Whyte & Mackay strikes partially called off

Unite has called off strike action at Whyte & Mackay following the resolution of a pay dispute, however GMB Scotland’s action will proceed.

The dispute is over a pay offer that GMB described as ‘an insult’. Whyte & Mackay increased the pay rise to 6.8%, plus improvement to benefits, but this revised offer was also rejected.

Scott Foley, Unite industrial officer, said: “Unite can confirm that our Whyte & Mackay members have by majority accepted a revised pay offer from the company worth 10% over two years.

“Around 120 Unite members based at the Grangemouth bottling plant, Earlsgate distribution centre and Invergordon distillery should now benefit from the deal.

“The pay deal for our members only came about because of their determination to fight for fair pay and by taking strike action if necessary.

“On this occasion, industrial action by Unite members will not happen. However, we are putting Whyte & Mackay on notice that going forward they must treat their workers with respect and pay negotiations for our next round of pay talks must be handled significantly better than the protracted discussions that have recently taken place.”

Last week, GMB Scotland confirmed the first date for strike action would be 24 June, followed by 11 days in July and a further two weeks in August.

A spokesperson for Whyte & Mackay said: “Following extended discussions with our trade union partners GMB and Unite, the company submitted a revised pay offer for consideration.

“While we are pleased that the revised offer was accepted by Unite, we are disappointed that GMB members rejected the offer.

“GMB has informed us that it is now planning for industrial action to commence next week; we have therefore begun to implement continuity plans to manage supply and mitigate impact to customers.”