Feb 5, 2023

Dear LBED Members,

During the last round of bargaining the parties were constrained by legislation – Bill 124. The Union bargaining team held strong on negotiating a letter of understanding on a re-opener should the legislation be found unconstitutional, repealed, or amended that the parties would come back to negotiate a remedy for lost compensation. On November 29th, 2022, Justice Koehnen rendered a decision declaring Bill 124 “void and of no effect”, which triggered the letter of understanding.

On February 5th, 2023, at 10:00 am the parties reconvened negotiations under the letter of understanding with mediator Gerry Lee. The Union sent the Employer their monetary proposals for compensation items that would have been negotiated should there have been no Bill 124. The Employer has taken our package away to cost the proposals tabled.

The Union strongly emphasized with the employer that our members were at the forefront of the pandemic and ensured that the LCBO continued to provide exemplary service and went above and beyond at our stores, warehouses, and head office. Your bargaining team told the employer through the mediator to do the right thing in the face of rising inflation and interest rates.

The parties have agreed to look at dates to be scheduled for further negotiations. Stay tuned for more updates following confirmation of dates.

Your bargaining team,

Colleen MacLeod L5107 – LBED Chair/Bargaining Team Chair

Craig Hadley L5109 – Bargaining Team Vice Chair

Jeremey Trainor L378 – Logistics Representative

Rachel Brunet L4100 – Bargaining Team Secretary

Mike Hamilton L286 – Member at Large

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Feb 3, 2023

Dear LBED members,

Our team wanted to send you a bulletin to update you on some developments in the wake of the Bill 124 court decision.

As you may be aware, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice recently declared Doug Ford’s Bill 124 legislation, which capped total compensation at one per cent, to be “null and void”.

This is a massive victory for us and for all workers whose wages have been unjustly capped. With inflation at a 40-year high, a wage cap is cruel, and it hurts communities, families, and the public services people rely on.

The wage cap is particularly insulting given the many sacrifices by our members who kept warehouses stocked, and stores open and operating under hazardous conditions during the pandemic.

At the last round of bargaining, your team fought hard for language that – should Bill 124 be deemed unconstitutional, repealed, or amended – both parties would return to discuss an appropriate remedy. We’re pleased to tell you that is exactly what we’re working on.

Our first date with the mediator is scheduled for Sunday, February 5, so we have moved quickly to meet for two days to prepare as a team at OPSEU/SEFPO headquarters on January 31 and February 1.

Your team is optimistic and focused on fighting for better, fairer wages that reflect the sacrifices you have made and cost of living increases.

This a major precedent for workers, and we’re committed to keeping you informed about any updates or developments as we move through this process.

We are proud to stand with you in this fight for fair compensation.

Your bargaining team,

Colleen MacLeod L5107 – LBED Chair/Bargaining Team Chair

Craig Hadley L5109 – Bargaining Team Vice Chair

Jeremey Trainor L378 – Logistics Representative

Rachel Brunet L4100 – Bargaining Team Secretary

Mike Hamilton L286 – Member at Large

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