Employers expecting bout of 'AC/DC flu'

Ticket sales are looking for good for Thursday's AC/DC concert in Moncton, which could lead to an unusual number of people calling in sick on Friday, predicts a human resources consultant.

'All of a sudden there's a rash number of people not feeling well.' — Pierre Battah, HR consultant

Moncton has held a number of megaconcerts in the last few years, but this is the first to take place on a weeknight. Ian Fowler of Moncton Tourism recognizes the Thursday show is not ideal but said that doesn't seem to be hurting attendance.

"Ticket sales have already indicated it's going to be a super turnout," said Fowler.

"Thursday may not be the preferred day. People would have preferred a weekend, but you have to take the tour when they're available to come. "

HR consultant Pierre Battah said employees might be tempted to phone in sick on Friday after a late night Thursday, but he cautioned that employers are likely to be suspicious.

"All of a sudden, there's a rash number of people not feeling well around these funny dates, so employers see through that fairly quickly," said Battah.

Battah recommended planning ahead and booking a vacation day. Some downtown Moncton store employees are trading shifts, he said, with many of them working the civic holiday Monday so they can have Friday off.