S&N workers to strike
Scottish & Newcastle (S&N) brewery workers have voted for strike action over pay.
The staff which belong to trade union Unite, working at the brewery in Berkshire, have voted by a margin of nine-to-one to take industrial action over threats to their pay.
This follows S&N's decision to cut the link between basic pay and overtime and other enhanced rates.
Mick Pollek, Unite regional industrial organiser, said nearly 300 workers had taken part in the ballot.
He added: "It has been a longstanding agreement that any increase in basic pay has flowed through to all other rates," he said.
"But according to the deal offered this time the brewery wants to cut the link.
"That's what has angered our members to the point that if the company persists in its stand they will strike.
"Unite urges the brewery management to come back from the brink and give us an assurance that we can discuss this year's pay settlement without the threatened cuts to overtime and enhancement rates."
A spokesman for S&N told the Publican: "As part of the current round of pay negotiation at our Berkshire Brewery site, we have received notification from Union representatives that a ballot has been concluded in favour of industrial action.
"Clearly this is a disappointing outcome, particularly as we have an excellent track record of employee relations at the Berkshire Brewery site and across all UK manufacturing locations. Whilst we have been formally notified of industrial action, there is a strong desire on all sides to reach an amicable settlement.
"Detailed discussions between union representative and S&N continue and we hope to use the services of ACAS (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service) to find a mutually agreeable solution. In the unlikely event that any production is lost at the site, we are confident that this would be made up through contingencies.
"At present, the site is operating normally and there are no immediate implications for customers or consumers."
The brewery operates round the clock and seven days a week producing Fosters and Kronenbourg for the domestic and export markets.
