Brewery Workers Union

There’s been a lot of talk of revolution in the world of beer in recent years. But revolutions aren’t made by adding more hops.

WHO ARE WE?

The Brewery Workers Union is a group of current and ex-brewery workers which is a part of the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) union. We are creating a network of support, workplace organisation, solidarity, training and necessary legal advice and aid. We look to empower one another with the confidence, skills and knowledge to have more control over our working lives and better working conditions.

We are open to and support any brewery worker across the UK and Ireland.

WHY DO WE NEED A UNION?

As interest in craft beer and the number of breweries has risen and fallen meant more workers are being exploited, suffering harassment and abuse, working in unsafe conditions, working long and unsociable hours. This has lead to serious injuries all on insufficient pay, with physical and mental strain, burnout and fatigue.

We have dealt with many issues in a host of breweries in the UK. The Brewery Workers Union acts to defend workers in line with the aims and code of the IWW. We have organised in breweries and supported brewery workers for many years and we are sick and tired of seeing workers being exploited. Now is the time to act!

HOW ARE WE GOING TO MAKE BREWERIES BETTER PLACES TO WORK?

We work to build on the networks we have – of workers, reps, officers, legal teams and activists – whilst working alongside other trade unions and activist groups to support and build solidarity with brewery workers. We organise workplaces, provide training on your legal rights including health and safety, contracts, grievances and disciplinaries as well as organising social events, running rep training sessions and so much more.

We have produced a guide on dealing with problems at work that you can download here.

You can join the union online here.

Email us at: breweryworkers [at] iww [dot] org [dot] uk

Follow us on Bluesky: @BreweryUnion