Liquor Stores to Open

It will be business as usual at the LCBO today after the strike deadline passed and the two sides continue to talk.

OPSEU and the liquor board extended the deadline and both sides said they would stay at the table until they reach an agreement or one side walks away.

Union official Vanda Klumper said they wouldn't have extended the deadline if they didn't think they could get an agreement.

Just the possibility of a strike sent restaurateurs and residents to stock up on booze yesterday.

The key negotiating issue for the union is the rights of casual workers. The union says those employees don't receive vacation, sick time or benefits, and can be called in to work for as little as two hour sat a time. LCBO spokesman Chris Layton says they make up to $18.00 an hour, well above the wage for private retail outlets.