Bosses at a Drumchapel whisky plant say workers' earnings have risen by nearly 30 per cent in the last 16 months amid a union's intention to ballot members on strike action.

The Edrington Group - which looks after brands like The Famous Grouse and Macallan - admit they are "disappointed" in a GMB statement on possible industrial action as wages have increased by 27.8 per cent in just over a year.

On Wednesday, February 22, GMB chiefs served Edrington bosses with statutory notice of the ballot among its members at the site on Great Western Road.

The union says it will put the threat of a production shutdown to a vote among its members at the plant between March 1 and 22.

But the whisky manufacturer has urged GMB members to reject proposals to strike and get back around the negotiating table.

An Edrington spokesperson told the Post: “We are disappointed that the GMB Union has decided to ballot its members on industrial action after a protracted period of negotiation including discussions at ACAS over shift allowances.

“GMB members who have moved to the new shift arrangements will see their earnings increase by a minimum of 27.8 per cent compared with 16 months ago. We urge our employees to reject the proposed industrial action and join us in negotiations to reach a further fair and competitive wage agreement.”

However, the GMB hit out at Edrington after the company posted strong financial results last year post-pandemic, increasing revenue by 45 per cent.

GMB Scotland organiser David Hume said: “The Edrington Group are in good health.

"It bounced back spectacularly from the pandemic last year on the back of increased sales and profits, and the boardroom and shareholders are enjoying the benefits of this in their bumper remuneration packages and dividends.

“This resilience and recovery are built on the back of its workforce and the premium brands they produce day-in and day-out.

"Our members across Scotland are the fulcrum of this success and it’s only right that they enjoy a fair share of the spoils in their terms and conditions.

“That senior management have failed to recognise this significant contribution through a proper shift allowance for workers who keep the products flowing is deeply regrettable.

"Let’s be clear, we are talking about the equivalent of a drop in the ocean from the sales and profits generated last year.

“This is a dedicated and loyal workforce, and the real prospect of industrial action is not something they are taking lightly, but this ballot is a direct response to management’s chronic intransigence and a clear demonstration of their desire to make work better across Edrington.”

The union added because of the current cost-of-living crisis, members are seeking "significantly above inflation shift allowance rate to support the basic rate of pay."