Union warns strikes could disrupt flow of whisky across Scotland
Unite is balloting members at Chivas Brothers on walkouts after rejecting the drinks giant's latest pay offer
A union is warning its members could be set to vote on strike action that would disrupt the supply of whisky across Scotland before Christmas.
Hundreds of Unite members are being balloted over what the union calls an ‘unacceptable’ pay offer.
If members vote in favour of industrial action it could hit supplies of the company’s premier drink brands before the festive season.
Unite, which is the main union at the drinks giant, represents hundreds of members at the company’s Kilmalid, Dalmuir, Beith, Strathclyde Grain and Strathisla distilleries, and Dumbuck warehouse facility among others.
Strike could hit supplies of a number of 'premier' brands
Chivas employs around 1,500 workers in Scotland. Unite is warning that if the membership back strike action, then this will ‘hit hard’ supplies of premier brands including Chivas Regal, Aberlour, Ballantine's, Royal Salute and The Glenlivet.
The ballots opened on Monday and closes on 20 November.
Sharon Graham, Unite general secretary said: “Strike action at Chivas Brothers is a step closer following the failure of the company to make our members a fair pay offer. Any strike action involving hundreds of Unite members will undoubtedly hit hard the supplies of the company’s premier whisky brands over the festive season.”
“Let’s remember it is a company who can afford to pay far more as it made an eye-watering £168.5m in profit. Unite will back our Chivas Brothers members all the way in the fight for better jobs, pay and conditions.”
Unite members previously rejected a 6.4 per cent pay offer by 97 per cent.
Walkouts would leave "a terrible festive hangover" for bosses
Andrew Brown, Unite industrial officer, said: “Unite's hundreds of members at Chivas Brothers deserve to taste some of the £168.5m profit. The company also recently announced a ten-year sales high. Yet, there is a pay offer on the table which represents a real terms pay cut, which is totally unacceptable.”
“Chivas Brothers should be in no doubt that if our members support strike action it will leave management with a terrible festive hangover entirely of their own-making.”
A Chivas Brothers spokesperson told MFR News: “We’re disappointed that employees covered by a bargaining agreement are being balloted for potential industrial action. However, we maintain our position and firm belief that our offer strikes the right balance between ensuring our salaries remain highly competitive in the context of a normalising business environment, while enabling us to build a successful and sustainable future for Chivas Brothers and its people, for the long term.”
Chivas Brothers says deal 'strikes balance' between increasing wages and growing the business
“As a business we have always sought to share our success with our teammates at every level across the organisation. We have, and will continue to, reward our people competitively, while responsibly managing our business for the years ahead. In real terms, if taken together with last year’s pay agreement, our current offer puts our proposed increase above the CPI and CPIH inflation averages seen over our last two financial years.”
“Our recent investments in distillery expansions and decarbonisation, site safety and our communities across Scotland further demonstrate our dedication to our people and their futures. We sincerely hope that any industrial action can be avoided, but are confident that we can put in place the necessary measures to minimise the impact of any disruption on our business and our customers around the world.”