Workers at a Scottish whisky distiller, Chivas Brothers are to ballot on strike action over pay as talks collapsed.
Members of GMB Scotland have overwhelmingly backed strike action and a formal vote is scheduled to take place.
Chivas Brothers refused a 6.4% wage increase for their workers despite an increase in sales and GMB Scotland organiser David Hume said it was “no surprise” this was refused.
Hume said, “Our members are being asked to accept a pay rise that is below the rate of inflation while reading how the owners are celebrating some of the highest sales ever recorded.
“Sales of the whisky made in Scotland are booming around the world but the workers making it are told they must accept an effective pay cut in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis?
“It is no surprise our members have refused that offer and are united in their determination to take the action necessary to secure an offer that fairly reflects the value of their work.”
A Chivas Brothers spokesperson said, “Chivas Brothers prides itself on being a longstanding Scottish employer, committed to its people and the communities it calls home. We have, and will continue to, reward our people competitively, while responsibly managing our business for the years ahead.
“We firmly believe that our offer strikes the right balance between ensuring our salaries remain highly competitive in the context of a normalising business environment, and enabling us to build a successful and sustainable future, for the long-term – as evidenced by our recent investments in distillery expansions and decarbonisation, site safety and our communities across Scotland.”
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