The Whiskey Reviewer A World of Whiskey, Poured Every Weekday
By Richard Thomas
Workers at Diageo’s Scottish bottling plants are crying foul over their pensions, and threatening to go on strike. Among other Diageo drinks products like vodka and gin, these plants bottle Johnnie Walker and other whiskies.
The workers in question are from the GMB and Unite labor unions, and work at plants in Leven, Fife, and Glasgow. At issue is Diageo’s plan to close a late period salary scheme and benefits to new workers. Union representatives have pointed to growing profits and executive pay at the company, and accused them of “Scrooge” tactics. GMB workers voted 63% in favor of a walk-out, and Unite 77% in favor of the same. Higher margins voted in favor of lesser industrial actions.
If the strike goes ahead, it may disrupt the supply of Diageo whiskies and other spirits in time for the Christmas season.
