AB InBev: “Production at standstill” as Stella brewery workers strike over pay and work pressure

Workers at brewer AB InBev both in Leuven and Hoegaarden (Flemish Brabant) as well as in Liege are taking strike action after talks on wages and conditions collapsed.  The unions say production is at a standstill.  They claim shareholders and management are benefitting from millions of euros of profits that are not being shared with the workforce.  They are seeking payment of a 750-euro bonus to help people cope with the cost-of-living crisis.  The government created the framework to allow businesses to pay the grant, but individual companies are not obliged to pay the full amount.  Unions are also unhappy with cuts to staff numbers.  They argue this is increasing work pressure and that is posing a safety threat.