Driver strikes expected to impact Irn-Bru supply chain

11 trucker and shunter drivers have today [11 August] gone on strike at A.G. Barr’s production and distribution centre in Cumbernauld, Scotland.

Trade union Unite has organised the strike, believing that the company’s offer of a 5% pay increase “equates to a significant real-terms pay cut with the broader cost of living measurement (RPI) currently standing at 10.7%”.

Talks have been held through the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas) but Unite claims that these have so far been unsuccessful, with A.G. Barr refusing to increase its offer.

Today’s 24-hour strike is “the first of nine stoppages over the coming weeks”, according to Unite Industrial Officer Andy Brown. The strikes will span several months, with the final stoppage set to come to an end on 6 October.

A.G. Barr famously produces Irn-Bru, alongside other soft drinks including Rubicon, Tizer, and KA. For the year ending 29 January 2023, it reported a 18.2% increase in revenue, rising to £317.6 million. Meanwhile, its adjusted profit before tax hit £43.5m for the year, representing a 13.3% increase on the previous year.

Sharon Graham, General Secretary of Unite, said: “A.G. Barr can afford to pay its trucker and shunter drivers far more than the penny-pinching pay cut currently on offer. The drivers are absolutely essential to supplies, including Irn-Bru. The company is cash rich with £52.9m chilling in the bank. We will back our members all the way in their fight for better jobs, pay, and conditions.”

In response to the strike action, an A.G. Barr spokesperson commented: “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.”

Source: logisticsmanager.com