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Unite workers accept Diageo’s pay offer

Trade union Unite has accepted Diageo’s revised pay offer, bringing an end to a months-long industrial dispute in Scotland.

Diageo’s Cambus Cooperage in Scotland

Diageo faced disruption to its Scottish distilleries and bottling plant last month as workers from trade unions Unite and GMB walked out over pay disputes.

On 23 August, 80.5% of GMB Scotland members at Diageo voted in favour of strike action after rejecting a 2.8% “final offer” pay increase for more than 3,000 Scottish workers.

However, industrial action was put on hold after Diageo tabled a new offer on 17 September, the day before the strike was due to take place.

The agreement is for a two-year deal, which includes a 3% pay increase in the first year backdated to July. The second year includes an RPI increase with a commitment from Diageo to put in place a performance-based incentive bonus.

Trade union Unite confirmed it had accepted the pay offer last Friday (4 October) after a ballot of its 500-strong membership.

Unite regional industrial officer, Bob MacGregor, said: “Unite is pleased to announce that following a ballot of our membership at all Diageo’s distilleries and bottling plants the revised pay offer has been accepted.

“The offer is a two-year commitment which ensures our members’ pay does not fall below the cost of living.

“This is the least the workers deserve because it’s their hard work and dedication which has driven Diageo towards record profits.

“Unite hopes this agreement can help press the reset button on our relationship with Diageo and it ensures the company pays its workforce what it deserves in the future, rather than having to be dragged into doing so.”

A spokesperson for Diageo said: “We are pleased that Unite union members have accepted our pay deal.

“It is a good and strong offer that ensures our employees receive an increase on their pay while maintaining the competitiveness of our operations.

“This enables us to move forward to progress the other aspects of the two-year agreement which will shape the future of our employee relations.”

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