A popular Vancouver brewery is closing indefinitely as workers go on strike.
A group of unionized workers at Granville Island Brewing voted to strike after negotiations reportedly reached a stalemate in June over a wage issue. The strike began on Saturday, July 8.
“Granville Island Brewing workers want a raise that reflects the rising cost of living,” the union said. “The brewery does not seem to agree, because what they offer in the negotiations, does not keep up with inflation.”
Granville Island Brewing is owned by a subsidiary of the world’s fifth largest beer company, Molson-Coors which reported $10.7 billion in net sales last year and according to the release, some of the wages of Brewery workers start at $16.75 an hour, with most making $20.97 an hour.
Today, while union workers are on strike, the brewery is temporarily closing its taproom, kitchen, and retail store to “minimize disruptions to our team, our neighbors and guests,” the brewery said in an Instagram post .
Granville Island Brewing assures that despite the work stoppage, beers and other products will still be available.
“We are doing everything we can to get a deal done, including offering a raise on top of the current salary, which is above the Vancouver wage,” the brewery added. “We look forward to welcoming everyone to the taproom for a great beer soon!”
The union invites the public to join them throughout the summer for ‘Solidarity Saturdays’ from 12 to 2 pm and 4 to 7 pm outside the brewery.
With files from Allie Turner.