Nottinghamshire workers in pay dispute with pub giant

Workers at a Nottinghamshire distribution centre are embroiled in a pay dispute with pub company Greene King, Unite the Union says.

A ballot for industrial action over a “paltry” pay offer is looming at Greene King’s distribution centre in Eastwood following the approval by shareholders of the £4.6 billion takeover of the pub retailer and brewer.

The union is continuing to seek reassurances over job security and is looking to secure a better pay rise for its members than the two per cent increase currently on offer.

Unite has told Greene King’s management that it is preparing for an industrial action ballot after around 200 members in its brewing and brands department rejected the two per cent offer for the year 2019/2020.

The threat of industrial action comes after Greene King was taken over by Hong Kong-headquartered CK Asset Holdings, which promptly installed a new senior management team.

Unite regional officer Mark Jaina said: “Our members are fed up with being palmed off with a paltry two per cent rise which has been the norm for the last six or seven years.

“That figure is way below the soaring cost of living and, as a result, our members have seen a serious erosion of their incomes in real terms during that period.

“A new senior management team is playing hardball and Unite won’t tolerate this insulting treatment on pay. We expect to start balloting for industrial action by the end of the month.

“We are also seeking further clarity on future job security now that the takeover has been overwhelmingly approved by Greene King shareholders.

“We have had two meetings with management since the takeover was revealed in August, but the information disclosed, so far, is scanty, despite media reports that pub closures could be on the cards.”

Unite members at Greene King’s Bury St Edmunds headquarters and its other distribution centre at Abingdon are also involved in the dispute.