Old Pulteney Distillery workers back strike action as Inver House slammed by GMB over pay offer
Whisky workers across several Highland distilleries have voted in favour of industrial action after pay negotiations with the parent company failed.
GMB Scotland said that an overwhelming majority of distillery and warehouse workers employed at Inver House — which owns Balmenach Distillery and Old Pulteney among others in the Highlands and Moray — voted for industrial action after rejecting a 3 per cent pay offer.
The ballot came after workers accused the Lanarkshire-based company, with distilleries across the Highlands, of refusing to reopen negotiations or engage with conciliation service Acas.
The ballot showed 78 per cent of GMB members, who are seeking a 4 per cent rise, voting in the ballot backed strikes with even more (87 per cent) backing action short of strikes. The turnout was 71 per cent.
David Hume, GMB Scotland organiser in the whisky industry, said: “The ballot results reveal the determination of Inver House workers to take the action necessary to secure a fair pay offer.
“The result could not be clearer and this rock solid mandate from our members should send the clearest possible message to management.
“They must reengage with negotiations, return to the table and find a fair resolution.
“If they do not, industrial action is now inevitable.”
GMB Scotland is urging the company to reopen negotiations on pay and a review of longstanding collective bargaining arrangements necessary to reflect its membership among distillery, warehouse and security workers.
Inver House is owned by InterBev, a subsidiary of ThaiBev, one of the biggest drinks companies in south east Asia which recorded profits of £600m last year.
It has five distilleries across the Highlands, including Balblair, Balmemach, Knockdhu, Old Pulteney and Speyburn, as well as a maturation warehouse at its headquarters in Moffat, Airdrie, Lanarkshire.
An Inver House Distillers spokesperson said: “We are disappointed by this decision. We have been fair in our approach to negotiations and would reiterate that this year's pay rise was in line with inflation, as it is every year, and was accompanied by an annual bonus paid in December.
“Whilst we respect the rights of the individuals who voted in favour for this industrial strike action – 25 people across six sites, which equates to eight per cent of our workforce – we take great pride in being a fair and supportive employer, and in the strength of our teams and workplace communities across Scotland.”
