Diageo workers vote to strike in pay dispute

Leven Distillery, Cameron Bridge and Shieldhall plants will be affected

Workers at Fife’s two Diageo plants have voted overwhelmingly for strike action.

Ninety-five per cent of the drinks giant’s workforce opted to reject a “derisory” pay offer and are likely to stage walkouts from September to November.

The result of the ballot, announced yesterday, affects staff at Diageo’s Leven Distillery and its bottling plant at Cameron Bridge.

Workers at the company’s Shieldhall plant in Glasgow are also affected.

The dispute follows a 2.5% pay offer along with a proposed increased in the workforce’s product allowance.

A second offer of 2.8% was made during talks involving industrial relations body Acas, an increase branded insignificant by the Unite trade union.

Diageo said yesterday it remained committed to seeking a resolution.

Last month, the firm announced a rise in pre-tax profits in the year to £4.2 billion.

Unite regional industrial officer Bob MacGregor said: “Unite has received a clear and strong mandate for industrial action from our membership in Diageo’s largest distilling and bottling plants in Scotland.

“The recent announcement in July of an increase in pre-tax profits to £4.2b alongside Diageo’s refusal to give a fair pay award has rightly infuriated the workers.

“Unite would urge Diageo to get back round the negotiating table with a new offer which fairly rewards its workers who have earned these massive profits for the company.

“If they do not, then Diageo’s operations will needlessly grind to a halt in the coming weeks.”

A Diageo spokeswoman said the firm aimed to ensure staff were rewarded competitively.

“The Unite union has confirmed that their members have voted in favour of strike action at sites in Scotland and we await confirmation of their next steps,” she said.

“We have well developed contingency plans in the event of industrial action but remain committed to seeking a resolution and ensuring our employees receive an increase on their pay, alongside maintaining the competitiveness of our operations.”

She added: “We are a very good employer and aim to ensure our staff are rewarded competitively.

“Our pay and benefits for our bargaining group employees are in the top quartile for manufacturing in Scotland.”

Diageo’s brands include Smirnoff, Bailey’s, Johnnie Walker, Guinness and Gordon’s gin.

The company has also submitted plans for a flagship whisky experience on Edinburgh’s Princes Street, at a cost of £150 .

Earlier this month, the Leven plant was named Diageo’s top performing packaging site for the last financial year.