Dieageo strike action suspended as last-gasp pay offer brought to table

Strike action has been suspended after a new pay offer was brought to the table.

Around 1,000 members of the GMB trade union had been due to walk out as part of 10 days of action amid a pay dispute.

The first wave of strikes were due to kick off at 10pm on Tuesday night.

Diageo makes a host of household names including Johnnie Walker whisky (PA)

But at the last minute a new offer was tabled and the trade union suspended the strike action.

GMB Scotland organiser Keir Greenaway and Unite Scotland Officer Stevie Deans said: “We are pleased that on the brink of strike action, Diageo tabled an offer that we feel merits our members’ consultation.

Diageo boss Ivan Menezes was paid an eye-watering £9million last year (PA)

“The offer is a two year commitment on pay and also sets 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.”

"We are pleased to have reached agreement on a good, fair offer that ensures our employees can receive an increase on their pay while maintaining the competitiveness of our operations."

A Diageo spokesperson told the Record: "Following further negotiations today, our improved offer has been recommended for acceptance by both the GMB and Unite unions and strike action has been suspended.