Beer Provided By the Company – What’s Not to Like?

Whoa!

Wait a second.

A news story just aired about workers striking at the Carlsberg brewery in Copenhagen, Denmark. When you think of a strike at a mechanized factory, you tend to think of one of two possible roots. First, naturally, is pay. Everyone wants the check – a little do rey me for the weekend festivities. Second, particularly in light of industrial accidents and the like, is the working environment – safety. After all, who wants to die at work, even if you are well-paid?

So, imagine the surprise along the bar when the reasoning for the strike was broadcast – are you sitting down? - Workers are striking because they’re upset at the changes made to a drinking on the job policy.

Come again?

The only drinking on the job policy we have here in the states is “Don’t drink on the job!” Seems the Danes are a bit perturbed because now they can no longer drink whenever they want to while on the job (they actually used to have coolers spread out along the plant). Rather, now, drinking is restricted to the canteen during their 30-minute lunch break.

Oddly, drivers are exempt from the rule. Since they work primarily away from the factory, they actually get to TAKE THREE BEERS FROM THE CANTEEN WITH THEM WHEN THEY GET IN THEIR TRUCK!

WTF?

The company says there are alcohol switches on the trucks – if you’re drunk, they won’t turn on. I suppose it’s okay to drive a multi-ton truck in Denmark with just a slight buzz.

Previous to the new Draconian policy change, the rule only stated that you couldn’t be drunk at work. I wonder how many accidents they have at the plant? What about beer-fueled sexual harassment? I wonder the cost of beer guts alone to the overall health plan costs?

Those of you who know me know that I tend to be anti-union as it is. This just cements it. I’m of half the mind to fly over to Denmark and become a scab worker, just to take advantage of the 30-minutes of free beer that I’ll actually get paid to enjoy.

Note to Carlsberg workers: If you don’t want your jobs, there’s a bunch of dudes over here that will gladly take them (oh, and the beer too!). Now shut the fuck up and pass the bottle opener.

Tweet up your drink order @RayHartjen