UK: Draymen and warehouse staff strike could lead to beer shortage this summer

Pub-goers face beer taps running dry this summer as draymen and warehouse staff strike for more than three weeks, union bosses warned, the Daily Star reports .

More than 100 workers at GXO Logistics, which supplies Whitbread pubs, will down tools from May 28 in a row over pay.

The pub giant operates more than 800 taverns across the UK, including Beefeater and Brewers Fayre venues, plus over 800 Premier Inns.

Unite said the action could affect deliveries of lagers, ales, wines, spirits and favourite meals and snacks - just as revellers look to descend upon beer gardens.

The industrial action may also impact GXO customer Costa, which operates around 14,000 sites in the UK.

Unite said in a statement: “The GXO Logistics workers transport goods for popular brands such as Costa Coffee and Whitbread, which owns Premier Inn.

“Unite believes that provisions, such as food and drink, will be in short supply while workers are taking industrial action.”

Union chiefs said some workers at the depot in Feltham, west London, suffered “alarmingly low pay” of just over £12 an hour.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “It’s disgraceful that a multi-billion-pound company is paying its workers below the London Living Wage.”

The London Living Wage is currently set at £13.15 per hour.

Lui D’Cunha, regional officer at Unite, added: “Our members are an integral part of the operation at GXO Logistics.

“Any disruption caused because of these strikes sits entirely with management at the company.”

A GXO spokesman said: “We are currently in process with ACAS and Unite and have already made an enhanced offer as part of these negotiations.

“We are disappointed that this offer has not been communicated to our colleagues and we will continue to work with ACAS and Unite to find a resolution, but are confident we can mitigate the impact of any industrial action.”

20 May, 2024