First strike in 250 years could halt Guinness line
The Guinness Staff Union (GSU) has begun balloting its 800 members for industrial action up to and including all-out strikes in protest at what the union describes as “unilateral” and unapproved changes to redundancy packages at the company.
Sean Mackell of the GSU, which is the largest union in Guinness said that over the last 40 years there had been numerous redundancy and restructuring periods at the brewery.
“Every time that happened there were negotiations and terms were agreed,” said Mr Mackell.
“In February, the company unilaterally brought in new terms of redundancy which favoured the younger workers but penalised older workers.”
He said in the past if a worker over 50 years of age was made redundant, he would have immediate access to a pension as well as the payout of a lump sum. Now however, that worker would have no access to the pension until retirement age.
The union sought round-table negotiations with the brewer with the new terms set aside until negotiations were complete.
However, the company refused and now the union has begun balloting its members for action.
“It would be the first action in 250 years.
“If the members decide on strike action it would have a very significant impact. Production could not continue,” said Mr Maskell.
The secret ballot of members will take three weeks to be complete on May 8. After that the union will decide what form of action to take.
Diageo, owners of Guinness, said the revised redundancy terms have been benchmarked across leading businesses in Ireland and have been shown to be fair and equitable.
