BEER fans are facing shortages next month as Stella Artois and Budweiser factory workers have threatened to strike.
The dates are yet to be confirmed but it could cause a “summer beer drought”, the GMB union warned.
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In the meantime more than 200 employees will take other industrial action in the row over pay.
Staff at the factory in Samlesbury, near Preston, will start an overtime ban, not engage in training or complete face to face handovers from May 11.
The site brews Budweiser, Stella Artois, Becks, Boddingtons and Export Pale Ale.
GMB, the union representing the 250 workers, said discussions with Budweiser Brewing Group over pay had broken down.
It said the employer had tabled an offer of a 3% pay rise for 2022 and 2023, and an increase in overtime rates.
The union said it was not enough due to the current cost of living crisis.
Stephen Boden, GMB organiser, said the pay offer was “insulting”.
“They are choosing to ignore workers and put profit before people with this derisory pay offer,” he said.
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“Workers are rightly angry and if this strike goes the distance Budweiser could face a summer beer drought.”
The Sun has contacted ABInBev, the owner of Budweiser Brewing Group, for comment.
The company, which is the world’s largest brewer, told local paper the Lancashire Telegraph: “We are hopeful that through a continued open dialogue we can still reach a mutually acceptable way forward which will avoid industrial action.
“The teams have plans in place to minimise the impact on customers.”
There are currently some shortages in shops due to the war in Ukraine and energy rises.
Tomatoes are in short supply and have jumped in price, while some cooking oils have been rationed in supermarkets.
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