Disruption expected across Moray whisky sites as unions overwhelmingly back strike action
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DISRUPTION is expected across whisky sites in Moray after union members of GMB Scotland and Unite overwhelmingly backed strike action after pay talks collapsed.
Workers at whisky giant Chivas Brothers, which owns Glenlivet Distillery as well as several maturation sites and distilleries in Speyside, will walk out after a formal ballot showed widespread support for industrial action.
The unions warn that strikes in December will disrupt orders to shops, hotels and bars over the festive period with workers preparing to strike in bottling halls in the weeks running up to Christmas.
The action comes after the producer refused to revise a pay offer of 6.4 per cent despite what unions describe as "surging" sales.
Pernod Ricard, Chivas' parent company, has reported a 17 per cent increase in net sales which takes total sales to a 10-year-high after an increase of 30 per cent in international markets.
GMB Scotland announced results of the strike ballot yesterday with 89 per cent supporting action.
David Hume, GMB Scotland organiser, said the results of the ballot only confirmed the "anger and determination" of workers to secure a better offer.
Mr Hume said: "After a year when household bills rose again and again our members have made clear they will not accept a pay rise that is, in reality, a pay cut.
“It would be unacceptable at any time but the company’s owners celebrating some of the highest ever sales only add insult to injury.
“Huge profits are built on the shoulders of our members and they deserve to be paid fairly and receive an offer that recognises the value of their work."
The Ricard family, owners of the multinational drinks giant which produces other well-known brands including Absolut vodka, Martell cognac, and Mumm champagne, is worth an estimated £5.8billion.
Chivas employs around 1600 workers across Scotland.
However, the company will now be given two weeks' notice of strike dates with around 800 union members set to walk out.
Chivas Brothers have been approached for comment.
