After ‘Constructive’ Talks and a New Deal From Chivas Brothers, Union Workers Pause Whisky Strike — For Now
Chivas Brothers proposed a revised deal, halting an impending strike at the scotch whisky brand. (Photo: Chivas Brothers)
On Tuesday, Just Drinks reported the workers’ trade union Unite paused an ongoing whisky strike at Chivas Brothers after company countered with a revised salary proposal.
Just Drinks reported that a spokesperson from the union could not divulge any details about the contract at this time other than it was “no less than what was previously rejected along with a one-off payment.”
The whisky strike has been paused until all union members vote on a “consultative ballot.”
Talks of a prospective whisky strike began in late November, after members at unions like GMB Scotland voted on a strike order, claiming the Pernod Ricard-owned scotch whisky producer denied employees a 6.4% pay hike. The union claimed cost of living and inflation were the primary reasons for the requested salary increase.
“After a year when household bills rose again and again our members have made clear they will not accept a pay rise that is, in reality, a pay cut,” GMB Scotland Union Leader David Hume said at the time.
The strike dates were finalized on Nov. 30 after over 90% of union members voted on a strike initiative. The dates were set for Dec. 11 through Dec. 14, with work stoppages to take place over 24 hours. Unions additionally planned on banning overtime and short-notice shifts.
Though Unite union leaders claimed the strike would be disruptive regarding Chivas Brother’s ability to meet production demands during the busy holiday season, Chivas Brothers seemed nonplussed. In a statement from the scotch whisky brand, the business said it had “resilience plans” and that a strike would have minimal impact.
The revised deal was proposed less than a week later.
Chivas Brothers claimed talks after its revised offer have been “constructive,” according to Just Drinks, and the conversation appears to be moving forward.
“Our offer reflects our ongoing commitment to sharing our success throughout the company while recognizing the normalizing business and economic environment for the year ahead,” Chivas Brothers concluded, per Just Drinks.
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