LCBO employees can wear anti-privatization buttons at work

'At the union-management meeting held Nov. 28, the LCBO stated clearly that OPSEU members will not be disciplined." Jo Ann Fisher, OPSEU

Toronto (14 Dec. 2006) - The Liquor Board Employees Division of Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU/NUPGE) is urging all members to wear their Our LCBO: Let’s keep it public buttons at work.

The buttons support the union’s campaign against privately-run liquor outlets known as “agency stores” and the more general threat of privatization that hangs over the Liquor Control Board of Ontario.

The LCBO is the largest public alcohol retailer in the world and also most profitable for taxpayers.

“At the union-management meeting held Nov. 28, the LCBO stated clearly that OPSEU members will not be disciplined in any way for wearing our buttons,” says Jo Ann Fisher, acting chair of the Divisional Executive. “Unfortunately the message doesn’t seem to have gotten through to some managers.”

The issue came up following the union’s Day of Action on agency stores on Nov. 24. Members leafleted at 25 locations across the province, collecting more than 1,000 signed postcards. Members also leafleted in Orangeville on Nov. 29.

When members wore the buttons in the workplace, some managers ordered the OPSEU members to take them off.

“At the union-management meeting the employer told us that while members will not be disciplined for wearing the buttons, some managers may still ask staff to remove them,” said Fisher.

“We do not have to agree. If your manager asks you to take off your button, says thanks, but you’d rather keep it on. If your manager insists, tell him or her to phone Human Resources. If the problem persists, contact your OPSEU steward or local president and file a grievance. Our collective agreement says quite clearly that members have the right to participate in union activities.”

The attractive buttons in no way detract from the LCBO’s image as an elegant purveyor of luxury goods, Fisher said. The agency stores campaign continues in January. The lobbying of MPPs and activities focused on community outreach activities are planned. NUPGE