RIBENA and Lucozade fans face shortages as factory workers go on strike, union chiefs warn.
More than 180 Unite union workers who make the drinks will walk out in a pay row.
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The union claims Japanese food and drinks giant Suntory, which owns the brands, has not honoured an inflation-linked pay rise.
Unite said the week-long strike from Monday at the Royal Forest Factory in Coleford, Gloucs, would affect supplies of the blackcurrant and energy drinks.
The union said yesterday: “As a result of the lack of loyalty to the deal, workers will strike for the first time at the plant since the 1970s.”
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham added: “Suntory is awash with cash and it’s reprehensible to not give our members a fair pay increase.”
READMORE ON STRIKES
Unite regional officer Michael Hobbs said: “The strike action will inevitably result in a shortage of consumers’ favourite drinks, but Suntory has brought this strike on itself.”
Suntory director Karl Ottomar said: “We hope to reach an agreement shortly so we can focus on looking forward.
“The employees taking part have received two pay increases since 2022.”
