Beer deliveries could halt over the festive period and World Cup if the delivery workers decide to strike over pay disputes next month. An estimated 1,000 draymen, beer delivery workers, are being balloted over a "pay cut" from the firm GXO, a major supply company.
About 40% of beer deliveries to UK pubs and other venues are conducted by GXO Logistics so a strike could cripple supplies, especially if it takes place over Christmas. The ballot is open until October 6 for Unite union workers to vote on whether strike action will be taken.
A five percent pay offer was given by GXO but it came with the caveat that sick pay would be reduced. Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “GXO can well afford to pay our members a pay rise that reflects rising living costs.
“The current offer it has put forward goes nowhere near that reasonable demand. Unite will support our GXO members every step of the way in their fight for a fair pay rise. GXO needs to come back with a much-improved deal.”
Companies impacted would include Heineken, Stonegate, Admiral Taverns and Shepherd Neame. The estimated dates for any action at the 22 UK sites would be over the World Cup and Christmas period, which are high consumption times of year.
Unite wants the company to provide a better offer for delivery workers that is in line with the 12.3 RPI inflation rate. GXO reported in August that its UK operations brought in revenues of £687 million from 1 April to June 20 and boosted its profits forecast.
A GXO spokesperson said: “We believe our proposal is very fair and follows an above-inflation annual pay raise last year. When combined, the overall increase is in line with the industry average. We remain committed to maintaining an open dialogue with our employees and their representatives at all times.”
Joe Clarke, Unite national officer, said: “Any disruption to pub goers and GXO’s clients will be entirely the fault of the company for refusing to offer a pay deal that reflects soaring prices. The company needs to table a cost of living pay rise for our members.”
