Brewery workers in Burton-on-Trent are balloting for strike action as workers face a vicious assault from their employers Molson Coors.
Workers are facing £8,000-£9,000 a year pay cuts, cuts in working conditions and a threat to sack everybody if they don’t agree to the proposals by 14 June.
Phil Salt, Unite branch secretary explained: “These attacks have cast a shadow across the town, as other workers and employers watch carefully how this will end. Our branch believes that employers throughout the Midlands and the food, drink and tobacco sector nationally will also be monitoring this dispute closely.
“We are a well-organised site with over 90% membership. We believe that if we allow this to happen, employers will believe they can do anything, anywhere.
“These proposals will depress the local economy. We are told we are paid ‘upper tier’ pay rates. Bring those rates down, and the averages come down for everybody else. Our members face losing their homes. That’s how extreme these proposals are.
“A ballot for strike action is underway, and we expect a resounding YES vote. The ballot closes on 28 May.”
- Messages of support may be sent to [email protected] or via #burtonbrewery on Twitter.
- A fighting fund has been established. Cheques should be made payable to ‘Unite’ with ‘Burton Brewery’ written on the back and sent to Unite the Union, Finance Department, Transport House, 9-17 Victoria Street, West Bromwich, West Midlands, B70 8HX
