’s the second day of the first-ever Liquor Control Board of Ontario strike after thousands of workers walked off the job on Friday when talks between the Ontario Public Service Employees Union and the government broke down.
- Sign up now for daily CTV News Ottawa newsletters
- The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App
Many workers gathered outside an LCBO warehouse in Ottawa on Saturday, with many raising concerns over the future of the provincially-controlled liquor store as the government plans to expand alcohol sales to convenience stores in September. Employees are also seeking better wages and job security.
"We're on strike as long as we don't get the deal that we're looking for," said Sean Spencer, the president of OPSEU SEFPO Local 499. "And we certainly hope that the government will come to the table."
Stores are expected to close for at least 14 days, but customers can purchase their alcohol through LCBO convenience outlets in smaller communities and online orders.
Local breweries in Ottawa are also stocking up on product to prepare for more shoppers during the strike.
"We got about three weeks worth. We anticipate this to last maybe two weeks. So just to be safe, we got three weeks worth," said Alex Sirois, the managing partner of Lowertown Brewery in the Byward Market.
Some people are opting to go dry altogether and picked up non-alcoholic beverages for the weekend at Knyota, a store in Ottawa that sells alcohol-free wine, beer and spirits.
"Even before the strike, we had a lot of people who would kind of be guided here by the LCBO people if they were looking for stuff that was non-alcoholic," said Edin Aliji, a sales associate at the store on Bank Street.
As workers continue to walk the picket-line, Ontario Premier Doug Ford's office said the government is not considering back-to-work legislation.
The Crown corporation has notified its wholesale customers that it will open five LCBO retail stores in unspecified locations on July 10 to allow for licensee in-store shopping by appointment.
It’s not clear if any of those locations are in Ottawa.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Canadian family stuck in Lebanon anxiously awaits flight options amid Israeli strikes
A Canadian man who is trapped in Lebanon with his family says they are anxiously waiting for seats on a flight out of the country, as a barrage of Israeli airstrikes continues.
Suspect in shooting of Toronto cop was out on bail
A 21-year-old man who was charged with attempted murder in the shooting of a Toronto police officer this week was out on bail at the time of the alleged offence, court documents obtained by CTV News Toronto show.
Scientists looked at images from space to see how fast Antarctica is turning green. Here's what they found
Parts of icy Antarctica are turning green with plant life at an alarming rate as the region is gripped by extreme heat events, according to new research, sparking concerns about the changing landscape on this vast continent.
DEVELOPING 2 dead after fire rips through historic building in Old Montreal
At least two people are dead and others are injured after a fire ripped through a century-old building near Montreal's City Hall, sources told Noovo Info.
Yazidi woman captured by ISIS rescued in Gaza after more than a decade in captivity
A 21-year-old Yazidi woman has been rescued from Gaza where she had been held captive by Hamas for years after being trafficked by ISIS.
A 6-year-old girl was kidnapped in Arkansas in 1995. Almost 30 years later, a suspect was identified
Nearly 30 years after a six-year-old girl disappeared in Western Arkansas, authorities have identified a suspect in her abduction through DNA evidence.
Dolphins 'smile' at each other when they play and to avoid misunderstanding, study finds
For humans, flashing a smile is an easy way to avoid misunderstanding. And, according to a new study, bottlenose dolphins may use a similar tactic while playing with each other.
Pit bulls in B.C. pet mauling tested positive for meth, cocaine, says city
Three pit bulls involved in a deadly attack on another dog last month in Kamloops, B.C., tested positive for methamphetamine and cocaine, and the city is going to court to have them put down.
Tax rebate: Canadians with low to modest incomes to receive payment on Friday
Canadians who are eligible for a GST/HST tax credit can expect their final payment of the year on Friday.