Tag: OPSEU in the News
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More LCBO bargaining coverage
OPSEU sets up strike headquarters outside LCBO head office The union representing thousands of liquor store employees in Ontario has opened up a strike headquarters directly across from the LCBO's head office in Toronto ahead of a possible labour disruption next week. Watch the CP24 clip Union representing LCBO workers sets up strike headquarters in…
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Commentary: LCBO workers deserve fairness
As we draw closer to a possible Monday strike at LCBO outlets, it’s become fashionable in some circles to lambaste LCBO workers as being greedy and out of touch. That’s simply not fair; in fact, those disgruntled workers have some legitimate beefs. Read the full article from AM900 host Bill Kelly.
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With 5 days remaining, media coverage of LCBO strike deadline grows
In the wake of the launch of LiqiLeaks.ca and an accompanying province-wide ad campaign, media outlets from across Ontario are covering the issues faced by workers and the possibility of a strike on June 26. Quality-of-life issues at centre of LCBO labour dispute The union representing nearly 8,000 LCBO workers says that as negotiations continue…
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OPSEU criticizing layoffs of LPH staff
Twenty-five St. Joseph's Care Group staff members will be out of work when the organization's mental health care services are transferred to the new St. Joseph's Hospital extension, according to the union president (Ed Arvelin) representing the 400 members currently working at the Lakehead Psychiatric Hospital. "It's a specific loss of professionals and what they bring…
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LCBO workplace the ‘complete opposite’ of Ontario’s proposed labour laws, say employees
With just days to go before a potential strike, employees at the LCBO are blasting the province for alleged mistreatment and accusing Premier Kathleen Wynne's government of hypocrisy over its proposed changes to labour laws. The Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) recently launched a new campaign and website to highlight what it calls "the…
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Major media outlets cover OPSEU President’s launch of LiqiLeaks.ca
Global News, CTV and CP24 covered OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas’ midday media availability during an information picket by members at the Summerhill LCBO in Toronto. LCBO says stock up ahead of potential strike before Canada Day long weekend Watch CTV’s coverage of the issues Both sides brace for impact as LCBO work stoppage appears…
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Legal Aid Ontario workers in Peterborough vote to unionize
Workers at the Legal Aid Ontario office in Peterborough have voted in favour of unionizing. They are among the workers with Legal Aid Ontario's Central District, which also has offices in Oshawa and Barrie, and the North Toronto District, with four offices in Scarborough, that voted this week in favour of joining the Ontario Public…
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CBC News panel discussion: A Dry Canada Day?
Sheila Block, Senior Economist at the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, joins a panel on CBC’s On The Money to discuss the LCBO labour situation. She points out that for a provincial government that says it wants to make a difference in the lives of precarious and low-wage workers, a profitable Crown corporation is a…
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Media outlets focus on LiqiLeaks and working conditions with LCBO strike deadline a week away
With the deadline for a deal a week away, media coverage over the weekend focused on the union's launch of LiqiLeaks.ca and the stories about working conditions shared by members through the site. News stories also highlighted the glaring differences between the Premier's comments on labour law reform and the way the LCBO, a profitable Crown…
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Group reminds province ‘we own it’
About 100 people signed their names to a petition demanding the province stop privatizing public properties, The Orillia Packet & Times reports. Organizers from the We Own It campaign set up shop Thursday night at The Brownstone in Orillia for an evening of music and information about the dangers of the province selling off its assets,…
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Algonquin College took $6.2M hit on failed Saudi campus
Algonquin College's failed, men-only college in Saudi Arabia has lost $6.2 million in both operating losses and costs associated with exiting the deal, according to figures released Monday at the school's annual board of governor's meeting. Read the full article on the website of the CBC. Related: OPSEU in the News.
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Ontario Liberals ink deal giving public servants 7.5-per-cent raise
The provincial government has signed another quick deal giving thousands of civil servants a 7.5-per-cent raise over four years, prompting accusations the Liberals are buying labour peace for next June’s election. Read the full story on the website of the Toronto Star. Related: OPSEU in the News
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Highlighting the dangers of privatization in Cornwall
The OPSEU-led "We Own It" campaign picked up favourable news coverage at its town hall meeting at the Benson Centre in Cornwall June 12. Panel member and OPSEU Regional Vice-President (Region 4) Gareth Jones said one of the goals of the campaign is to encourage citizens to confront their candidates about privatization in the upcoming provincial…
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Canada dry? LCBO strike on horizon ahead of Canada Day
Talks between the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) and the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) continue, but the danger of a possible strike bleeding into Canada Day long weekend and disrupting the plans of many Ontarians, is growing. See the full CBC story for an interview with OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas on how concerns…
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Premier Kathleen Wynne hopeful LCBO strike can be averted
Premier Kathleen Wynne is hopeful job action by LCBO employees can be averted so Ontarians can toast the nation’s 150th birthday on Canada Day. While Wynne emphasized that she did not want to meddle in the negotiations, she reminded the provincially-owned liquor monopoly of labour law changes that are coming this year. A key sticking point in…
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Media coverage: LCBO pickets continue into fourth week
OPSEU members continue carrying their plan for “A Better LCBO” across Ontario with a fourth week of information pickets. LCBO workers bring labour concerns to public Members from OPSEU Local 379 picketed outside of Haliburton's LCBO Wednesday afternoon to draw attention to safety issues at work and the importance of good jobs in small towns.…
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Seven Grey County councillors walk out of meeting, delay long-term care vote
Seven Grey County councillors successfully delayed by at least two weeks a final vote on the county's long-term care plans by walking out of a council meeting Thursday, reports the Owen Sound Sun Times. Jeremy Thibodeau of OPSEU's “We Own It” anti-privatization campaign said the postponement gives the union more time to lobby Grey County…
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LCBO strike looming
Time is running out for the LCBO to reach a deal with its unionized workers. The workers will be in a legal strike position by the end of the month after requesting a no board report from the Ministry of Labour. The union says privatization of the LCBO and full time jobs are major concerns.…
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LCBO staff take another step toward possible strike
The Ontario Public Service Employees Union says it has requested a no board report from the Ministry of Labour. 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 (Smokey) Thomas said Premier Kathleen Wynne recently spoke about…
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LCBO contract talks resume Monday
LCBO workers staged an information picket in North Bay Friday to drum up public support and draw attention to contract concerns ahead of talks set to resume next week. A group of workers, represented by the Ontario Public Services Employees Union (OPSEU), handed out pamphlets and hotdogs outside the LCBO outlet on Lakeshore Drive, highlighting…