Beer giant Anheuser-Busch InBev (AB InBev) is exploiting their workers with low pay while company profits rise.
GMB, a union representing 250 staff, reported that discussions regarding pay with employer Budweiser Brewing Group have failed. The Group had tabled an offer of a 3% pay rise for 2022 and 2023, and an increase in overtime rates which falls short of matching the current cost of living crisis in the UK.
They are choosing to ignore workers and put profit before people with this derisory pay offer,” said Stephen Boden, GMB organizer, as per The Sun.
Stephen Boden, GMB organizer
Meanwhile, AB InBev – the parent company of Budweiser Brewing Group – recorded earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) of US$ 19,209 million in 2021 which was 11.8% increase from the previous year.
According to Reuters, AB InBev expects its EBITDA to rise by between 4% and 8% in 2022.
Despite the high profits and earnings, the company is not paying its workers a living wage.
In response to this, about 250 workers are planning strike action and more than 200 employees will take other industrial action.
Staff at the factory in Samlesbury, near Preston, will start an overtime ban, not engage in training or complete face-to-face handovers from May 11.