Supplies of Budweiser and more beer brands under threat as union confirms strike action

Britons may have to face beer shortages after workers making Budweiser, Stella Artois, Becks, and Boddingtons announced a series of summer strikes following a pay dispute.

A total of 225 GMB members working at BBG’s Samlesbury site, near Preston, will down tools in a series of dates in June in anger over a real terms pay cut, said GMB Union this Thursday (19).

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

After months of discussion with the brewer they tabled a full and final offer of 3 per cent increase for 2022 and 3 per cent for 2023 with increases in overtime rates.  

With CPI inflation hitting 9 percent last month, the union stated that the offer amounts to a pay cut in real terms.

After months of discussions with AB InBev’s UK & Ireland subsidiary, the GMB said the company tabled a full and final offer of a 3% increase for 2022 and 3% for 2023 with increases in overtime rates.

With CPI inflation hitting 9% last month, the union stated that the offer amounts to a pay cut in real terms.

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 expect loyal workers to swallow a real-terms pay cut?

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

“But it’s not too late for bosses to listen to workers and offer a fair deal.”  

A spokesperson from the brewer commented: “Budweiser Brewing Group has a positive and long-standing relationship with the GMB. However, despite open and comprehensive negotiations, the GMB have confirmed that industrial action is going ahead at our Samlesbury brewery in June. 

“We are hopeful that through a continued open dialogue we can still reach a mutually acceptable way forward. The teams have plans in place to minimise the impact on customers and supply.”