Chivas Scotland workers accept pay deal after an autumn of disputes

Around 500 workers at one of Scotland’s biggest whisky producers have accepted an increased pay offer after weeks of threatening strikes because of disputes over pay.

The Chivas Brothers’ members of workers union Unite accepted the deal which consists of a 6.4% pay increase effective from 1 July 2023 along with a one-off £500 payment.

Next year, the pay increase will consist of the average inflation figure over the course of the year running until July 2024.

Prior to the workers accepting the deal, it warned if its members backed strike action, it would hit supplies over the festive season.

Last month, 90% of Chivas Brothers staff voted for a planned programme of 24-hour stoppages across various facilities between 11 to 14 December. The planned strike was suspended following the new pay offer.

Chivas Brothers produces Scotch whisky brands including Chivas Regal, Aberlour, and the Glenlivet, and employs around 1,500 workers in Scotland.

Unite, which is the main union at the company, announced the news today. The workers’ union represents hundreds of members at the company’s Kilmalid, Dalmuir, Beith, Strathclyde Grain and Strathisla distilleries, and Dumbuck warehouse facility among others.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “It was only down to the fact that our 500 strong membership at Chivas Brothers were prepared to fight and take strike action that the company came back to the negotiating table. The pay deal is another example of Unite delivering better jobs, pay and conditions for its members.”

Unite industrial officer Andy Brown added the workers’ increase in wages “will help them cope with the ongoing cost of living crisis”.

A Chivas Brothers spokesperson said: “We are pleased that following the latest ballot, employees covered by bargaining agreements have now voted to accept our revised proposal, which avoids unnecessary strike action. The new deal includes an acceptance of our original pay proposal and enhanced benefits, along with the security of a two-year agreement.

"We are looking forward to continuing to work closely with all our employees to deliver our main business objective, which is the continued supply of our world-renowned whiskies to consumers all over the world."

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