Workers at Diageo’s distilleries have suspended strike action after a last-minute pay deal was offered.
Members of Unite and GMB across Scotland’s distilleries and bottling plants had been scheduled to stop working from 10pm on Tuesday.
READ MORE: Diageo's distillery workers to strike over pay
It would have seen almost two-thirds of all Diageo workers take part in a series of rolling strikes over 10 days, according to representatives of the unions.
A member of staff looking at the Diageo Claive Vidiz Scotch whisky collection (David Cheskin/PA)
Diageo, which owns Johnnie Walker whisky, Smirnoff vodka and Tanqueray gin, said it had “strong contingency plans in place” to deal with the strikes but put forward a last-ditch pay deal with a two-year commitment.
The drinks giant made £4.2 billion in pre-tax profits, with union representatives saying “performances have improved by every indicator”.
READ MORE: Whisky production threatened as Diageo workers strike over pay dispute
GMB Scotland organiser Keir Greenaway and Unite Scotland officer Stevie Deans said: “We are pleased that on the brink of strike action, Diageo increased its offer to a level that we feel merits our members’ consultation.
“The offer is a two-year commitment that will ensure our members’ pay does not fall below the cost of living, while setting out a time frame for the negotiation of a new collective agreement.
“Our strike action is now suspended while a full consultative ballot of our members takes place on the offer.”
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