Many workers gathered yesterday, Saturday, for the second day of the first-ever strike by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario after thousands of workers walked off the job on Friday when talks between the Ontario Public Service Employees Union and the government broke down.

Many workers gathered outside the LCBO warehouse in Ottawa yesterday, Saturday, voicing concerns about the future of the provincially controlled liquor store as the government plans to expand alcohol sales to corner stores in September. Employees are also seeking better wages and job security.

Sean Spencer, president of OPSEU SEFPO Local 499, said, "We are on strike as long as we haven't reached the deal we are looking for. We certainly hope the government will come to the table."

The stores are expected to remain closed for at least 14 days, but customers can purchase their alcoholic beverages through convenient LCBO outlets in small communities and online orders.

Local breweries in Ottawa are also stocking up on product in preparation for more shoppers during the strike.

Alex Sirois, managing partner of Lowertown Brewery in the Byward Market, said, "We have enough for about three weeks. We expect this to last maybe two weeks. So, to be safe, we have enough for three weeks."

Some people are choosing to completely avoid alcoholic beverages and buy non-alcoholic drinks for the weekend at Knyota, a store in Ottawa that sells non-alcoholic wine, beer, and spirits.

Eidin Aligi, a sales representative at the store on Bank Street, said, "Even before the strike, we had a lot of people who were directed here by LCBO staff if they were looking for non-alcoholic options."

As workers continue to walk the picket line, the office of Ontario Premier Doug Ford stated that the government is not considering legislative measures to force a return to work.