Irn-Bru supplies across Scotland 'could dry up' as workers go on strike

Staff at AG Barr's distribution centre in Cumbernauld are demanding more money.

Author: Callum McQuadePublished 11th Aug 2023
Last updated 11th Aug 2023

Stocks of Irn-Bru and some of Scotland's other favourite fizzy drinks could dry up as workers at AG Barr go on strike in a row over pay.

Trucker and shunter drivers who deliver supplies are swapping the steering wheel for the picket lines outside the production centre in Cumbernauld.

Andy Brown, Unite industrial officer said: “Unite’s members have no option but to take strike action because A.G. Barr stubbornly refuses to give its loyal workforce a fair share of its sparkling profits.

"There is a steely determination among our members because five per cent just doesn’t cut it.”

“A.G. Barr’s stinginess has escalated this dispute when it could have been easily resolved with a fair pay offer.”

This is the first day of nine single days of industrial action between now and October.

A spokesperson for AG Barr, said: "We’re disappointed in the decision by 11 of our Scottish based HGV1 drivers, represented by Unite the union, to take industrial action.

"We made a pay offer that we believe is fair and competitive - in line with what has been agreed with our other employees."

"We believe we have a responsibility to be fair to everyone."

"We have contingency plans in place to maintain customer service and we will continue to work with Unite representatives and ACAS to find a positive and constructive resolution."

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