Shortages of major brand wine, beer and spirits brands are looming, as over 100 workers at a glass manufacturing and logistics firm are balloting for strike action.

Staff at Encirc in Elton, Cheshire, are taking action over proposed redundancies. Encirc is planning to reduce headcount by 28 people.

A number of different job roles are impacted by these changes, including maintenance staff and those who produce the glass containers and bottles for the filling hall where beverages are bottled and packaged.

Unite members at the site say the proposed redundancies will have a significant, negative impact on workers' wellbeing as well as health and safety. Meanwhile Encirc remains highly profitable. Recently, its parent company Vidrala reported full-year results for 2025, seeing a strong market performance with a net profit exceeding £192m.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "It is wrong that a successful company such as Encirc is choosing to put profits over people and is seeking to cut our hardworking members’ jobs.

"Unite will fight these redundancy plans every step of the way and our members at Encirc have our full support throughout this dispute." 

Encirc is a major manufacturer and filler of glass bottles for a wide variety of high-profile alcoholic and non-alcoholic brands, which include Jameson, Baileys, Budweiser and Coors as well as supermarket branded wine.

The ballot closes on 12 March. Strikes could begin in late March and while Encirc has some stock in its warehouse, any industrial action would have a significant impact on the supply of bottles or containers from the Elton site.

Unite regional officer Andrew Johnson said: "Unite has been looking for a resolution to this dispute, however Encirc appear to have made their minds up and are not prepared to consider alternatives.

"Our members believe balloting for strike action is the only way to make their concerns heard. Encirc still has a chance to avoid strike action but that involves management revisiting these plans."

ENDS

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