Unite union has said that there could be Guinness 0.0 shortages this Christmas after Diageo workers in Belfast voted overwhelmingly to strike. 

Responding to “an inadequate pay offer,” Diageo members of the Unite union will commence an eight-day strike from 12 December to 19 December, impacting the site which is the world’s largest producer of Guinness 0.0. 

The strike replaces an initial strike, which was set to commence on 8 December, before being suspended to let workforce reps consider a new pay offer. 

Workers have said that they hope the action will end the pay gap which currently stands between Diageo’s site in Runcorn, England, and the Belfast location. It has been confirmed that 90 members of staff will take part. 

Earlier this week, Diageo stressed that there will be no shortage of Guinness beverages over the festive period. However, union officials have countered that the strike will shut down operations during one of the busiest weeks of the year. 

On the action, Unite general secretary Sharon Graham, said: “Diageo is one of the largest and most profitable drinks companies in the world. It can afford to level up its workers pay but has chosen to put profits before people. Now it will see empty shelves as our members take to the picket line and shut down their factories. It needs to recognise the determination of this workforce to win fair pay and make a fair pay offer.” 

A Diageo spokesperson commented: “While we are disappointed by the outcome of the vote on what we believe was a more than fair and reasonable offer, we remain committed to constructive dialogue with the Union and its representatives to reach a resolution that supports the long-term competitiveness of the packaging site and the interests of our people.”