A labour dispute between the Quebec liquor board and its 3,800 members has turned into a grinding test of wills.

The workers have been on strike for seven weeks, demanding a minimum number of work hours from the Société des alcools du Québec.

By walking out in late November, they hoped this would pressure the government-owned agency to settle.

However, Quebecers weren't about to let their thirst for fine wines and alcohol go unslaked.

They went to approximately 50 outlets run by management, waiting hours to cross picket lines.

Some customers were distinctly unsympathetic to the workers, saying, "they make enough money as it is."

Others have journeyed into Ontario to stock up.

"If they have one or two bottles, you know they're from town. If they got three carts, you know they're from Quebec," laughed one Ontario liquor store clerk.

It's not a laughing matter for the Quebec strikers.

"I saw people crying because they have families to feed. That's bad," said striking worker Henri Corbin.

"We are four weeks with no cheques and we need the money," added Frederic Nadeau.

The frustration is starting to show in destructive ways. Some strikers have been arrested in connections with incidences of of vandalism at liquor store outlets. Scuffles have broken out on the picket line.

With their strike fund drawn down, workers attended a meeting on the feasibility of joining forces with one of Quebec's major unions. This was seen as the only way to replenish the strike fund.

For many, however, that solution was too controversial. Many are arguing the time has come to cut their losses.

"It's time to give in and get back to work," said one woman.

Right now, talks between the two sides are at a standstill. Former premier Lucien Bouchard is the chief mediator, but so far, he hasn't been able to get the two sides reach a deal.

With a report from CTV's Genevieve Beauchemin