A TRADE union has warned of a potential beer shortage this summer as hundreds of East Lancashire workers are set to strike over an “insulting” pay offer.

Budweiser faces industrial action after more than 200 workers voted to down tools over a real terms pay cut. 

A total of 225 GMB members working at Budweiser Brewing Group’s site in Samlesbury, will start an overtime time ban, not engage in training, or complete face to face handovers from Wednesday, May 11. 

The site, in Cuerdale Lane, brews some of the nation's most popular beers and lagers; Budweiser, Stella Artois, Becks, Boddingtons and Export Pale Ale.  

After months of discussion with the world’s biggest brewer, they tabled a full and final offer of a three per cent pay increase for 2022 and three per cent for 2023 with increases in overtime rates. 

Budweiser said it offers a "competitive package" to staff and negotiations will continue.

With the ongoing cost-of-living crisis deepening further and inflation at nine per cent, the offer amounts to a massive pay cut in real terms, the GMB said.

Members also supported full strike action and strike dates are to be confirmed.  

Stephen Boden, GMB Organiser, said: “This industrial action is a result of Budweiser brewing groups management making a frankly insulting pay offer. 

“They are choosing to ignore workers and put profit before people with this derisory pay offer.   

“Workers are rightly angry and if this strike goes the distance Budweiser could face a summer beer drought. 

“How can they expect hard working staff to accept a real terms pay cut? 

“But it’s not too late for management to listen to workers and get back round the table with us to work out a fair deal.” 

A spokesperson from Budweiser Brewing Group said: "Budweiser Brewing Group has a positive and long-standing relationship with the GMB, however despite open and comprehensive negotiations with the GMB, industrial action has been voted for at our Samlesbury brewery.

"Our people are our greatest strength, and as such we are proud to offer a competitive package – in the 90th percentile for total compensation – with benefits that include private medical cover and bonuses.

"We’ve made significant investments in Samlesbury which have resulted in further innovation and automation, additional skills development, promotions and many new job opportunities. Over recent years we have increased our headcount by over 65. 

"We are hopeful that through a continued open dialogue we can still reach a mutually acceptable way forward which will avoid industrial action.

"The teams have plans in place to minimise the impact on customers."