Montreal

SAQ workers strike for 5th day today

At the heart of the conflict with the SAQ is a requirement to work weekend shifts — the busiest time at the SAQ.

At heart of labour conflict is requirement to work weekend shifts

An SAQ protester blows into a noise maker outside an SAQ outlet in Montreal on Sept. 10, the third of six strike days authorized by union members. (Radio-Canada)

Retail and office workers at Quebec's liquor board, the Société des alcools du Québec (SAQ), walked off the job for a fifth day today.

In June, the SAQ's 5,500 unionized workers, affiliated with the CSN labour federation, voted in favour of six strike days, to be used when they see fit.

At the heart of the conflict with the SAQ is a requirement to work weekend shifts — the busiest time at the SAQ. 

The employer wants to increase weekend staffing to meet this demand.

During the four previous strike days in the summer, some SAQ locations stayed open, staffed by management.

Fifty SAQ stores will be open in the province today, starting at 1 p.m. Customers can find out which stores are open at saq.com.

With files from La Presse Canadienne