Supermarkets could run out of wine this summer as factory workers at a Bristol bottling plant go on strike.
Over 200 members of the union Unite who work at Encirc in Avonmouth are taking action over pay and collective bargaining between today (June 19) and July 5.
The employees work across different areas including bottling and packaging red, white, rose and sparkling wine and distributing it from warehouses.
Encirc supplies all the major supermarkets with wine – the most popular alcoholic drink in the UK.
Unite says that despite Encirc recording a turnover of £600 million, it has only offered its workers a 3.2 per cent pay rise without negotiating with the recognised union and has now repeatedly stated from now on it will only give pay rises tied to inflation.
This effectively means – says the union – removing Unite’s collective bargaining rights, as any pay increases will be set by Encirc without negotiations before being imposed on workers. Previously, the union had been able to negotiate with management on pay.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Encirc’s meanness to its workers is all about greed and not need. This is a very lucrative company that can fully afford to pay its workers properly, but it is choosing not to.
“Unite will not stand idly by and allow Encirc to steal our members hard won rights. Encirc workers deserve better and they have Unite’s full support throughout this dispute.”
Unite members at Encirc overwhelmingly voted to take strike action. Action will continue on different dates and times according to production schedules to have the biggest impact. There will also be a 12 week overtime ban as part of the action.
Unite regional officer John Sweeney said: “There is no doubt that this action will hit supermarket shelves.
“While shortages may be frustrating for customers looking to enjoy a bottle of wine this summer, the situation is entirely of Encirc’s own making.
“Management has constantly refused to engage meaningfully. Encirc needs to return to the negotiating table with a vastly improved offer.”
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