Unite union demands action over pay disparity
Union chiefs have highlighted a “scandalous” pay disparity between whisky workers in Paisley and Dumbarton.
Unite bosses released figures highlighting potential gross wage disparities up to £900 between Chivas workers on the same grade across the Renfrew Road and Kilamlid sites.
Last year, Chivas announced plans to invest £40million in its Dumbarton plant.
The Scotch whisky and gin firm is moving all its operations to Kilmalid and says that it plans to invest in a new and improved facility at Dumbarton over the next three years.
However, the union claims site workers would suffer wage differentials over the course of the year when taking into account the last wage offer.
Chivas tabled an offer on July 18 of 1.9 per cent, which was rejected by the workforce.
Unite chiefs claim they have repeatedly urged the company to implement equal pay and conditions with immediate effect.
However, they insist Chivas bosses said that would not take place until next year.
Unite has served notice on Chivas Kilmalid for industrial action which will take place on August 7.
This is in addition, to the continuous ban on overtime which began on July 19.
Unite regional coordinating officer Elaine Dougall said: “The gross disparities between workers at Chivas just miles apart doing the same job of up to £900 is scandalous.
“This is an equal pay issue and one which the company must resolve immediately, before workers transfer over to the Kilmalid site.”
“Unite wishes to state that we are willing at this late stage to engage positively with ACAS in order to prevent industrial action.
“However, Chivas must do the honourable thing by paying workers the same rate for the job without further delays, and work with us to get this dispute settled.”
No one at Chivas was available for comment when contacted by the Paisley Daily Express.