Whisky workers launch strike action after pay talks stall

Whisky workers were on the picket lines today after pay talks broke down.

GMB Scotland, one of the biggest unions in the whisky industry, said the strike at Inver House Distillers had the overwhelming support of workers after rejection of a 3% pay offer.

The industrial action came after workers accused the Lanarkshire-based company, with distilleries across the Highlands, of refusing to reopen negotiations or engage with conciliation service Acas.

David Hume, GMB Scotland organiser in the whisky industry, said: “Workers hoping for fair and transparent negotiations have been failed by a management treating them with disdain.

“Whether they have been asleep at the wheel and stumbled into this dispute or are wilfully refusing to engage, the action today must be a wake up call.

“The skilled workforce at Inver House deserves far better than a high-handed, dismissive response from a company built on their effort and commitment.

“Managers must engage and engage quickly or the strike today will only be the start of far more prolonged and disruptive industrial action.”

 “They must engage with negotiations, return to the table and find a fair resolution.”

Four out of five (78%) of GMB members, who are seeking a 4% rise, voting in a formal ballot backed strikes with even more (87%) supporting action short of strikes. The turnout was 71%.

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, including Balblair, Balmemach, Knockdhu, Old Pulteney and Speyburn, as well as a maturation warehouse at its headquarters in Moffat, Airdrie, Lanarkshire.