Drumchapel based distillery workers set for £4,900 boost to wages

Unite members based at Edrington Distillers have voted to accept a pay deal worth 12 per cent over the course of the year to end a dispute over new shift patterns and unsociable hours.

Around 40 Unite members including engineers, electricians and boilermen are set to receive a backdated 3 per cent rise in January with a further 9 per cent to come in April.

The pay rise will see workers based at the Drumchapel based company receive a boost to their annual income from £2,450 up to £4,900.

Unite general secretary, Sharon Graham said: “Unite has achieved a great deal for our members at Edrington Distillers. The 12 per cent pay rise over the year means that some workers will have their income boosted by up to £4,900. Unite does what it says on the tin, we deliver better jobs, pay and conditions for our members.”

Edrington Distillers increased turnover to £140.6m in 2022 up from £101.2 million the year before. Directors’ remuneration also increased to £5.8m up from £1.8m over the same time period. 

The Drumchapel plant’s parent company – The Edrington Group –boosted its profits for the financial year to £177.3m in 2022 up from £146.2m (2021).

Unite industrial officer Graham McNab added: “The dispute at Edrington Distillers in Drumchapel is now over through this great deal for workers. Our members were determined to get what they deserved and in line with industry standards. We are pleased the company seen sense before the dispute escalated to industrial action and this should be a lesson for future negotiations.”

ENDS