Diageo workers reject pay offer

Diageo workers rejected a pay offer on the eve of the drink giant’s annual general meeting today.

The GMB union said members across Diageo’s Scottish operations had “comprehensively” voted against the deal.

Citing the Retail Price Index lifting to 3.5% in August, GMB added the proposed pay rise was below the rate of inflation.

It also highlighted a 266% increase to Diageo boss Ivan Menezes’ pay and conditions, with shareholders due to vote on his remuneration at today’s AGM.

GMB called on Diageo, which makes top-selling Scotch brand Johnny Walker and other leading whiskies, to bring forward a “fresh offer that beats the cost of living”.

Keir Greenaway, organiser, GMB Scotland, said: “It should be a source of embarrassment to Diageo that on the same day shareholders will vote to award Ivan Menezes a monstrous increase to his pay and conditions, employees in Scotland are still holding out for a pay deal that tackles the cost of living.”

A Diageo spokesman said: “The company’s offer was equivalent to a 3.2% pay increase. The Consumer Price Index – regarded as the UK’s rate of inflation – is 2.7%.

“We have arranged to meet representatives next week.”

“The offer was equivalent to a 3.2% pay increase”