More workers at Fife’s Diageo plants have voted to strike in a pay dispute.
GMB Scotland members at the whisky and spirits giant backed a move towards the industrial action on Friday in anger at a “final” offer of a 2.8% wage increase.
Union Unite announced a week ago that its members at Leven Distillery and Cameron Bridge bottling plant had voted to strike and reject a “derisory” pay offer.
The ballot follows news of Diageo’s £4.2 billion pre-tax profits and chief executive Ivan Menezes’ 30% pay hike to £11.7 million.
GMB Scotland warned a strike would disrupt production of brands including Johnnie Walker, Gordon’s and Smirnoff.
Organiser Keir Greenaway said: “This should be a wake-up call for Diageo – their credibility is really on the line against the backdrop of the recent financial results.
“Their continued failure to table an offer that properly reflects the significant contribution these workers make to the success of this company really does show how out of touch the fat cats are in the Diageo hierarchy.”
Diageo, which also has a plant at Shieldhall, Glasgow, said it awaited confirmation of GMB Scotland’s next steps.
A spokeswoman 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.
“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.”
