GMB warns of ‘summer beer drought’ as brewery workers support strike
The brewer tabled a final offer of 3% increase for 2022 and the same again for 2023 with increases in overtime rates. However the union said this amounts to a ‘massive’ pay cut in real terms.
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The GMB trade union has warned of a “summer beer drought” after brewery workers voted in favour of strike action.
Some 225 GMB members working at BBG’s Samlesbury site which brews Budweiser, Stella Artois, Becks, Boddingtons and Export Pale Ale, will start an overtime time ban, not engage in training or complete face to face handovers from Wednesday 11 May 2022.
After months of discussion with the brewer they tabled a full and final offer of 3% increase for 2022 and 3% for 2023 with increases in overtime rates.
With the cost-of-living crises and inflation at 9%, the union said this offer amounts to a “massive” pay cut in real terms.
Additionally, members also support “full” strike action for the first time.
Stephen Boden, GMB organiser, said: “This industrial action is a result of Budweiser brewing groups management making a frankly insulting pay offer. They are choosing to ignore workers and put profit before people with this derisory pay offer.”
“Workers are rightly angry and if this strike goes the distance Budweiser could face a summer beer drought. How can they expect hard working staff to accept a real terms pay cut?”
He added: “But it’s not too late for management to listen to workers and get back round the table with us to work out a fair deal.”
Strike dates are to be confirmed.
