Drinks unions seek national bargaining

Unions representing workers at Interbrew are to ballot their members across the company's four British breweries - including the Boddingtons factory in Manchester, which was recently earmarked for closure - on industrial action.

The GMB, T&G and Amicus unions are holding the ballot over Interbrew's refusal to accept national-level bargaining on issues such as redundancy payments, transfers of work, closures and pensions.

"For too long, the company has been able to determine national issues without taking account of the interests of the workforce," said Brian Revell, T&G national organiser for food and agriculture. "The threatened closure of Boddingtons cannot be anything other than a strategic company decision," he added. "If Interbrew can make decisions like that at a national level, there should be no reason why they shouldn't discuss associated issues which directly impact on their workforce."

The unions want national bargaining to cover any issues which cannot be determined by local managers. Besides the Boddington's site, the company has breweries in south Wales, Lancashire and Glasgow producing brands including Stella Artois.

"Our joint stand highlights the concerns our members share," noted Jude Brimble, GMB national officer for food and leisure. "The days of divide and rule are over. The GMB has worked with the T&G again and again, achieving great results for our members. It's time Interbrew worked with us."

Meanwhile, the battle to save the Boddington's brewery continues. More details are at www.savethecream.co.uk