protesting outside the gates in a row over new contracts which Unite claim workers are being forced to sign. Rick CoyleHUNDREDS of outraged brewery workers unanimously called for strike action at a mass meeting in protest to plans to cut £9,000 from their wages.
About 350 Molson Coors workers and Unite union representatives voted for industrial action following a meeting at Burton Town Hall.
Unite union representatives also called on the brewery to rethink its proposed slashing of pay and conditions following a 1p cut in beer duty in the budget.
In his budget, Chancellor George Osborne also scrapped a proposed 3p rise in beer duty.
Unite regional officer Rick Coyle said: “Molson Coors had made great play for the need to reduce beer duty to help its profitability. Now that has happened, management should reconsider its punitive plans to cut the pay and conditions of staff.”
The brewery is currently in the midst of a 90-day consultation period with Unite as the two sides attempt to thrash out a deal for workers.
As part of the proposals, workers could be called to come into work at 23 hours notice, 184 could have their wage packet slashed by £9,000, and up to 26 staff made redundant.
But Mr Coyle said strike action would only be taken at the end of the 90-days ‘if there is not a satisfactory outcome’.
He said: “At the meeting, members were adamant that they would not contemplate this drastic cut to their pay and terms and conditions especially at a time when household bills are going through the roof.
“However, Unite will work hard to achieve a fair and equitable solution to this dispute.”
Another meeting will be held at Burton Town Hall, on Monday, March 25, at 6.30pm.
A Molson Coors’ spokesman said: “The discussions have been useful and show real commitment from both sides to reach a solution.
“Today’s announcement doesn’t change that. We are confident we can continue to work well with the union, its representatives and our employees.”
“The duty cut is a level break for all brewers – it’s an industry benefit, not a benefit to an individual company.
“It doesn’t have an impact on our competitiveness compared to other brewers.”
