Beer delivery workers balloted on strike action during Christmas and World Cup

Further disruption could hit beer deliveries to the UK’s hospitality sector during the key Christmas period and World Cup tournament, as 1,000 GXO draymen are being balloted over strike action again.

Strikes would impact beer supplies to pubs and venues supplied by major breweries, including Heineken, Stonegate, Admiral Taverns and Shepherd Neame, during the World Cup and the Christmas period. The workers, who are responsible for about 40% of the beer deliveries to UK pubs and venues, are being balloted for strike action until 6 October over a 5% offer.

Union Unite described it as a “pay cut” as it reduced sick pay is reduced and was “far below the 12.3 RPI rate of inflation”.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “GXO can well afford to pay our members a pay rise that reflects rising living costs. The current offer it has put forward goes nowhere near that reasonable demand. Unite will support our GXO members every step of the way in their fight for a fair pay rise. GXO needs to come back with a much-improved deal.”

GXO sites being balloted are in Coventry, Avonmouth, Norwich, Greenford, Dagenham, Croydon, Faversham, Thatcham, Southampton, Livingston, Dundee, Aberdeen, Inverness, Dumfries, Ivybridge, Swansea, Anglesey, Manchester, Preston, Carlisle, Washington and Wakefield.

Unite national officer Joe Clarke added: “Any disruption to pub goers and GXO’s clients will be entirely the fault of the company for refusing to offer a pay deal that reflects soaring prices. The company needs to table a cost of living pay rise for our members.”

Nationwide strikes were called off last year following an improved pay offer from the company, but pubs reported some issues with deliveries.

A GXO spokesperson said: “We believe our proposal is very fair and follows an above-inflation annual pay raise last year. When combined, the overall increase is in line with the industry average. We remain committed to maintaining an open dialogue with our employees and their representatives at all times.”