Carlsberg workers set to vote on strike action

by Tony Halstead Workers at Carlsberg's North-ampton brewery could take strike action in protest at a company restructuring plan, which they claim could result in a pay freeze for many of the workforce. Members of the Transport & General Workers Union at the plant fear proposals to introduce two new grades will see the bulk of the workers classed as "non-technicians", which will mean no pay rise. The union claims a similar project at its sister Leeds brewery this year saw only half the workforce placed on a new higher-paid technician grade. "Our people have seen what has happened with restructuring at Leeds and we have told the company we do not want to see that happening in Northamp-ton," said T&G regional organiser Jackie Williams. "We have argued that if the company is to restructure along the lines it intends, it should start with everyone on the new developer grade, with the opportunity to qualify as technicians," she added. She claimed Carlsberg had refused to negotiate on the issue, and now 180 workers will be voting on strike action. Carlsberg UK said the new package of measures requires an increase in levels of flexible working, while providing additional staff training and opportunities for significant pay increases. The proposals were being made to ensure the brewery improved its efficiency by developing workforce skills and adopting the most up-to-date working practices. The company said discussions had been ongoing with the union since the beginning of the year and significant amendments had already been made to the proposals. It added that with training opportunities most staff in the brewery had the opportunity to secure a 20% increase in earnings over the next three years. Human resources director Ian Deninson said the company had listened to workers' concerns and modified its original proposals. "If our employees at North-ampton do vote for industrial action we are confident that our contingency plans, which include support from elsewhere in the Carlsberg group, will ensure we keep our customers supplied with beer," he said. The result of the strike ballot is expected to be announced next week.