Carlsberg workers walk off job to retain right to drink beer at work

On April 8 2010, 800 Carlsberg factory workers walked off the job after new management policies tighten restrictions on beer drinking at work. Carlsberg's truck drivers have followed in sympathy.

Submitted by Chilli Sauce on April 9, 2010

Scores of Carlsberg workers walked off their jobs in protest Thursday after the Danish brewer tightened laid-back rules on workplace drinking and removed beer coolers from work sites, a company spokesman said.

The warehouse and production workers in Denmark are rebelling against the company's new alcohol policy, which allows them to drink beer only during lunch hours in the canteen. Previously, they could help themselves to beer throughout the day, from coolers placed around the work sites.

The only restriction was "that you could not be drunk at work. It was up to each and everyone to be responsible," company spokesman Jens Bekke said.

Carlsberg had considered a stricter drinking policy for years and finally decided to impose the new rules on April 1, prompting protests from the staff.

Bekke said around 800 workers went on strike Wednesday and around 250 walked off their jobs Thursday, resulting in interruptions to beer transports in and around Copenhagen.

Carlsberg's truck drivers joined the strike in sympathy — even though they are exempt from the new rules, Bekke said. The truck drivers are permitted to bring three beers from the canteen because they often don't have time to have lunch there.

The trucks have alcohol ignition locks preventing the drivers from driving drunk, he added

Comments

Steven.

13 years 11 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by Steven. on April 9, 2010

probably the best strike in the world?

Well, not really, but still pretty awesome

Spartacus

13 years 11 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by Spartacus on April 9, 2010

finally decided to impose the new rules on April 1

are you sure this isn't a late April fools?

Anarchia

13 years 11 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by Anarchia on April 10, 2010

It came through in the papers last night over here (NZ) from Associated Press, so prob not.

PartyBucket

13 years 11 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by PartyBucket on April 10, 2010

Steven.

13 years 11 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by Steven. on April 13, 2010

this three day wildcat strike ended yesterday when management agreed to meet with workers.

jaocheu

13 years 11 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by jaocheu on April 13, 2010

Strike to 'drink' Carlsberg, Dane's taste buds are worse than their dress sense.

(Unless of course they were bringing their own decent beer into work in the coolers)