Workers at an AG Barr plant that produces Scotland’s other national drink have voted overwhelmingly in support of industrial action amid an escalated pay dispute. Around 12 trucker and shunter drivers at AG Barr’s production and distribution centre in Cumbernauld backed industrial action after rejecting AG Barr’s 5% wage offer; 83% of balloted workers supported walkouts; union Unite reported 83% supported walkout dates being scheduled soon – warning that supplies of Irn-Bru could potentially “disappear” this summer unless action was taken against AG Barr if industrial action continued by drivers backed industrial action by union Unite backed trucker and shunter drivers at AG Barr’s production and distribution centre after rejecting AG Barr’s proposed wage offer was rejected; trade union Unite reported 83% supported walking outs; Trade union Unite warned supplies may ‘fizzle out” this summer!
AG Barr is disappointed by the outcome of its ballot conducted over the weekend and closed at noon on Wednesday (22 June). A company spokesperson stated: “We believe the current wages on offer are fair and competitive, consistent with what was agreed between ourselves and other employees at our factory. There are no plans to alter existing arrangements; instead we look forward to working closely with Unite to achieve an agreement that we all can be proud to present to Unite for approval.
The ballot results come just one day after Unite union launched a fresh campaign calling on workers at the plant to receive an increase that reflects inflation. Furthermore, they want them to receive equal pay with other plants across England and Wales owned by the same company.
On Friday, UK union Unite announced that twelve trucker and shunter drivers employed by Irn-Bru maker A.G. Barr in Cumbernauld had voted to go on strike over pay dispute. It stated they rejected an offer of five per cent wage rise which corresponds to real terms cuts of 6.3% when factored into Retail Prices Index rates of 11.3%.