Strike ballot possible at Greene King over pay & job security after takeover
Union organisation in the brewing sector of the economy is sometimes talked about but not so much heard about.
Unionisation campaigns are underway at some leading craft brewers. These are tough campaigns to win, requiring a substantial membership to stay in employment while a recognition ballot is held so I’m not naming the breweries involved here.
Suffice to say working conditions, hours and pay in a number of well-known craft brewers would be significantly improved by the employer working with a recognised union. It would for example cut down on the rate of attrition, staff just leaving, and the cost of hiring and training new staff.
However we do know that Unite the Union is planning a strike ballot at Greene King in Bury St Edmunds unless management address concerns over pay and jobs following the takeover by a Hong Kong based property company.
Often such matters are resolved by negotiations and a strike ballot and actual industrial action are last resorts. As a way of concentrating the mind of the employer however they are invaluable tools that only really work when there is workplace organisation in the first place.
The Morning Advertiser has the story here:
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