The vote was triggered after GMB rejected a 3% pay rise offer on behalf of its members, with a consultative ballot revealing 94% support for a vote on industrial action in the instance of a breakdown in talks.
The trade union is holding out for a 4% offer from Inver House, but according to GMB the whisky manufacturer refused to re-open talks and engage with conciliation service Acas.
The three-week ballot is now open and will close on 24 March.
Inver House has five distilleries across the Highlands and produces whiskies including Balblair, Balmemach, Knockdhu, Old Pulteney and Speyburn.
The company is a subsidiary of InterBev, which is the international arm of ThaiBev, one of the biggest drinks companies in South East Asia.
“Our members accepted below inflation rises during the cost of living crisis and this offer must reflect that,” said David Hume, GMB Scotland organiser.
“With inflation rising again and household bills remaining high, our members are clear that a below inflation offer will not be accepted.
“In addition to pay, the longstanding collective bargaining arrangements must be modernised to reflect our membership among distillery, warehouse and security workers.
“The company has refused to seriously engage with either issue leaving our members with little choice but to vote on industrial action.”
Food Manufacture has reached out to InterBev for comment.
In related news, the sale of whisky brand The Famous Grouse to William Grant & Sons has been cleared by the Competition and Markets Authority.
The deal was first announced in September 2024 and saw William Grant & Sons agree to purchase The Famous Grouse and Naked Malt Scotch Whisky brands for an undisclosed free from The 1887 Company, which is a subsidiary of spirits wholesaler Edrington.
Completion of the acquisition remains subject to customary regulatory approval in certain other countries, with William Grant & Sons committing to continue working constructively with the relevant authorities.
