Union Warns of Potential Shortage of Soft Drink Products Following Rejection of Pay Offer

Supplies of Irn-Bru could be at risk this summer after workers at AG Barr voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action over a pay dispute, the union has warned. Unite, representing the trucker and shunter drivers at the company’s Cumbernauld base in North Lanarkshire, stated that 83% of staff voted to strike after rejecting a 5% pay rise, which they argue represents a real-terms pay cut of 6.3%, based on the current retail price index rate of 11.3%.

The union warned that the move could impact the supply of AG Barr’s soft drink products, including Irn-Bru, potentially leading to shortages. Sharon Graham, general secretary of Unite, expressed frustration at the company’s handling of the issue, saying: “Summer supplies of Irn-Bru could fizzle out in a matter of weeks due to AG Barr’s derisory pay offer.”

AG Barr, which posted an 18.2% increase in revenue for the year ending January 29 and reported a net cash position of £52.9 million, is facing criticism from workers for not sharing its substantial profits with employees. Unite also pointed to the company’s adjusted profit before tax of £43.5 million as evidence that it could afford to offer more.

Unite’s industrial officer, Andy Brown, described the company’s offer as “taking the fizz” out of negotiations and labelled it unacceptable. He added that while the union remained open to negotiation, strike action was likely unless a better offer was made.

In response, an AG Barr spokesperson expressed disappointment over the decision by the small number of drivers to take industrial action. The company stated that the offer was “fair and competitive” for HGV1 drivers and in line with agreements made with other staff. They also reassured customers that contingency plans were in place to maintain service and that they would continue to work with Unite to find a resolution.