Threat of a heatwave beer drought as Budweiser brewery staff near Preston stage 36 hour strike today

Just days before one of the hottest weeks of the year, further strike action by GMB members at Budweiser Brewing Group’s Samlesbury site could be risking a heatwave beer drought.

Today, (Saturday July 16), some 225 Budweiser workers will strike for 36 hours in a dispute over pay.

Staff at the site, which brews Budweiser, Stella Artois, Becks, Boddingtons and Export Pale Ale, will walk out in anger at a three per cent pay offer, which they say amounts to a real terms pay cut.

The GMB added that bosses have also threatened workers that they would not be able to claim back pay if the deal was not agreed by July 21.

Budweiser workers, who have already walked out several times in June over the pay dispute, will down tools for 36 hours from 7pm today until Monday at 7am-with a further 12 hour stoppage on Tuesday.

Stephen Boden, GMB Organiser, said: ‘’This strike is the last thing anyone wants - a beer drought in the middle of a heatwave is no one’s idea of fun.

“But our members are being taken for a ride and it’s not good enough.

‘’A massive real terms pay cut in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis is downright cruel.

"GMB has tried to negotiate with Budweiser repeatedly, but they’re not listening. Now they will have to deal with the consequences.”

A spokesperson from Budweiser Brewing Group said: “Budweiser Brewing Group has a positive and long-standing relationship with the GMB, however despite open negotiations, the GMB have confirmed that industrial action will take place at our Samlesbury brewery from tomorrow.

“Our people are our greatest strength, and as such we are proud to offer a competitive package – wages in the Brewery are in the top 10% for the region and a range of benefits are provided including private medical cover, wellbeing allowance, access to the Verhelst Foundation to support physical and mental wellbeing, a ‘perks at work’ programme, product vouchers, opportunities for scholarship funds 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.”