WORKERS across several Scottish whisky firms could go on strike following a break down in pay talks.
On Tuesday, trade union GMB Scotland confirmed a ballot on industrial action has begun after members rejected a 3% pay rise offer, the Press and Journal reports.
Inver House Distillers – headquartered in Airdrie) owns a number of distilleries in the Highlands and Speyside, including Knockdhu in Huntly, Speyburn in Rothes, Balblair in Tain, Old Pulteney in Wick and Balmenach Distillery in Grantown on Spey.
The industrial action could disrupt production and transport, as the union said a formal three-week vote is now underway.
The ballot is taking place after a consultative ballot showed 94% support for a vote on industrial action if talks broke down.
Inver House is owned by InterBev, a subsidiary of ThaiBev, one of the biggest drinks companies in south east Asia which recorded profits of £600 million last year.
The union claimed Inver House, which employs 280 people across Scotland, has refused to engage with conciliation service Acas as workers seek a 4% deal.
'Left with little choice'
GMB Scotland organiser David Hume said: “Our members accepted below-inflation rises during the cost of living crisis and any pay offer must reflect that.
“With inflation rising again and household bills still high, our members are clear that a below-inflation offer will not be accepted.
“In addition to pay, longstanding collective bargaining arrangements must be modernised to better reflect our membership among distillery, warehouse and security workers.
“The company has refused to seriously engage with either issue leaving our members with little choice but to vote on industrial action.”
A spokeswoman for Inver House Distillers said: “We are disappointed that GMB Scotland has decided to ballot its members, who represent a small percentage of our Scottish workforce.
“All our employees have been given an annual pay rise that is in line with inflation, as we have consistently done in previous years, alongside an annual bonus paid in December.
“It is therefore a misrepresentation to state that this year’s figure is below inflation. Our business is committed to being a fair and supportive employer, and we take great pride in the strength of our teams and workplace communities across Scotland.”
