A.G. Barr’s workers to go on strike resulting from wage points says Irn-Bru producer
A.G. Barr, the maker of Irn-Bru, is about to face strikes by twelve trucker and shunter drivers at its Cumbernauld manufacturing and distribution middle within the UK.
The strikes are a results of a pay dispute, as introduced by the Unite union on Friday. The particular dates for the strikes weren’t supplied.
In response to the announcement, a spokesperson for A.G. Barr expressed disappointment and acknowledged that contingency plans had been in place to make sure customer support is maintained.
The corporate additionally expressed its willingness to work with Unite representatives to discover a optimistic decision to the problem.
The beverage trade has been coping with challenges reminiscent of excessive power and uncooked materials prices, together with lowered shopper spending on non-essential objects resulting from inflation. A.G. Barr’s CEO.
Roger White, highlighted the potential impression of inflation and the deliberate introduction of the Scottish Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) in August 2023 on shopper buying conduct.
Regardless of these challenges, A.G. Barr reported a 13.3% improve in adjusted revenue earlier than tax for the fiscal 12 months ending on January 29, reaching £43.5 million (€49.5 million).
This exceeded the common revenue expectation of round £42.9 million (€48.8 million) in keeping with analysts’ forecasts compiled by the corporate.
White acknowledged the corporate’s monetary efficiency and progress in attaining strategic targets, attributing it to the dedication and arduous work of the groups.
He additionally emphasised the continued funding section aimed toward capitalizing on future progress alternatives as a part of the corporate’s technique to develop a diversified beverage portfolio.
Workers at A.G. Barr, the producer of Irn-Bru and other soft drinks, are planning to go on strike over pay issues, according to a trade union.
Unite said that its members at the company’s sites in Cumbernauld and Milton Keynes had voted overwhelmingly in favour of industrial action, after rejecting a 2% pay offer. The union claimed that the offer was “insulting” and “derisory”, given the high profits and sales that A.G. Barr had reported during the pandemic.
It also accused the management of refusing to engage in meaningful negotiations, and of trying to impose changes to terms and conditions without consultation. Unite said that it would announce strike dates in the coming days, unless A.G. Barr agreed to improve its offer and respect its workers’ rights.
The union warned that the strike could disrupt the supply of Irn-Bru and other popular drinks, such as Rubicon, Tizer and Strathmore, to shops and supermarkets across the UK.
Pat McIlvogue, Unite regional industrial officer, said: “Unite members at A.G. Barr are furious at the contempt that has been shown to them by the management over pay.
The workers have made huge sacrifices and have worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic to meet the increased demand for A.G. Barr’s products.
They deserve a fair pay rise that reflects their contribution, not a paltry 2% that doesn’t even keep up with inflation. Unless A.G. Barr gets back round the table with a significantly improved offer, then they will face strike action in the near future.
This will inevitably impact on the production and distribution of Irn-Bru and other drinks to customers during a peak period for sales.”
