Hundreds of Diageo workers to strike over pay
Hundreds of workers at Diageo plants in Scotland will strike this month after pay talks between the drinks giant and unions broke down.
Unite members across the firm’s distilleries in Cameron Bridge, Shieldhall and Leven will walk out on 18, 19, 20, 26 and 27 September.
Read more: Diageo invests £180m in greener African breweries
The union said the strike action, which will involve up to 500 members of staff, will take place due to “a failure to achieve a reasonable pay increase for the workforce”.
Workers rejected the latest offer of a 2.8 per cent increase through the consolidation of a product allowance, Unite said.
Diageo owns brands including Smirnoff, Guinness and Gordon’s gin.
Unite regional industrial officer Bob MacGregor said: “Unite entered those talks with our sole objective being to achieve a fair pay award for the workforce and in doing so to avert strike action.
Read more: Gin sales boost Diageo profits
“Remember, this is a giant in the drinks industry which just announced an increase in pre-tax profits of £4.2bn.”
A spokesperson for Diageo said: “We are a very good employer and remain committed to seeking a resolution and ensuring our employees receive an increase on their pay, alongside maintaining the competitiveness of our operations. We have well developed contingency plans in the event of industrial action.”
Main image credit: Getty