UK supermarkets face summer wine shortages as Encirc workers strike over pay and bargaining rights

Supermarkets across the United Kingdom are bracing for a shortage of wine this summer as more than 200 workers at Encirc, a major glass manufacturer and bulk wine filler, have begun strike action over pay and collective bargaining rights. The industrial action, organized by the trade union Unite, started on June 19 and is scheduled to continue until July 5 at Encirc’s Avonmouth site in Bristol. Encirc supplies all major UK supermarkets and is responsible for bottling, boxing, and bagging a significant portion of the country’s wine.

Unite has warned that the strike will lead to noticeable shortages of wine products on supermarket shelves during the busy summer season. The union claims that Encirc offered its workers only a 3.2% pay increase and has stated it will tie future pay rises solely to inflation rates. Unite argues that this approach effectively removes their collective bargaining rights, as pay increases would be set unilaterally by Encirc without negotiation.

Sharon Graham, general secretary of Unite, criticized Encirc’s stance, describing it as “greed, not need.” She pointed out that Encirc is a highly profitable company with an annual turnover exceeding £600 million and said it can afford to pay its workers more fairly. Graham also accused the company of undermining hard-won labor rights by refusing to negotiate with the union.

The strike action was overwhelmingly supported by Unite members at the Avonmouth site. Workers in different departments are striking at staggered times to maximize disruption. In addition to the walkouts, a 12-week overtime ban has been implemented. John Sweeney, regional officer for Unite, said that while customers may be frustrated by wine shortages this summer, responsibility lies with Encirc management for refusing to engage in meaningful negotiations.

Encirc, which is part of the Vidrala group and acquired the Bristol facility less than two years ago, expressed disappointment over the industrial action. The company said it has worked hard to improve pay and working conditions since taking over the site. According to Encirc, if its latest offer were accepted, pay at the Bristol site would have increased by more than 16% in under two years—a figure it claims few companies in the sector can match globally.

Encirc said it remains committed to staying competitive while supporting its workforce and believes its offer is fair and proportionate. The company also stated it will try to mitigate any impact from the strike and remains open to further dialogue with Unite.

Encirc plays a central role in the UK wine supply chain. It produces more than three billion glass bottles and containers annually and fills up to 400 million liters of bulk-shipped beverages each year. Many well-known brands rely on Encirc for bottling, including celebrity labels like Graham Norton’s GN and Sarah Jessica Parker’s Invivo X, SJP. In recent years, several premium wine brands have switched to bulk shipping and in-market bottling with Encirc as part of efforts to streamline supply chains.

The ongoing dispute highlights tensions between labor unions and manufacturers over pay in an industry facing rising costs and supply chain challenges. With no resolution yet in sight, UK supermarkets are preparing for disruptions that could affect wine availability throughout the summer months.