Interbrew accused over treatment of Boddies workers

Related tags Interbrew Boddingtons

Interbrew has been accused of breaking promises to Boddington's workers by the Transport and General Workers Union (T&G).The union has accused...

Interbrew has been accused of breaking promises to Boddington's workers by the Transport and General Workers Union (T&G).

The union has accused Interbrew of acting vindictively against the workforce after staff received letters telling them their jobs would not qualify for transfer after the closure of the brewery.

T&G regional industrial organiser Franny Joyce claimed there had been a very clear understanding that those Manchester workers who wanted to stay in the company could do so by retraining or transferring.

Brewing of cask Boddingtons is being transferred to Hyde's brewery in Manchester following the closure last Monday (February 28) and Interbrew has transferred some staff to a variety of locations in the business, including the Samlesbury brewery in Preston.

Mr Joyce remains unhappy that not all staff have been transferred. "How come these workers, who were told by the Interbrew chief executive that their dedication, commitment and skills were beyond question, are now surplus to requirements?" he said.

But Interbrew has rejected the accusations. The brewer said: "Contrary to statements issued by T&G, Interbrew UK has remained committed to seeking alternative positions for the Boddingtons Brewery employees. They have all been supported in looking for further work. To date, 60 per cent of the 55 affected employees have been successful in finding new roles.

"We are also continuing to support the remaining 22 employees in their search for further employment, including ongoing retraining for those who have requested it."

Pictured: Dejected staff member Ron Aikens outside the 200 year-old-plus site on the day the closure was announced.

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