The SAQ reacts to the SEMB’s decision and implements its business continuity plan

Montreal, April 24, 2024 – The Société des alcools du Québec (SAQ) has learned of the decision of the SAQ store employees’ union (the SEMB) to call a strike for today and tomorrow, Wednesday and Thursday, April 24 and 25. 

Here is the official statement issued by the SAQ: 

We remain prepared to meet with representatives at all times. A next day of negotiations is also planned for Monday April 29. Until this week, the atmosphere around the negotiating table was positive.

We feel that considerable progress has been made since the start of this round of discussions, and that is true for both sides. Our intention has remained unchanged since the start of the negotiations: arrive at an agreement satisfactory to both the SAQ and our employees.

Our business continuity plan will be implemented swiftly to ensure customers have access, albeit limited, to our store network both days.

As the strike days called by the union coincide with the two annual planning days the SAQ is holding with management and employees, fewer stores will be open than is called for in our business continuity plan. Unfortunately, some regions may have little or no service during the two days.

As of 11 a.m. this morning, the complete list of stores open today will be available on SAQ.COM and we invite our customers to consult it. For tomorrow, an update will be made in the morning of Thursday.