TORONTO - Unionized workers at the LCBO has set a strike deadline of 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, June 24 to reach a collective agreement covering more than 6,000 staff who are members of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union.

A central issue in bargaining has been the LCBO's move away from full-time permanent jobs and the creation of a large casual workforce. Casuals make up 60 per cent of OPSEU members at the LCBO. Casuals have no benefits, no sick leave, no vacation time, lower wages, and no means to save for retirement.

"We are not bargaining to get a strike, we are bargaining to get a collective agreement," said Vanda Klumper, chair of the OPSEU bargaining team, after OPSEU members at the LCBO delivered a 93 per cent strike vote last month. "But if the LCBO insists on destroying good permanent jobs, if it insists on crushing the hopes and dreams of our casual members, then we will not hesitate to take this battle to the streets."

Patty Rout, OPSEU First Vice-President/Treasurer Patty Rout will officially open the Strike Headquarters. Toronto OPSEU mobilizers Craig Hadley (Local 5109) and Kevin Ramsay (Local 5107) will also be available to answer questions.