Correspondence from D. Walker, President, B.C. Government and Service Employees’ Union, Re: Opposing Privatization of BC Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB)

July 5, 2012

Mayor Graham Hill Town of View Royal 45 View Royal Avenue Victoria, BC V9B 1A6

Dear Mayor Hill

I am writing to you regarding the provincial government's plans to privatize the BC Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB) warehouse and distribution system, and to ask you to oppose this move by adopting the enclosed motion.

On February 21, 2012, the government announced its intentions to privatize the province's public liquor distribution system and sell-off its warehouses. This decision was made without any consultation with workers, bar/restaurant owners and other licensees, communities or the public.

As president of the union representing the thousands of women and men who work for the LDB, I am very concerned about the impact this will have on these workers and their families. But I'm also concerned about the impact these changes and the loss of government revenues will have on communities throughout the province.

Our current liquor distribution system serves us well. In the last five years, the LDB we all own contributed a net income of $4.3 billion to help pay for public services such as health, education and highways.

Rather than handing over liquor distribution to a for-profit private company, the government should consider modernizing government liquor stores through Sunday openings and extended hours to generate more revenues for public services.

The LDB is a success story. It is efficient, profitable and socially responsible. Our current mix of rural agency stores, privately-operated neighbourhood stores and government liquor stores, all supported by central distribution, is working well for consumers. The LDB system should not be fractured. The central distribution system and the stores must stay together in one system—it's what makes it work.

I would very much appreciate hearing your views on these issues. I am also asking local governments to consider adopting a motion, along the lines of the one enclosed with this letter, and hope that you will consider supporting it.

If you have any questions, or would like further information, I would be pleased to arrange for a BCGEU member from your area to attend a meeting of council.

My mailing address is 4911 Canada Way, Burnaby, V5G 3W3, or you can reach me by e-mail at president@bcgeu.ca.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely

Darryl Walker President

Enclosure

PS Additional information about the impact of privatizing the LDB is also available at our website, www.bcgeu.ca, or www.DontDropPublicLiquor.ca

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