Molson Coors brewery workers balloted for strike

Workers at a brewery in Staffordshire are to be balloted for strike action in a row over working conditions.

The union Unite said it was against changes to staff contracts at Molson Coors in Burton-upon-Trent which it claimed "infringed human rights."

The brewery, which makes Carling, Grolsch and Cobra lagers, said it was consulting 455 workers on changes to work patterns and contracts.

It said the changes were "common practice for British manufacturers".

Unite said about 350 members at the brewery would take part in the 30-day ballot which starts on 30 April.

It said proposals to change shift patterns were "radical" and meant workers shifts could be changed with just 23 hours notice.

'Declining industry'

Pay for some posts could also be cut by up to £9,000, the union said.

Rick Coyle, from Unite said they wanted a "fair settlement".

He said: "The main gripe is the lack of predictability, they can change what shift staff are on at 23 hours notice so you're not going to be able to make any plans.

"Our solicitors believe this is a denial of our members' rights to a private and family life under the Human Rights Act."

A spokesman for Molson Coors said it had to make changes in what was "a declining beer industry and challenging economic environment".

"Proposals we recently put to our employees cover potential changes to organisational structures, terms and conditions of employment as well as flexible ways of working."

The company said it wanted to work with the union to find a solution to avoid possible industrial action.