Carlton United Breweries (CUB), the Australian beer maker has decided to dismiss over 300 of its employees as tensions surrounding a pay dispute escalate. The lockout, at the brewer's Abbotsford brewery, began on June 5 10pm and last for 24 hours.

The workers are members of the Liquor, Hospitality and Miscellaneous Workers Union, who have been locked in a pay dispute with CUB for several weeks. Union officials claim the lock out will threaten Melbourne's beer supply.

The LHMU had itself imposed a number of bans on CUB, including overtime pay, finishing work early and brewery training.

CUB public affairs manager David Park confirmed employees would be locked out, but denied Melbourne's beer supply would be jeopardised.

06 June, 2003