Chivas Brothers Whisky Workers Suspend Strike
The festive season got a breather today as Chivas Brothers Whisky workers decided to suspend their strike and review a new offer. The workers at the distillery Scotland branches voted unanimously to suspend strike action that was set to start next week. The Kilmalid, Dalmuir, and Strathclyde Grain distilleries of Chivas Brothers, represented by Unite the Union, voted to strike by 91.2%.
Between December 11 and 14, Chivas Brothers‘ workers were planning a rolling schedule of 24-hour stoppages across various facilities, including a warehouse in Dumbuck. However, all industrial action has been halted until the ballot process has been completed.
Chivas Brothers Workers Suspend Strike After New Offer
Recently, 97 percent of Unite members rejected a 6.4% pay offer from the distillery. Inflation was at 11.3% when the workers’ pay boost should have been implemented. Chivas Brothers made a profit of £168.5 million in 2022, which Sharon Graham described as “eye-watering”.
Unite industrial officer Andy Brown said: “Unite has been in intense negotiations with Chivas Brothers since we announced our rolling program of strike action.
“Following the latest round of talks we have agreed to put a new pay offer to our 500-strong Chivas Brothers membership for consideration.
“Unite has taken the decision to suspend all forthcoming industrial action until our membership has had the opportunity to vote on the merits of this new offer.”
A spokesman for GMB Scotland said: “GMB Scotland members were due to strike at 21 Chivas sites but have suspended action to allow a ballot on the revised offer.”
David Hume, GMB Scotland organizer in the drinks industry, added: “It is regrettable that it took the threat of a strike to prompt this revised offer but we have now suspended the planned industrial action to allow our members to vote on the terms.”
A Chivas Brothers spokesman said: “While the results of the official ballot are still pending, we are pleased that constructive talks have enabled us to re-engage with the unions on our original proposal and reach a mutually agreeable position that avoids unnecessary strike action.
“Our offer reflects our ongoing commitment to sharing our success throughout the company while recognizing the normalizing business and economic environment for the year ahead.”
