A labeling unit having a vertically displaceable motor, a vertically displaceable upper cover plate for a pallet drum as well as a shift linkage which couples the upper cover plate to the motor such that, when the motor is displaced upwards, the pallet drum is lifted together therewith. The motor and the cover plate can thus be lifted in an ergonomically advantageous manner by means of a common operating mechanism on the comparatively easily accessible motor, when a change of format is executed.