Budweiser brewery workers set to strike over pay

Workers at Budweiser Brewing Group’s (BBG) Salmesbury site are to go on strike this summer following a pay dispute.

Some 225 members of the GMB trade union will down tools on a series of dates in June.

It is the first time workers at the site, which brews Budweiser, Stella Artois, Boddingtons and Export Pale Ale, have gone on strike in its 50-year history.

The union said after “months of discussion” with BBG the brewer tabled a final offer of a 3% pay increase for 2022 and 3% for 2023 with an increase in overtime rate. But with inflation above 3% GMB said this amounted to a “massive pay cut in real terms”.

GMB warned in April any strike could cause a "summer beer drought".

Stephen Boden, GMB Organiser, said: “The last thing these workers want to do is jeopardise beer supplies just as the hot weather kicks in.

“But they’ve been pushed into this by bosses essentially slashing their wages during a cost of living crisis. Do they really except loyal workers to swallow a real terms pay cut?

“Anyone fancying a pint of Budweiser, Stella Artois, Becks, Boddingtons or Export Pale Ale strike could go thirsty this summer.”

BBG said it has plans in place to minimise impact on customers and supply.

A spokesperson for BBG said: “Our people are our greatest strength, and as such we are proud to offer a competitive package – rated in the 90th percentile – with benefits that include private medical cover and bonuses.

“We’ve made significant investments in Samlesbury which have resulted in further innovation and automation, additional skills development, promotions and many new job opportunities. Over recent years we have increased our headcount by over 65.  “We are hopeful that through a continued open dialogue we can still reach a mutually acceptable way forward.”

Boden said it was “not too late for bosses to listen to workers and offer a fair deal.”

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