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Whyte & Mackay workers back strike action

Workers at Whyte & Mackay-owned distilleries have ‘overwhelmingly’ backed industrial action following a vote held by GMB Scotland.

The Dalmore, Whyte & Mackay
The Dalmore distillery is based near North Scotland’s waterway at The Cromarty Firth

Workers at the Dalmore and Invergordon distilleries in Easter Ross rejected an ‘insulting’ pay offer in February, when 94% of members voted against the offer. According to Whyte & Mackay, the latest offer was a pay rise of 6.8%, plus improvement to benefits.

GMB Scotland announced the vote on strike action earlier this month (May).

The vote had a turnout of more than 80%, of which nearly 82% backed industrial action.

Lesley-Anne MacAskill, GMB Scotland organiser in the Highlands, said: “The support for industrial action at Whyte & Mackay is overwhelming but unsurprising.

“Our members’ work has driven the company to record-breaking profits but has not been recognised or fairly rewarded in pay negotiations.

“Whyte & Mackay is celebrating unprecedented commercial success while our members continue to endure a cost-of-living crisis while being paid less than workers across the industry.

“The company should consider the results of this ballot and the clear determination of our members to take action in support of a fair pay award and improve its offer. If it does not, industrial action is now inevitable.”

GMB Scotland anticipates strike action will take place in June unless an agreement is reached.

A spokesperson for Whyte & Mackay said: “We have received formal notification from GMB of its intention to strike. We are disappointed that despite dialogue and a revised award of 6.8%, we have failed to reach agreement.

“As a business we firmly believe that our pay proposal is a fair and competitive offer. We believe there is a route forward without the need for strike action and we remain committed to work to achieve that through dialogue with GMB.

“In the event of a strike taking place, we have plans in place to mitigate disruption and ensure continued business operation to minimise impact to our customers.”

Workers at Bacardi-owned John Dewar & Sons are also voting on strike action this month.

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