Irn-Bru supplies could “dry up” within weeks, a union leader has said, after workers at the manufacturer announced dates for strikes over pay.
The industrial action was called after Unite members rejected a 5% pay deal from the Scottish firm AG Barr.
Unite confirmed that nine 24-hour strikes will take place between 11 August and 6 October, as well as a continuous ban on overtime beginning on 8 August. The strikes will involve 10 truck and shunter drivers, and will take place at the soft drink’s distribution centre in Cumbernauld, Dunbartonshire.
AG Barr has described its pay offer as “fair and competitive”, but earlier this month staff members backed strike action by 83%.
Sharon Graham, the general secretary of Unite, said: “Supplies of Irn-Bru could dry up in a few weeks due to the key role our members carry out for AG Barr.
“The company is cash rich with £52.9m chilling in the bank. Yet, they are offering our members a significant real terms pay cut when they can easily afford to pay more. We will back our members all the way in their fight for better jobs, pay and conditions.”
Andy Brown, Unite’s industrial officer said: “Despite our best efforts to resolve this dispute through negotiation, AG Barr has not moved beyond 5%. The only way it seems they will pay attention is if supplies of its popular products including Irn-Bru start to fizzle out, which is exactly what is now on the cards.”
Unite also claims that AG Barr had not improved its offer despite increasing its revenue by 18.2% to £317.6m in the last financial year.
An AG Barr spokesperson said: “We are disappointed in the decision by about 10 of our Scottish based HGV1 drivers to take industrial action.
“We made an offer that we believe is fair and competitive – in line with what has been agreed with our other employees. We believe we have a responsibility to be fair to everyone.
“We have contingency plans in place to maintain customer service and we will continue to work with Unite representatives and Acas to find a positive and constructive resolution.”
The company, which also produces popular brands such as Tizer and Rubicon, increased its adjusted profit before tax to £43.5m, and due to strong revenue generation, it reported a net cash position of £52.9m.
