Supply issues of some of the UK's favourite alcohol brands are expected this summer, as Encirc workers have escalated strike action.

Over 100 workers at the Elton, Cheshire plant, who are members of Unite, have been striking until today (28 April) and also walked out last month, causing delays to glass bottle production.

The new strike dates are 3 to 15 May and 1 to 15 June. The workers at the glass manufacturing and logistics firm are taking action after a reduction in headcount has left remaining staff physically and mentally drained by their workloads, leading to safety concerns.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "These workers, who do a specialised and skilled job, have been left in an unacceptable situation due to redundancies made by their profitable employer.

"Our members deserve better than Encirc choosing to prioritise greed and they continue to have Unite's full support throughout this dispute."

Encirc makes and fills glass bottles for a wide variety of high-profile alcoholic and no/low-alcohol brands, which include Jameson, Baileys, Budweiser and Coors as well as supermarket branded wine.

The redundancies came despite Encirc being highly profitable. Its parent company Vidrala recently reported full-year results for 2025, seeing a strong market performance with a net profit exceeding £192m.

Unite regional officer Andrew Johnson said: "Strike action has proved disruptive so far, and this escalation will only lead to further delays to glass bottle production.

"Encirc must change tack and come back to negotiations with a meaningful solution to the problems our members are raising, otherwise industrial action will only continue."

ENDS

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Email: natasha.wynarczyk@unitetheunion.org