Brits could go without pints this summer as workers plan strikes, threatening the stocks of some of the country’s favourite drinks.
Punters are at risk of spending the summer without a pint in hand after unions voted to take action over a pay row.
As temperatures soar, walkouts are planned at Budweiser’s main site where Bud, Stella Artois, Boddingtons and Becks are all brewed.
This could mean as the country enters its first summer in years without the threat of Covid looming, it could be done without a pint in hand.
GMB union said that they had been pushed into the strikes by bosses “essentially slashing their wages during a cost of living crisis”.
Stephen Boden, GMB organiser, said: “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.
“Do they really except loyal workers to swallow a real terms pay cut?
“Anyone fancying a pint Budweiser, Stella Artois, Becks, Boddingtons or Export Pale Ale strike could go thirsty this summer.
“But it’s not too late for bosses to listen to workers and offer a fair deal.”
A total of 225 GMB workers at the site near Preston will down tools, risking leaving Brits thirsty over a series of dates in June.
This would mark the workers first strike in the brewery’s 50 year history.
After months of discussions, GMB said that the world’s biggest brewery tabled a final offer of a three per cent increase this year, and the same next year.
With the cost-of-living crises and inflation at 11.1 per cent, the offer amounts to a massive pay cut in real terms, GMB said.
If the strike does go ahead, there are fears it could drive up the price of a pint further as Brits struggle to stay above water during the cost of living crisis.
Due to rising inflation, the cost of an average pint in the UK has already risen from $4.07 to £4.40, topping off at £5.22 in London.
Marston's Brewery - one of the country's largest chains - recently announced a hike of between 20p and 45p per beer.
A spokesperson from Budweiser Brewing Group said: “Budweiser Brewing Group has a positive and long-standing relationship with the GMB, however despite open and comprehensive negotiations, the GMB have confirmed that industrial action is going ahead at our Samlesbury brewery in June. Our people are our greatest strength, and as such we are proud to offer a competitive package – rated in the 90th percentile – with benefits that include private medical cover 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.
"We are hopeful that through a continued open dialogue we can still reach a mutually acceptable way forward.
"The teams have plans in place to minimise the impact on customers and supply.”
