‘Beer drought’ warning after workers making Stella and Budweiser threatened to strike

Beer lovers are being told to expect shortages at Budweiser, Stella Artois, Becks, Boddingtons and Export Pale Ale if planned wage strikes go ahead this year

The British are warned of a “summer”. Beer make drought’ as a worker Budweiser Stella Artois, Becks, Boddingtons and Export Pale Ale will hit the market.

Workers at the Lancashire site of Budweiser Brewing Group, which brews these beers, have voted to dismantle the tools in exchange for a real pay cut.

A total of 225 GMB union members at the brewery will begin an overtime ban from May 11.

GMB organizer Stephen Boden said: “This industrial action is the result of an openly offensive salary offer from Budweiser Brewing Group’s management.

The union said the world’s largest brewer had presented a full and final offer of a 3% increase for 2022 and 3% for 2023 after “months of discussions”, with an increase in overtime rates, the Liverpool Echo reports.

However, it said that with the cost-of-living crisis and inflation at 9%, “the offer is tantamount to a massive pay cut in real terms”.

GMB also fully supports its members beat Action at Samlesbury Brewery, with dates to be confirmed.

Boden said: “Workers are right to be angry and if this strike goes that far Budweiser could face a summer beer drought.

“How can they expect hard-working employees to accept a real pay cut? But it is not too late for management to listen to the workers and come back to the table with us to negotiate a fair settlement.”

A spokesman for AB InBev, which owns Budweiser, has been contacted for comment.

A spokesman for Budweiser Brewing Group recently told CNN in a statement that the company is offering a competitive package “at the 90th percentile for total compensation — with benefits that include private health insurance and bonuses.”

“We have made significant investments in Samlesbury which has resulted in further innovation and automation, additional skill development, promotions and many new job opportunities. In recent years we have increased our headcount by over 65,” the spokesman added.

Der Spiegel reported in February that the an average pint costs more than £10 if inflation persists at current levels through 2030.

The good news is that current interest rates are largely just a response to the pandemic, meaning things like energy prices should start falling again when demand returns to normal levels and interest rates start to rise – which the economy does brings back into balance.

But in a scenario where that wasn’t the case, the Brits could be pricing out many everyday goods.

London is already the most expensive place to grab a beer, currently costing around £6 – or £10.50 if inflation were to continue to soar.

The second largest brewery in the world, Heineken, is there increase the price of its beers due to the effects of inflation.

The Dutch company, which supplies brands like Strongbow Cider, Amstel and Europe’s best-selling lager, Heineken, blamed rising ingredient and energy costs.

It comes after the Cobra beer founder also said its prices will rise due to “fiendish” cost pressures.