Workers at spirits giant Diageo vote to accept one-year pay rise worth 10.3%

Scottish workers at spirits giant Diageo have voted to accept a one-year pay rise worth around 10.3%.

Two trade unions, Unite and GMB, said a ballot of its members resulted in a majority wishing to accept the latest offer.

The deal is split into two parts with the first increase of 8% running from July until January 2025, and then an increase in real terms worth around 2.3% will top-up the deal until July next year.

Some 3,000 Diageo workers are based in distilleries and bottling plants across Scotland, including production operators, cask handlers and in distilleries.

Bob MacGregor, Unite industrial officer, said: “This pay win will provide a significant boost for our Diageo membership. Ultimately, the deal will benefit around 3,000 workers across the company’s operations.

“We believe this deal, which was overwhelmingly backed by our membership, will set a benchmark for the rest of the drinks industry in Scotland.”

Diageo produces high-profile brands including Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, J&B, Buchanan’s and Windsor whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray and Guinness.

The drinks industry giant operates distilleries and bottling plants across Scotland including Cameron Bridge, Leven and Shieldhall.

GMB Scotland also announced that 85% of its members had backed the 10.3% pay offer.

David Hume, GMB Scotland organiser in the drinks industry, confirmed workers had voted to accept the new offer after the ballot closed on Friday.

He said: “Diageo is a world-leading company and its success is built on our members’ skills, experience and commitment.

“It is absolutely right for that to be acknowledged in salary negotiations and that our members are paid fairly and share in the company’s success.

“The successful outcome to these negotiations came after constructive talks when management acknowledged the crucial role played by our members.”

A spokesperson for Diageo said: “We are pleased that the GMB and Unite unions have confirmed that their members at our sites in Scotland have voted to accept our pay offer.

“The strong pay settlement, negotiated through constructive discussions with both unions, ensures our employees are paid highly competitively in the industry, alongside maintaining the competitiveness of our operations.”