Moray distillery workers among those on strike as Inver House slammed by GMB union over pay offer
Whisky workers across several distilleries have voted in favour of industrial action after pay negotiations with their parent company failed.
Union GMB Scotland said that an overwhelming majority of distillery and warehouse workers employed by Inver House - which runs Speyburn in Rothes and Knockdhu near Huntly - voted for industrial action after rejecting a three per cent pay offer.
The ballot came after workers accused the Lanarkshire-based company of refusing to reopen negotiations or engage with conciliation service Acas.
The ballot showed that, of those who voted, 78 per cent of GMB members backed strikes with even more (87 per cent) backing action short of strikes. The turnout was 71 per cent.
Workers are seeking a four per cent rise in wages.
David Hume, GMB Scotland organiser in the whisky industry, said: “The ballot results reveal the determination of Inver House workers to take the action necessary to secure a fair pay offer.
“The result could not be clearer and this rock solid mandate from our members should send the clearest possible message to management.
“They must re-engage with negotiations, return to the table and find a fair resolution.
“If they do not, industrial action is now inevitable.”
GMB Scotland is urging the company to reopen negotiations on pay and a review of longstanding collective bargaining arrangements necessary to reflect its membership among distillery, warehouse and security workers.
Inver House is owned by InterBev, a subsidiary of ThaiBev, one of the biggest drinks companies in south east Asia which recorded profits of £600m last year.
It has five distilleries across the Highlands. As well as Knockdhu and Speyburn, it has Balblair, Balmemach and Old Pulteney.
The company was contacted for comment when the ballot was first announced.
They 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.”
