Unite members employed by Diageo at the Guinness zero canning plant in Belfast have secured a large pay increase following strike action.

The workers will see their pay increase by 15.5 per cent in a three-year deal. The deal will be paid in stages with the increase for the first year backdated to September 2024.

General secretary Sharon Graham said, “The Diageo workers have won an excellent pay increase through union strength in the workplace and their determination to take strike action. Their strike in December shut down the plant and secured this significant win on pay.”

The significantly increased pay offer was made by management following an eight-day strike in December which shut down the canning facility. The site is the main canning facility in the world for Diageo’s flagship Guinness Zero product.

Michael Keenan regional officer for the workers said, “Following strike action, management substantially improved their pay offer. The workers now know there is power in their union.”

The vote means a planned, second eight-day strike will not now proceed.