LCBO union opposes Ford government’s alcohol sales expansion to big box stores

A promise to expand alcohol sales in Ontario at big box grocers, gas stations and retailers is receiving pushback from the union representing the LCBO. 

LCBO employees represented by OPSEU/SEFPO rallied Tuesday (March 12) in 11 cities across Ontario at the constituency offices of provincial government MPPs and another government office. The union is demanding a stop to the sell-off of the LCBO by the Ford government in the lead up to their new round of bargaining starting March 13. 

In December 2023, Ontario Premeir Doug Ford announced that his government plan to open the floodgates for big box grocers and gas stations to sell beer, wine, cider and “ready-to-drink” cocktails.

However, Colleen MacLeod, OPSEU/SEFPO Liquor Board Employees division chair and bargaining team chair, says the union is against privatization and added “LCBO revenues contribute $2.5 billion every year into the public services we all rely on, like health care and education.”