Greene King confident distribution won't be affected after vote for strike action

Members of the Unite union at Greene King's distribution depot in Bury St Edmunds have vote for strike action after rejecting a 2% pay rise.

The union say that increase does not match the cost of living, and have warned a strike could see pubs left with beer shortages.

Unite regional officer Mark Jaina said: “Despite statements from Greene King’s managing director Matt Starbuck that the brewery was ready to find a way to resolve this dispute, Unite has heard nothing since this ballot was announced.

“We hope that now Greene King’s bosses know our members are serious about receiving a reasonable pay rise, they will be ready to make a sensible offer before business is disrupted.

“The leadership of CK Asset Holdings can’t be happy with the fact that there is the possibility of loyal Greene King beer drinkers making do with short measures because of strikes.

However, the brewer has played down the impact any strike could have, saying it affects just three of their 15 depots and less than 170 employees.

A spokesperson said: "We remain disappointed that Unite has encouraged its members to reject our offer of a 2% pay rise for its members, as well as a number of other benefits, and pursue this course of action.

"Our pay rise offer is fair and consistent across the brewing division, especially given the challenging wider economic environment.

"We will still have a majority of non-Unite members working and we have drawn up full contingency plans to ensure there is minimal disruption to our customers."

The brewer, which is headquartered in Bury St Edmunds, were taken over by CK Asset Holdings in August in a £4.6bn deal.