EU protection for Boddingtons?

Workers at the Boddingtons Brewery at Strangeways in Man-chester have decided to apply to the European Union so that the brand can have special geographical protection in the same way as some other products with clear regional identities.

Franny Joyce, Transport & General Workers Union regional industrial organiser, said the union will study the process carefully but that "it certainly seems like a good idea to pursue".

If it is successful it will use the "Cream of Manchester" and the "bees of industry of Manchester" to clearly identify and link Boddingtons to the city and make the transfer of brewing very difficult.

Joyce explained that a campaign supporter who specialises in intellectual property rights had contacted the union to suggest the idea. Previously it was thought that only the brand owners could apply but, according to the advice offered to the workers, this may not be the case.

"When this came up two years ago, we were told that only the brand owners can apply," said Joyce. "Now it seems that may not be the case, with Champagne being cited as a good precedent.

"Only some brands produced in the Champagne region of France can legitimately call themselves as such, but the special protection is based on geography and not brand ownership."

The union expects Manchester City Council will put its support behind this latest campaign initiative as the brand logos feature the "bees of industry" which are synonymous with the city.

North West Labour MEP Arlene McCarthy has already voiced her support for the brewery to stay in Manchester so the T&G is hopeful she will be an advocate in Brussels for the application.

"This is an imaginative initiative on the part of the Boddingtons workers," added Joyce. "I just dare the company to challenge it and so deny they have a link with over 200 years of brewing heritage in this city."