Strikes may affect up to 50 Scottish distilleries, as the company that paid its Chief Executive nearly £4m last year is accused of 'Scrooge-like' behaviour towards its workers.
Two unions, Unite and GMB (both Sustain members), have won convincing votes for strike action at sites run by the beverage conglomerate Diageo, in protest at changes the company is planning to make to workers' pensions.
Pensions Age reported that 70% of Diageo staff had voted for industrial action. Despite enjoying profits of £2.8bn and paying its CEO £3.8m last year, Diageo is seeking to alter its existing pension schemes in a deal that would be worth significantly less to members.
Unite regional officer Pat McIlvogue said: 'We are proud of our members, who have sent a clear message to Diageo that they must keep their pensions promises. No-one takes industrial action lightly – especially with Christmas coming up – but Diageo is behaving like Scrooge.'
GMB Scotland organiser Louise Gilmour added: 'It’s another example of the obscene disparity between executive pay and the ordinary worker and if there is one company that can most certainly afford to sustain decent pension arrangements for its workers then it’s Diageo.'
In 2012, food manufacturer Unilever experienced its first ever national strike when it threatened to close its final-salary scheme, reported here.
Read the Diageo story here.
Find out more about Sustain's campaigning work for a greener, healthier and fairer food system here.
Published Friday 25 November 2016
Sustain: Sustain The alliance for better food and farming advocates food and agriculture policies and practices that enhance the health and welfare of people and animals, improve the working and living environment, enrich society and culture and promote equity.
