## Guinness Zero Shortage Threatens British Holiday Supply
Britain faces a potential shortage of Guinness Zero this Christmas as workers at Diageo’s Belfast brewery have voted for an eight-day strike in a dispute over pay and working conditions. The strike, coordinated by the union Unite, is scheduled to begin in early December and could disrupt production of the alcohol-free version of the famous stout.
### Union Demands and Company Response
Union representatives state that employees are demanding fair wage increases that reflect rising living costs and profits earned by the company. A spokesperson for Unite said:
> “Our members have worked tirelessly to keep production running, yet they’re being asked to accept less than they deserve. Diageo must come to the table with a genuine offer.”
Diageo, the producer of Guinness, emphasized its commitment to continued dialogue, noting that it had already offered a competitive pay package in line with the broader industry.
### Impact on Christmas Supply
The Belfast facility is a key site for producing Guinness Zero, a product that has become increasingly popular across the UK. A prolonged strike could lead to shortages in stores during the festive season, a critical sales period for Diageo. Retail analysts warn that even short-term disruptions could create gaps on shelves as supply chains tighten ahead of Christmas celebrations.
### Broader Industry Concerns
This labor dispute mirrors wider tensions in the UK’s beverage and manufacturing industries, where unions argue that corporate profits are not being fairly shared with employees amid persistent inflation. Diageo’s management remains hopeful for a resolution before the strike begins, but contingency plans are reportedly being reviewed to minimize disruption.
> “No one wants to see pints dry up at Christmas,” said one industry source. “But this is a sign of a sector under real strain.”
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**Author’s summary:** Holiday supplies of Guinness Zero may be at risk as Belfast brewery workers plan an eight-day strike over pay, threatening festive availability across the UK.
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The Telegraph — 2025-11-29