Planned eight-day strike action at Diageo in Belfast, that would have seen shortages of Guinness Zero this Christmas, has been suspended following an improved pay offer from the employer. Around 90 workers were set to strike tomorrow (Friday 5th December) but workers will now vote on the new deal [ballot closing on Monday 8^th December] .

Regional officer for the workforce Michael Keenan said, “Negotiations have resulted in an improved pay offer being made by Diageo and as an act of good will our reps voted to suspend the planned strike action to allow our members to consider and vote on it.”

The planned strike action followed a unanimous ballot rejection [100 per cent] by workers of a previous pay offer.

Diageo’s Belfast factory is the world’s biggest manufacturer of Guinness Zero – the UK’s leading non-alcoholic beverage. Planned strike action would have seen shortages of Guinness Zero this Christmas.