‘Insulting’ pay offer

Unite has today (July 16) confirmed that it will move to ballot its members at Diageo for strike action following the overwhelming rejection of a derisory pay offer of 2.5 per cent made to the workforce.

The workforce voted by 95 per cent to reject the company’s pay offer following weeks of negotiation.

Diageo, whose brands include Smirnoff, Bailey’s, Johnnie Walker and Guinness reported an operating profit of almost £4bn in 2018. The company has also submitted plans for a flagship whisky experience on Edinburgh’s Princes Street, at a cost of £150m.

Unite regional industrial officer Bob McGregor said,“Diageo appears willing to spend millions creating a whisky shop for Edinburgh’s tourists, while offering the workers who built the Diageo brands we all know and recognise, a paltry 2.5 per cent.

“This offer is not only insulting, it’s disgusting given the profits made off the backs of hard working Unite members, who deserve a fairer share of the profits they generate for this hugely successful company.”