'They want to get rid of us': Striking LCBO workers in Hamilton area make their feelings known

As thousands of striking LCBO workers picketed across Ontario on Friday, local employees marched, waved signs and handed out flyers at a liquor store near Upper James Street and Rymal Road West in Hamilton.

Rosey Hayle, who works at a store in the city'sAncaster region, said the strike is off to a strong start because the public seems to understand why she and her colleagues are fighting.

"A lot of people are really supporting us," she said, notingdrivers have been honking their horns as they pass by.

"[The government is] pulling the rug out from under us," said Andrew Moore, who was picketing in front of the Hamilton Mountain store where he works. "That's why we're here."

Members of the Liquor Board Employees Division (LBED) of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) walked off the job at 12:01 a.m. ET on Friday, saying bargaining with their employer had broken down. This is the first strike in the LCBO's nearly 100-year history.

Liberalizing alcohol sales an issue

Later on Friday, OPSEU said there were no plans to return to the table that day, but the LBED bargaining team remains "open and available" for further negotiations.

A core issue for workers is Ontario's push to liberalize the sale of alcohol by allowing it in private retail locations outside the LCBO and the Beer Store, which is owned by a multinational chain.

WATCH | How the strike is impacting an already strugglinghospitality industry:

Thousands of LCBO workers on strike

3 months ago

Duration 5:41

More than 9,000 Ontario liquor store employees are on strike after bargaining talks broke down between their union and the LCBO. All LCBO retail locations will be closed for two weeks.

Losing LCBO jobs and revenues would cost Ontario greatly, Moore said.

"[That money] is just not something that we can afford to give away to Galen Weston," he said, referring to the Loblaws magnate whose businesses may stand to gain from privatized alcohol sales.

Hayle and Moore are both picket captains, union members who help marshaltheir fellow workers on the picket lines. Hayle said that for her, the strike is "for the next generation to excel at their careers."

She said selling alcohol requires training she and her colleagues getbut workers in convenience stores might not, putting them and others at risk.

WATCH | Why LCBO workers are on strike:

Why LCBO workers are on strike

3 months ago

Duration 5:06

More than 9,000 Ontario liquor store employees are on strike after bargaining talks broke down between their union and the LCBO. As CBCs Mike Crawley explains, the union is demanding Doug Fords government reverse its decision to sell some drinks at convenience and grocery stores.

"It's clear that the government wants to have alcohol be more accessible and that's something we're totally willing to go for," Moore said.

Workers are game to work later hours, be open longer on Sunday or have kiosks in new locations, he said, but the employer wouldn't agree to that.

"They have a clear plan in their mind that they want to get rid of us."

In anews release Friday, LBED said members also want better working conditions for the 70 per cent of LCBO workers they say lack guaranteed hours, access to benefits and the opportunity for permanent part-time and full-time jobs.

LCBO says it's tried to reach'fair' deal with union

The LCBO also issued a statement, saying the Crown corporation is "disappointed" at the strike,and it has tried to reach a "fair and equitable agreement that addresses their considerations while ensuring the long-term sustainability of our operations."

The LCBO said nearly 700 retail locations are closed because of the strike, but online ordering is still open.

If the workers and their bosses don't have an agreement in two weeks, LCBO said, it will open 32 stores for in-person shopping on a reduced schedule.

CBC Hamilton asked LCBO which stores it has in mindand whether the Crown corporation plans to bring in replacement workers to do union members' jobs.

An LCBO spokesperson said they will share more information on hours and locations if needed, but did not answer the question about replacement workers.

CBC Hamilton also asked OPSEU how many workers live in the Hamilton area but did not receive a response before publication. There are at least 10 stores in Hamilton.