While the SAQ was on strike last fall and winter, Quebecers flocked en masse across the Ontario border to stock up on liquor at the LCBO. Ontarians were fond of mocking us for this, and we in turn were jealous of their excellent selections, lower prices and seemingly better-run outlets.
Now, it looks like a role reversal might be on its way: the LCBO employees might strike:
About 5,400 unionized staff at the provincially owned LCBO, which runs 599 stores, voted overwhelmingly last week to reject a contract offer. If last-minute talks fail to break the deadlock, the strike will start on Thursday.
Well, the traffic might be going the other way soon. People of Ottawa, come discover our SAQs!
Update: Looks like the strike will be averted, as a last-minute tentative deal seems to be reached. I guess Ontarians won’t have to discover the joys of our SAQs after all.
Lower prices??!! It depends on what you’re buying. Some items at the LCBO were more expensive than at the SAQ.