Members of GMB employed by the Scottish distiller will engage in six days of strike action next month after voting to reject at 3% pay rise offer.
Warehousing and security staff at Inver House’s head office near Airdrie, Lanarkshire, will walk out for four days starting on 2 June, while colleagues across five Highland distilleries will strike for two days the following week.
During a formal ballot 78% of GMB members, who are seeking a 4% rise, backed strikes, with the trade union now urging management at Inver House to reopen negotiations on pay and review collective bargaining arrangements.
Inver House is owned by InterBev, a subsidiary of ThaiBev, one of the biggest drinks companies in south east Asia. The distiller produces whiskies including Balblair, Balmemach, Knockdhu, Old Pulteney and Speyburn.
“A one-day strike in April signalled the frustration of workers and the urgent need for serious negotiation to find a way forward,” said GMB Scotland organiser David Hume.
“Those negotiations have not taken place, however, and the company has shown no willingness to begin them.
“Given the lack of transparent and good faith discussions, our members have no choice but to step up industrial action.”
“The company must understand actions have consequences and the consequence of its refusal to engage is a workforce determined to ensure their voice is heard and a fair resolution found.”
The escalation of industrial action was announced just a few days after Inver House completed a £7 million construction project to build six new bonded warehouses at its Airdrie site.
“The investment is welcome but successful companies are founded on the work and commitment of staff not buildings and blueprints,” Hume added.
“It is time for that to be recognised by Inver House.”
In related news, Unite the Union and GMB have shared concerns that Greencore’s impending acquisition of Bakkavor could lead to job losses.
