Around 40 members of Unite work at the Enfield brewery, including brewers, technicians, warehouse staff and packaging workers.
Recognition for Unite means that the trade is able to represent the workforce in negotiations over pay, terms and conditions and health and safety matters.
The first round of pay negotiations is set to commence early next year.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham praised the union’s representatives at Camden Town Brewery for their work.
“Through their hard work and determination, they’ve secured recognition that will benefit the entire workforce,” Graham said.
“This is another example of how Unite’s focus on the workplace is driving up pay and conditions across the board.”
‘Starting point’
The deal includes the creation of an equality representative who will work alongside the industrial reps.
Camden Town Brewery is owned and operated by global brewing giant AB-InBev, with its £30m brewery in Enfield capable of producing approximately 400,000 hectolitres of beer per year.
Unite regional officer Simon McCartney described securing recognition at the brewer as “just the starting point” and said that the union would soon begin conducting a pay survey in preparation for negotiations in 2025.
“Unite is committed to securing recognition at other independent breweries, so workers across the sector can enjoy the same robust protections and benefits as those at more established brewers,” McCartney added.
“This recognition agreement marks a milestone for Unite’s ongoing efforts to improve conditions for workers in the brewing industry.”
Food Manufacture has reached out to AB-InBev for comment.
HGV strike
In other trade union news, around 40 Unite members employed as HGV drivers for Culina have announced plans to strike over two days in December.
The workers will walk out on 19 and 20 December in protest against the logistics operator failing to offer them a pay rise.
“Our members deserve a pay rise this year and Culina need to realise that this isn’t just any strike – this is a Unite strike and our members will have the full backing of their union in this dispute,” Graham said.
