Budweiser workers stage 36-hour strike
Staff represented by the GMB Union downed tools after refusing a three percent pay offer, which the union claimed amounted to a real terms pay cut.
Strike action at the site followed several walk outs last month over the pay dispute. A total of 225 GMB members working at the site took action after what was described as month’s of discussion over pay.
In May, workers started an overtime ban, did not engage in training or complete face to face handovers. A further 12 hour stoppage is scheduled for Tomorrow (19 July).
‘Beer drought’
Stephen Boden, GMB organiser, said: “This strike is the last thing anyone wants – a beer drought in the middle of a heatwave is no one’s idea of fun. But our members are being taken for a ride and it’s not good enough.
‘’A massive real terms pay cut in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis is downright cruel. GMB has tried to negotiate with Budweiser repeatedly, but they’re not listening. Now they will have to deal with the consequences.”
A spokesman for Budweiser said it had a positive and long-standing relationship with the union was still in talks with GMB to work toward a mutually acceptable solution.
Commenting on the strikes, the spokesman said: “We have a very dedicated and talented leadership team to support with the production of our much-loved beers and do not expect any beer shortages.
No interruptions predicted
“We have implemented plans to ensure that supply has not been interrupted, including enhanced logistics measures and cooperation with transport partners to minimise the impact to customers and consumers.”
Meanwhile, Unite the Union members at Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Wakefield threatened to strike after claims of bullying by bosses and disputes over pay.
The union claimed bosses were attempting to force through a below inflation pay deal, a 21-month deal of 3.25% for the first 12 months and 1.75% for the following nine months.
