LCBO workers ratify new collective agreement

Customers visit an LCBO store in Toronto on Tuesday, June 23, 2009. (Darren Calabrese / THE CANADIAN PRESS)

TORONTO - Liquor Control Board of Ontario workers have ratified a new collective agreement.

Employees voted Monday and Tuesday on the deal, which was reached on June 24 and averted an impending strike.

The four-year agreement includes a total wage increase of 7.75 per cent, along with an increase to full-time jobs and improvements for casual and seasonal employees.

Permanent full-time employees also receive increased benefits and improvements to scheduling.

Union official Vanda Klumper says the agreement protects the livelihoods of permanent staff and makes measurable gains for casuals.

The bargaining team represents more than 6,000 members.