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Chivas whisky workers set strike date amid pay row
Workers at Chivas Brothers’ Kilmalid production site in Dumbarton are to strike on 7 August in response to a pay offer from the company.
Workers at Chivas Brothers’ Kilmalid site are to strike on 7 August
Members of Scotland’s largest union, Unite, voted for strike action by 90.8% at the Kilmalid plant last month, rejecting the company’s proposed four-year deal.
The union, which implemented a continuous ban on overtime on 19 July, has accused the firm of “ignoring the voice of its workforce”
“Our members are angry that this offer, which was tabled on 18 July and was rejected overwhelmingly in a ballot by 86%, fails to recognise the contribution our members make to the success of Chivas,” said Unite regional coordinating officer Elaine Dougall.
“We will continue to press hard for a settlement to this dispute until the eleventh hour but our members are clear, they want to see a significantly improved offer and harmonisation of terms and conditions on the table before they will consider withdrawing from industrial action.
“This dispute will only be settled if our members get a genuine commitment from the company which is an improvement on its recent offer. If not, we will continue to act on our members’ wishes, and give them the chance to have a say on possible industrial action, including strike action.
“Unite would urge Chivas to see sense and improve their offer and work with us to get this dispute settled.”
A spokesperson from Chivas Brothers said: “While we’re disappointed that Unite trade union members at our Kilmalid site have decided to take a one day course of industrial action, we’re pleased to confirm that our Paisley and Southern Operations sites have accepted our offer.
“Both decisions come after a period of constructive and transparent negotiation with employee representatives. Our pay offer – which exceeds the rate of inflation in the UK – ensures that our employees have a highly competitive salary and benefits package.”