Market research
Anheuser-Busch InBev has secured a deal with trade unions to end a blockade of its breweries in Belgium.
Trade unions have agreed to end the blockades on the Leuven, Jupille and Hoegaarden breweries, A-B InBev said late today (21 January) following talks with union leaders and Government mediators.
Unions have agreed to enter a formal consultation with the Stella Artois brewer on its plan to cut up to 263 jobs in Belgium - around 10% of its workforce in the country.
Union leaders will present workers with the agreement tomorrow. "Once accepted [by workers] the gates will be de-blocked by Friday afternoon at the latest," said an A-B InBev spokesperson.
Supplies of the group's beers, including Jupiller and Leffe, have come close to running dry in Belgian bars and retailers as a result of the blockades.
A-B InBev's management in Belgium was "surprised" by the ferocity of the opposition to its job cut plans, one source close to the situation told just-drinks earlier today (21 January).
Analysts contacted by just-drinks said that the strike action would not have a significant impact on the firm's beer sales or financial performance.
To read the just-drinks comment on the blockades, with updated comments from A-B InBev, click here.
Sectors: Beer & cider
Companies: Anheuser-Busch InBev
