Drinks giant Chivas Brothers have been accused of lacking “decency and respect” for workers based in both Paisley and Dumbarton over plans to move services entirely to the Kilmalid site and a future pay deal.

Plans were confirmed last November that the company was seeking to close its operations base in Paisley, moving its staff and production to Dumbarton, with the full transfer of activities due to take place by the end of 2019.

Unite, the union which represents workers at the Paisley base, claims that in discussions between West Dunbartonshire Council and Chivas, the company outlined its view that the “site did not deliver an efficient operation”.

The company currently employs around 460 staff at Kilmalid, and a further 600 staff in Paisley, with all permanent employees based there due to be transferred within the next three years.

Pat McIlvogue, Unite regional officer, said: “Our members at Chivas help deliver massive profits. We’re talking about a company that makes £318 million a year, and which earns £227,000 per employee. In that context, to accuse any of their workers of being ‘inefficient’ shows incredible disrespect.

“That disrespect is also shown by the recent paltry wage offer that Chivas has made to workers at Paisley and at Kilmalid, which could see them lose money in real terms.

“The best companies do well on the back of the hard work of their staff, but they recognise that they need to share the rewards of success and treat their workers with basic decency and respect. At the moment, Chivas Brothers is failing to meet that standard.”

In addition to the movement in operations, the union also questioned a rejected recent pay offer made by Chivas to employees, consisting of a 1.5 per cent increase backdated to July last year, followed by three years of rises, which it claims would “barely keep pace with inflation”.

Mr McIlvogue continued: “This offer is fundamentally unfair and we’re continuing to discuss with our members how we can persuade Chivas to bring a fair settlement to the table.”

A Chivas Brothers spokesperson said the company was still happy to meet with unions and objectives remain the same: 

“We’re pleased that some employees have accepted our offer, which provides above inflation increases for the next three years and a further year in line with inflation. This ensures that our pay levels remain very competitive.

“While we’re disappointed by the inaccurate comments referring to statements we have not made regarding our employees, our objective remains the same – we’re happy to continue to meet with unions to find a favourable solution for all parties.”