Unionized employees of the Liquor Control Board of Ontario have overwhelmingly voted in favour of a strike should contract talks with the retail giant break down.
Officials with OPSEU, which represents more than 7,000 LCBO staff, say 95 per cent of the members voted in favour of a walkout.
The employees' four-year contract with the LCBO ended March 31 and the two sides have been in bargaining since mid-February without making any progress.
OPSEU officials say key issues are boosting part-time wages, and upgrading health and safety standards.
The provincial Crown corporation says it is disappointed, but not surprised with the strike mandate.
Union members also voted in favour of strike action in 2005 and 2009, but both times a deal was reached to avert a walkout.
(Thunder Bay Televisioin)
