Whyte & Mackay bosses in talks with union to avert strikes at distilleries

12 June 2024 , 11:13

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GMB members at three Whyte & Mackay distilleries have voted to strike (Image: No credit)

Discussions are underway between whisky manufacturer Whyte & Mackay and members of the GMB union, as the drinks company tries to 'mitigate' planned industrial action at three of its distilleries.

GMB Scotland members at Dalmore and Invergordon distilleries in Ross and Cromarty, and Tamnavulin in Moray, recently voted for a walkout after receiving what they termed an "insulting" pay offer, at a time when the company is reportedly making record profits. The walkouts are scheduled to start on Monday June 24, followed by 11 days of strikes in July and an additional two weeks in August.

However, last-ditch talks between the two parties are happening this week in an attempt to resolve the dispute, with the company stating it has plans to "mitigate" the impact of industrial action on stakeholders if no agreement is reached. Kieran Healey-Ryder, head of communication and corporate affairs at Whyte & Mackay, stated: "We have been informed of proposed strike action by GMB at three sites."

"However, negotiations continue and all sides agreed to meet this week, with the intention to explore if there is a way forward that may mitigate industrial action, or to confirm if we have indeed now exhausted collective bargaining. We have in the meantime prepared plans to mitigate the impact to stakeholder groups."

Highlands organiser for GMB Scotland, Lesley-Anne MacAskill stated: "Talks are continuing in the hope of a fair resolution to this dispute but if that agreement cannot be reached, our members are united and determined to take whatever action is necessary to have their work and value to the company properly recognised."

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Emperador, a Philippine-based company which owns Whyte & Mackay, operates several distilleries such as Dalmore distillery at Alness in Ross and Cromarty, Invergordon grain distillery nearby, Fettercairn in Aberdeenshire, Tamnavulin near Tomnavoulin in Moray, and Jura on the Hebridean island.

Lawrence Matheson