DIAGEO employees planned strike could create a shortage of some alcohol favourites this Christmas.

Changes to pensions have workers threatening strike action and if it goes ahead both supply and distribution of drinks such as Smirnoff Vodka and Johnnie Walker Whisky could be affected.

3 Not so funny fare . . . Diageo factory in Glasgow could be face with strikes

Both GMB and United members have voted in favour of a strike.

They say that despite ‘significant’ growth, the company is looking to save £30 million a year from pensions by closing its final salary scheme and also a so-called ‘lifestyle’ plan to new entrants.

A spokesman for GMB said “It could certainly affect the supplies of favourite whiskies and drinks and the distribution of them as well.

3 Voddy hell . . . Smirnoff vodka distribution could be affected if strike goes ahead

“There are two massive bottling plants at Shieldhall and Leven who employ over 1000 people.

“And there are 29 smaller scale distilleries across Scotland which will be affected as well.”

The company have bottle plants in Leven, Fife and Shieldhall, Glasgow, where the likes of Smirnoff vodka, Gordon’s gin and Johnnie Walker Whisky are all packaged.

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The unions are not happy about the prospect of a strike, but are angry pensions are not being protected despite the company making profits.

GMB Scotland organiser Louise Gilmour said: “Our members have sent a strong message to Diageo that the company needs to think again if it wants to avoid damaging strikes across Scotland.

“Diageo is happy to significantly increase executive pay in the wake of billions of pounds of profit but they won’t protect the pensions of the workforce who have contributed massively towards the success of the business.

3 Johnnie Walker whisky is also packaged at Diageo

“It’s another example of the obscene disparity between executive pay and the ordinary worker and if there is one company that can most certainly afford to sustain decent pension arrangements for its workers then it’s Diageo.

“It’s a question of fairness and Diageo can clearly go further to protect the pensions of their workers.”

Unite regional officer Pat McIlvogue told the Daily Record: “We are proud of our members, who have sent a clear message to Diageo that they must keep their pension promises.