LCBO extends hours at select stores ahead of possible strike

The LCBO has announced extended hours in advance of a possible strike to help customers shopping for Canada Day activities.

It says select stores will open from as early as 9 a.m. to as late as 11 p.m. from Thursday through Saturday -- while some stores will be open from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm on Sunday.

All stores will be closed on Canada Day, but more than 450 stores across Ontario will open from as early as 9:00 am until 11:00 pm the following day -- if the Crown corporation isn't hit by labour action.

Members of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union will be in a legal strike position just after midnight next Monday -- though the LCBO has said it is hopeful a negotiated collective agreement can be reached.

LCBO staff voted 93% in favour of a strike in April.

OPSEU says workers have been stuck in casual positions for decades, working seven days a week and taking home less than $30,000 a year.

Union president Warren Thomas said Premier Kathleen Wynne recently spoke about improving the lives of vulnerable workers, as she announced a $15 minimum wage and other labour reforms, but it hasn’t happened for LCBO staff.