Whisky workers holding strikes over pay dispute

Whisky workers in Airdrie have escalated industrial action by launching six days of strikes after pay talks broke down.

- IAN BUNTING

GMB Scotland, one of the biggest unions in the whisky industry, said workers at Inver House Distillers were stepping up the action after overwhelmingly rejecting a three per cent pay offer.

Warehousing and security staff at the company's head office near Airdrie walked out for four days starting on Monday, June 2, while colleagues across five Highland distilleries will strike for two days next week.

David Hume, GMB Scotland organiser in the drinks industry, said the failure of the company to seriously engage with workers to resolve the dispute meant escalation was inevitable.

He said: “A one-day strike in April signalled the frustration of workers and the urgent need for serious negotiation to find a way forward.