Supplies of Irn-Bru could be affected this summer, as the threat of strike action looms.
Around a dozen drivers at the AG Barr production and distribution centre in Cumbernauld are being balloted on walkouts, after rejecting a 5% pay offer from the drinks giant.
Unite the union says the offer equates to a pay cut of 6.3% based on the current retail price index of 11.3%.
The ballot is now open and will close on 6 July.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Imagine a hot summer in Scotland and no supplies of Irn-Bru - Scotland’s other national drink - to quench raging Scottish thirsts.
“Well that’s exactly what’s on the horizon if the management of AG Barr don’t revise their current wage offer to Unite members.
“It is a cash-rich company, with £52.9m sitting in the bank, so they have the money to make a decent offer.”
The union claims the company’s has adjusted profit before tax of £43.5m, and due to strong revenue generation it reported a net cash position of £52.9m.
Andy Brown, Unite industrial officer, said: “Unite’s members keep the Cumbernauld factory of AG Barr running smoothly - without them it will undoubtedly have a big impact on production and distribution.
“It is the first potential dispute in the history of the Cumbernauld factory, which goes to show at how angry our members are at the pay offer on the table.
“We are demanding that AG Barr get back round the table and make our members a fair offer, or else the supply of brands such as Irn-Bru could be hit by any strike action this summer.”
A spokesperson for AG Barr said: “Unfortunately, we have so far been unable to reach agreement and Unite has indicated that they are balloting for industrial action.
“We have offered a deal which we believe is fair and competitive, it is also in line with what has been agreed with our other employees and we believe we have a responsibility to be fair to everyone.
“As well as this year’s pay offer, we gave the majority of our frontline workers, including our HGV1 drivers, two additional payments across the last year totalling £1,500, to support cost of living challenges.
“We will continue to engage with those involved with a view to finding a positive and constructive resolution, however we do have contingency plans in place to maintain customer service.”
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