Beer shortage warning after Stella and Budweiser workers set to strike
BEER drinkers could be facing a Christmas shortage as hundreds of workers go on strike.
Employees at Budweiser, Stella Artois, Becks, Boddingtons and Export Pale Ale are on strike in response to real-terms pay cuts.
The GMB Union has said workers will be off until 7am on Saturday, 22 October.
It affects staff at the factory in Samlesbury, near Preston.
GMB, the union representing the 250 workers, confirmed bosses have only agreed to increase workers’ pay by £250 for 2023, prompting strike action.
Stephen Boden, GMB organiser said: “We don’t believe there is any real desire from Budweiser to resolve this dispute.
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“The work force is losing confidence in the management team.”
He added that workers are on strike until Monday, which affects all departments and shifts across the site.
This could carry the risk of a Christmas beer drought, he noted, but added that it’s “not too late for management to listen”.
The Sun has contacted ABInBev, the owner of Budweiser Brewing Group, for comment.
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It comes as fast food chains could be impacted in the run-up to Christmas because one of its suppliers put down their tools.
KFC is among those that could be affected as workers rejected a 6% pay offer, which is below the current rate of inflation of 9.9%.
The union said the offer wouldn’t “protect” staff against the cost of living crisis.
Nadine Houghton, GMB national officer, said: “These workers bust a gut to deliver fresh, just in time food to some of the biggest names in the business.
“Bestfood’s parent companies Booker and Tesco are making incredibly healthy profits and paying large dividends, while leaving these workers crushed by cost of living.”
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Major port workers are also threatening to go on strike, which could affect Christmas deliveries.
In a new Winter of Discontent, there are more fears the UK could be put at a standstill.