Budweiser workers will stop brewing for a second time this evening as they strike for 36 hours in a dispute over pay.

Staff at the beer giant’s Samlesbury site will walk out today (July 16) in anger at a three per cent pay offer, which the GMB union say ‘amounts to a real terms pay cut’.

This is not the first time staff from the site near Black have held a picket line, having held a three-day strike in June when 225 workers downed their tools.

It means production may have to stop at the site, which brews a range of popular drinks, on the eve of the three hottest days of the year so far, when many will be clamouring to pub beer gardens to enjoy the sun.

READ MORE: Beer pumps could go dry as Budweiser brewery staff striking in pay dispute

Budweiser workers will down tools for 36 hours from tonight at 7pm until Monday, July 16, at 7am - with a further 12-hour stoppage on Tuesday, July 19.

Stephen Boden, GMB Organiser, said: "This strike is the last thing anyone wants - a beer drought in the middle of a heatwave is no one’s idea of fun.

“But our members are being taken for a ride and it’s not good enough.

"A massive real terms pay cut in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis is downright cruel.

"GMB has tried to negotiate with Budweiser repeatedly, but they’re not listening. Now they will have to deal with the consequences.”

Lancashire Telegraph: Workers were out on the picket line on Thursday, June 9Workers were out on the picket line on Thursday, June 9

A spokesperson from Budweiser Brewing Group said: “Budweiser Brewing Group has a positive and long-standing relationship with the GMB, however despite open negotiations, the GMB have confirmed that industrial action will take place at our Samlesbury brewery from tomorrow. 

“Our people are our greatest strength, and as such we are proud to offer a competitive package – wages in the Brewery are in the top 10 per cent for the region and a range of benefits are provided including private medical cover, wellbeing allowance, access to the Verhelst Foundation to support physical and mental wellbeing, a ‘perks at work’ programme, product vouchers, opportunities for scholarship funds 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 have a very dedicated and talented leadership team to support with the production of our much-loved beers and do not expect any beer shortages. We have implemented plans to ensure that supply has not been interrupted, including enhanced logistics measures and cooperation with transport partners to minimise the impact to customers and consumers.

 “Whilst we have not yet reached an agreement, we continue to work toward a mutually acceptable solution.”