Chivas Brothers settles pay dispute

Trade unions Unite and GMB have accepted a two-year pay offer from Scotch whisky maker Chivas Brothers, preventing strike action from 500 workers in Scotland.

More than 500 Unite members who work at Chivas Brothers were due to go on strike this week (11-14 December) after rejecting a 6.4% pay offer from the Scotch whisky producer.

The strike action was suspended a week earlier as Unite and GMB members voted on whether to accept the ‘improved’ pay offer from Chivas Brothers.

The new deal, which has been ‘overwhelmingly accepted’ by Unite workers, involves a 6.4% pay rise effective from 1 July 2023, along with a one-off £500 (US$632) payment.

In the second year, the wage increase will consist of the average inflation figure over the course of the year running until July 2024.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “It was only down to the fact that our 500-strong membership at Chivas Brothers were prepared to fight and take strike action that the company came back to the negotiating table. The pay deal is another example of Unite delivering better jobs, pay and conditions for its members.”

Unite industrial officer Andy Brown said the new deal will help workers cope with the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.

A Chivas Brothers spokesperson said: “We are pleased that following the latest ballot, employees covered by bargaining agreements have now voted to accept our revised proposal, which avoids unnecessary strike action.

“The new deal includes an acceptance of our original pay proposal and enhanced benefits, along with the security of a two-year agreement.”

Chivas Brothers, the Scotch whisky arm of Pernod Ricard, employs around 1,500 workers in Scotland. The company’s Scotch portfolio includes Chivas Regal, Aberlour, Ballantine’s, Royal Salute and The Glenlivet.

In other Pernod Ricard news, the company recently released its inaugural Chinese whisky and opened its US$150 million Emeishan distillery to the public.