Supplies of Irn-Bru could be affected as drivers vote on strikes, union warns
Around a dozen drivers at the AG Barr production and distribution centre in Cumbernauld, North Lanarkshire, are being balloted.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Supplies of Scotland’s other national drink could be affected this summer as the threat of strike action looms.
Around a dozen drivers at the AG Barr production and distribution centre in Cumbernauld, North Lanarkshire, are being balloted on walkouts after rejecting a 5% pay offer from the drinks giant.
AG Barr makes Irn-Bru, which is widely considered to be Scotland’s second national drink after whisky.
Unite the union says the offer equates to a pay cut of 6.3% based on the current retail price index of 11.3%.
The ballot opens on Thursday and will close on July 6.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Imagine a hot summer in Scotland and no supplies of Irn-Bru – Scotland’s other national drink – to quench raging Scottish thirsts.
“Well that’s exactly what’s on the horizon if the management of AG Barr don’t revise their current wage offer to Unite members.
“It is a cash-rich company with £52.9 million sitting in the bank, so they have the money to make a decent offer. Our members can be assured that they will have Unite’s total support in this fight.”
The union claims the company’s has adjusted profit before tax of £43.5 million, and due to strong revenue generation it reported a net cash position of £52.9 million.
Andy Brown, Unite industrial officer, said: “Unite’s members keep the Cumbernauld factory of AG Barr running smoothly. Without them it will undoubtedly have a big impact on production and distribution.
“It is the first potential dispute in the history of the Cumbernauld factory, which goes to show at how angry our members are at the pay offer on the table.
“We are demanding that AG Barr get back round the table and make our members a fair offer, or else the supply of brands such as Irn-Bru could be hit by any strike action this summer.”