Following a successful campaign that included international support from the IUF and its affiliates, the Transport & General Workers Union have won a commitment from Interbrew UK that Boddingtons beer will continue to be brewed in Manchester.
During negotiations conducted on 4 November between the union, led by Tony Woodley, T&G Deputy General Secretary, and the Interbrew UK Chief Executive Stewart Gilliland, the company agreed to continue all brewing of Boddingtons beer at the Strangeways brewery in Manchester.
Negotiations will continue with both parties determined to avoid redundancies by employing voluntary separation, relocation, early retirements and retraining packages. The company and the T&G agreed that the changes will provide a platform for the future growth of the Boddingtons brand based on efficient production at Manchester.
Tony Woodley said:
“Our main goal of maintaining the brewing of Boddingtons at Manchester has been achieved. Potential job losses have been reduced. We will continue to consult with our members to seek views and support for the proposed way forward which from a trade union point of view must be to have no enforced redundancies.”
This T&G victory has also been reported in the drinks industry media on just-drinks.com.
