Overtime Ban Underway At Whisky Giant Chivas Ahead Of Crunch Pay Talks
Overtime Ban Underway At Whisky Giant Chivas Ahead Of Crunch Pay Talks
A continuous overtime ban has been implemented this morning (Wednesday 26 May) by GMB members across Chivas operations in response to the whisky and spirits giant’s pay freeze plan for workers in Scotland.
The industrial action was launched ahead of crunch talks between union representatives and Chivas chiefs this Friday morning at ACAS, which will be critical if full-blown strike action is to be avoided over the summer.
Over four-fifths of GMB members backed calls for strike action against the pay freeze, having maintained full production throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, and against the backdrop of robust operating profits for 2020 worth £311 million.
Strikes would affect Chivas’ key Scottish production sites, including the Kilmalid bottling hall, Strathclyde Grain Distillery, and maturation sites in Speyside, Clydebank and Ayrshire.
GMB Scotland Organiser Keir Greenaway said:
“Chivas has the money, there’s no need whatsoever to impose a real-terms pay cut on their workers across Scotland, and strike action can be avoided if management tables an improved offer this Friday.
“These dedicated workers have helped this company see through what will hopefully prove to be the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic, maintaining full production across Scottish operations, and stabilising the business.
“There is also great confidence among Chivas executives in the long-term growth of the Scotch whisky industry and GMB members are the foundation for this optimism – it would be wrong on the employer’s part to ignore the people they cannot do without.
“Chivas can end this dispute on Friday by bringing forward a better offer that is worthy of our members’ consultation. It’s that simple.”
ENDS
Contact: Keir Greenaway, GMB Scotland Organiser, on 07855 017842, or GMB Scotland Communications on 07976 447077.
Notes to Editors:
‘Strike Action Looms At Chivas As Whisky & Spirits Workers Vote Against Pay Freeze’, GMB Scotland Media Release, Monday 10 May 2021, access at:
<< https://www.gmbscotland.org.uk/newsroom/strike-action-looms-at-chivas>>
