Chivas brothers Faces Imminent Workers Strike
A recent workers’ ballot from the Chivas Brothers distillery carried gruesome news for the beverage giant. Late last month the workers union sent the decision to a vote which would order strike action or accept a salary package from their employer.
Chivas Brothers Workers Opt for Strike Action
According to a press note from the Unite the Union, the workers rejected the salary package of 6.4 percent, opting instead to walk off during the festive season. The Unite the Union is the main union at Chivas Brothers sourcing hundreds of members throughout Scotland. Workers from the Kilmalid, Dalmuir, Beith, Strathclyde Grain and Strathisla distilleries, and Dumbuck warehouse facility, form part of the workers’ union.
Another important issue is the high percentage of balloted members that supported strike action. Unite reported that over 91.2% of workers rejected the company’s offer and are prepared to take strike action.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Strike action at Chivas Brothers is inevitable unless the current pay offer is improved. Chivas made an eye-watering profit last year, and it can easily afford to offer our members a significantly better offer.
“Unite will back our Chivas Brothers members all the way in the fight for better jobs, pay and conditions.”
Unite industrial officer Andrew Brown, said: “Chivas Brothers are forcing hundreds of our members to choose between a real terms pay cut and strike action.
“The company is doing this while amassing a fortune of dizzying heights on the backs of our members’ hard work.
“Chivas Brothers have a final opportunity to give our members some well-deserved festive cheer or supplies of the company’s premier brands at one of the busiest times of the year will be hit hard.”
Chivas hires more than 1,500 workers in Scotland. The company is a major producer of Scotch whisky premier brands such as Chivas Regal, Aberlour, Ballantine’s, Royal Salute, and The Glenlivet.
