Unite has announced that workers at the company’s Belfast Brewery will initiate an eight-day strike next month due to a pay dispute. This strike could significantly affect the Christmas supply of Guinness and Guinness Zero.
Beginning Friday, December 5, the strike will continue until the early hours of Saturday, December 13. Members of Unite, approximately 90 workers, are advocating for a “substantial increase” in pay to bridge the wage disparity with Diageo employees at the Runcorn, England site.
It’s important to note that no beer production occurs at Marshalls Road, as it serves as a packaging site in Belfast.
In response, Diageo has stated that contingency plans are in place to mitigate any potential disruptions at the can packaging facility in Belfast.
Diageo expressed, “We are currently supplying more Guinness 0.0 to the GB market than ever before and look forward to serving consumers over the festive period.”
“While we are disappointed by the outcome of the ballot for industrial action at our can packaging site in Belfast, we strongly believe that continued engagement is the best way of securing a resolution that recognises employees for their valued contribution, while ensuring the long-term competitiveness of the site.”
Furthermore, Unite General Secretary Sharon Graham emphasized, “Diageo is one of the largest and most profitable drinks companies in the world. It can fully afford to make workers a decent offer.”