Zarah ChoudharyWhisky workers at Inver House distillery will vote on strike action after refusing a 3% pay rise.
The Lanarkshire-based company, with distilleries across the Highlands, refused to re-open talks and engage with conciliation service Acas as workers seek a 4% deal.
A consultative ballot showed 94% for a vote on industrial action if talks broke down.
The three-week ballot of GMB members on possible industrial action closes on 24th March.
Inver House has five distilleries across the Highlands and produces whiskies including Balblair, Balmemach, Knockdhu, Old Pulteney and Speyburn.
The company is a subsidiary of ThaiBev, one of the biggest drinks companies in Southeast Asia which recorded profits of £600m last year.
David Hume, Scotland organiser at GMB, said: “Our members accepted below inflation rises during the cost-of-living crisis and this offer must reflect that.
‘With inflation rising again and household bills remaining high, our members are clear that a below inflation offer will not be accepted.
“In addition to pay, the longstanding collective bargaining arrangements must be modernised to reflect our membership among distillery, warehouse and security workers.
“The company has refused to seriously engage with either issue leaving our members with little choice but to vote on industrial action.”
On behalf of Inver House distillery, a spokesperson from International Beverage Group said: “We are disappointed that GMB Scotland has decided to ballot its members, who represent a small percentage of our Scottish workforce.
“All our employees have been given an annual pay rise that is in line with inflation, as we have consistently done in previous years, alongside an annual bonus paid in December.
“It is therefore a misrepresentation to state that this year’s figure is below inflation.
“Our business is committed to being a fair and supportive employer, and we take great pride in the strength of our teams and workplace communities across Scotland.”
