AFL grand final: CUB workers vote to go on strike ahead of match

BREWERY workers who make Carlton Draught and VB have voted to go on strike in the lead up to the AFL grand final.

VB six-pack of beer. Victoria Bitter. Beer. Stubbies.

BREWERY workers who make Carlton Draught and VB have voted to go on strike in the lead up to the AFL grand final.

Carlton and United Breweries workers have rejected two pay offers despite seven months of talks.

Up to 150 United Voice members and 45 CFMEU members are involved in the dispute at the brewery in Melbourne’s Abbottsford.

Workers from both unions have voted for the right to further protected strikes, but it was unclear what actions will take place and when.

The CFMEU has already taken two one-hour stoppages, which the company said did not interrupt supply.

Brewery workers could strike in the lead up to the grand final.

CUB spokeswoman Jennifer Howard said the company was prepared to talk to the unions to sort out a pay deal.

“Negotiations have been underway at Abbotsford with our people and their representatives for over seven months,” she said.

“We’re keen to keep those negotiations going and are open to ways to keep the parties talking.

“We’ve had two stoppages of an hour by warehouse workers which had no direct impact on beer supply.”

Any industrial action requires at least three days’ notice.

CUB can top up supplies from other factories to cover lost production caused by a strike.

“We have the ability to use our brewing and logistics network if needed, however clearly our preference is to keep the parties talking and support our customers and consumers through peak times,” Ms Howard said.

United Voice spokesman Tim Petterson said workers had voted down two pay offers in the past six months.

“CUB members have a proud 130 history in our union, and members want to protect the strong conditions they’ve built up at CUB Abbotsford,” he said.

“We’re working together with the other unions at CUB to win a fair deal for all. Negotiations with company are continuing.”

The CFMEU confirmed its members had undertaken previous strikes, but would not comment on any future industrial action.

The Abbotsford brewery, which has been open since 1904, has received a reduced amount of orders in the past five years.

The previous agreements signed at the site have meant that it is cheaper to produce beers and ciders at other breweries in the CUB network.

@steveheraldsun

Originally published as AFL grand final: CUB workers vote to go on strike ahead of match