Beer shortage warning over World Cup and Christmas as strikes loom

BEER drinkers could be facing a shortage over Christmas and the World Cup as hundreds of workers go on strike.

Employees at Budweiser, Stella Artois, Becks, Boddingtons and Export Pale Ale are striking in response to real-terms pay cuts, with more to follow suit.

The GMB Union has said workers at the factory in Samlesbury, near Preston, will be off until 7am on Saturday, 22 October.

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.  

"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".

A spokesperson from Budweiser Brewing Group responded: "Budweiser Brewing Group has a positive and long-standing relationship with the GMB, however despite open negotiations, the GMB have confirmed continued industrial action at our Samlesbury brewery.

"We are disappointed that the ACAS conciliation process has not been successful, and continue to work towards a solution."

Separately workers at GXO Logistics - a firm which makes up 40% of beer deliveries - are set to go on strike between October 31 and November 4 across the UK.

The disruption is caused by a rejected pay offer from GXO as well as a deduction to sick pay.

Around 1,000 GXO employees will take part in the strike. Unite Union has confirmed more will follow if the dispute is not resolved by then.

It means the World Cup, which begins November 20 may be affected as pubs struggle to stay stocked up.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "Once again, a company that is making hundreds of millions in profits is asking workers to take a pay cut.

"And GXO goes even further. They want to cut sick pay too. This is a shocking way to treat your workforce.

"GXO can easily afford to pay fairly and Unite is determined to see that they do. Our members have the union’s absolute support in taking strike action for a fair pay rise."

Beer companies affected by the strike include Heineken, Stonegate, Admiral Taverns and Shepherd Neame.

The Sun has contacted the above for comment along with GXO Logistics. 

These strikes come 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."

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.