Quebeckers filled up at the Société des alcools

Friday was the rush in the SAQ stores across Quebec. When the Journal wentto the SAQ Dépôt de Québec store, there were many customers.

The 5,500 employees of the SAQ's stores and offices could start a six-day strike on Saturday.

Several SAQ customers met on Friday have also acknowledged they have advanced their alcohol purchases in anticipation of a labor dispute.

"We decided to make provisions. We have heard that stores may be closed (Saturday). We have taken a lead, "said Richard Gagnon of Quebec City.

Same story for France King of Quebec. "We had to come Saturday. We have advanced our purchases, because we do not know if there will be a strike (Saturday). I can tell you that there are a lot of people inside, "she said.

It must be said that June 23rd remains one of the busiest days of the year at the SAQ as customers abound in its stores for the festivities of the National Day.

The state company has a plan

At the SAQ, it is argued that the traffic in its branches observed over the past few days has lived up to expectations. "Our sales are fully aligned with our objectives," said state corporation spokesperson Mathieu Gaudreault.

The SAQ says it has put in place a plan that will appeal to all its senior staff in the event of a strike by its store employees.

This plan would allow the opening of at least fifty or so stores of the Crown corporation. Currently, the SAQ has 404 branches in Quebec.