As if we're not suffering enough from shortages caused by climate change, war, trade deals gone wrong, staff shortages, lorry queues, pandemics. lockdowns and depleting resources, we are now reportedly facing the threat of running out of beer – because of industrial action.
Pubs, clubs, off-licences and supermarkets could soon be running dry at the very time of the year temperatures are set to edge into the mid-20s after unions opted to go on strike in a row over pay. Workers have reportedly voted to take action and down tools at a factory where popular thirst-quenchers such as Budweiser, Stella Artois, Boddingtons and Becks are brewed.
Organiser Stephen Boden, of the GMB – the General, Municipal, Boilermakers union, which represents employees in retail, security, schools, distribution, the utilities, social care, the National Health Service (NHS), ambulance service and local government – told The Sun newspaper: “The last thing these workers want to do is jeopardise beer supplies just as the hot weather kicks in but they’ve been pushed into this by bosses essentially slashing their wages during a cost of living crisis. Anyone fancying a pint of Budweiser, Stella Artois, Becks, Boddingtons or Export Pale Ale could go thirsty this summer.”
