Whisky workers vote for industrial action

SANDRA DICK

cated to the firm’s Kilmalid site in Dumbarton, which is due to undergo a £40m investment.

Dumbarton-based workers voted by 90.8 per cent for strike action and 98.5 per cent for action short of strike.

Unite regional coordinating officer, Elaine Dougall said the ballot showed the strength of feeling among staff, and accused the firm of showing “little respect” for the rules of negotiation. .

“The workers are not for turning,” she said. “There is a real strength of feeling and they are not prepared to let this happen. The profit per employee for 2016 is £171,000 - so it is not as if there is not money.”

Part of the dispute centres on union claims of pay discrepancies between staff doing similar jobs at the two sites.

Chivas has said the offer was “fair and reasonable.”