Irn-Bru supplies at risk as drivers' strike looms

Summer supplies of Irn-Bru could be "at risk" as A.G Barr workers ballot to strike in a row over pay.

According to the Unite union, around a dozen truckers and shunter drivers at A.G. Barr's Cumbernauld production and distribution centre have rejected a five per cent pay rise, which equates to a real-terms pay cut due to the cost-of-living crisis.

AG Barr makes Irn-Bru, which is widely considered to be Scotland’s second national drink after whisky.

General Secretary Sharon Graham said: “Imagine a hot summer in Scotland and no supplies of Irn-Bru - Scotland’s other national drink - to quench raging Scottish thirsts.

General Secretary Sharon Graham said: “Imagine a hot summer in Scotland and no supplies of Irn-Bru - Scotland’s other national drink - to quench raging Scottish thirsts. It is a cash rich company with £52.9m sitting in the bank, so they have the money to make a decent offer.

Andy Brown, Unite industrial officer stated that Unite’s members keep the Cumbernauld factory of A.G. Barr running smoothly and without them it will undoubtedly have a big impact on production and distribution.

"It is the first potential dispute in the history of the Cumbernauld factory which goes to show how angry our members are at the pay offer on the table. We are demanding that A.G. Barr get back round the table and make our members a fair offer or else the supply of brands such as Irn-Bru could be hit by any strike action this summer. Our members can be assured that they will have Unite’s total support in this fight.”

The union claims the company’s has adjusted profit before tax of £43.5 million, and due to strong revenue generation it reported a net cash position of £52.9 million.

The ballot opened last week and closes on July 6.

A spokesperson for AG Barr said: “Unfortunately, we have so far been unable to reach agreement and Unite, the recognised trade union, has indicated that they are balloting for industrial action. We have offered a deal which we believe is fair and competitive. It is also in line with what has been agreed with our other employees and we believe we have a responsibility to be fair to everyone."