Irn-Bru supplies are set to ‘dry up’ as a result of workers striking next month due to a pay dispute, the Unite trade union has claimed.
The strikes are set to hit A.G. Barr’s production and distribution centre in Cumbernauld as trucker and shunter drivers plan a series of 24-hour stoppages.
Nine days of strike action will start on 11 August with the final stoppage being on 6 October. A continuous ban on overtime will also begin on 8 August. The A.G. Barr workers previously backed strike action by 83%.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham, said: “Supplies of Irn-Bru could dry up in a few weeks due to the key role our members carry out for A.G. Barr. The company is cash rich with £52.9m chilling in the bank. Yet, they are offering our members a significant real terms pay cut when they can easily afford to pay more. We will back our members all the way in their fight for better jobs, pay and conditions.”
The trade union revealed that despite talks through the auspices of the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS), there has been no breakthrough in the pay dispute. A.G. Barr have to date refused to move beyond the 5% pay offer for 2023, which Unite claims equates to a significant real-terms pay cut. The broader cost of living measurement (RPI) has remained above 10% during this year.
The business increased its revenue by 18.2% to £317.6m for the year ended on 29 January 2023. The company which produces popular brands such as Irn-Bru increased its adjusted profit before tax to £43.5m, and due to strong revenue generation, it reported a net cash position of £52.9m.
Andy Brown, Unite industrial officer said: “Despite our best efforts to resolve this dispute through negotiation, A.G. Barr has not moved beyond 5%. The only way it seems they will pay attention is if supplies of its popular products including Irn-Bru start to fizzle out which is exactly what is now on the cards.”
A spokesperson for AG Barr said: “We’re disappointed in the decision by around 10 of our Scottish based HGV1 drivers to take industrial action. We made an offer that we believe is fair and competitive - in line with what has been agreed with our other employees. We believe we have a responsibility to be fair to everyone.
“We have contingency plans in place to maintain customer service and we will continue to work with Unite representatives and ACAS to find a positive and constructive resolution.”
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