Whisky workers' union says sector 'can afford to do the right thing' over coronavirus crisis; Employees urged to stop work 'instantly' if they feel unsafe

A UNION representing workers in the whisky industry is lobbying employers to suspend production in light of concerns over the coronavirus crisis.

GMB Scotland has told workers it represents in Ross-shire and beyond that it has been "challenging your employers to understand why they have chosen to stay open during this difficult time".

In what is a rapidly changing situation, a number of employees are understood to be reluctant to continue working in an industry that few regard as "essential" at the current time given the unknown risks to their health of doing so.

Accusing the Scotch Whisky Association of "cosying up to the UK and Scottish Government to argue for the whisky and spirits sector to stay open for as long as possible", Keir Greenaway, GMB Scotland organiser, said: "GMB Scotland and all our members want to see the sector flourish but employers have gone too far by looking to keep you coming to work to pursue profits, producing items that don’t help the fight against COVID-19 and, in some cases, will not see the light of day for at least 10 years.

"We have written to your employers and the Scottish Government to tell them again that they need to stop pursuing profits at this time and put you and your families first.Some employers have done the right thing and already suspended production, yet they might be forced to reopen because of the greed of others who won’t prioritise your health and safety and let you stay at home.

"I am asking you to stop working instantly if you are at any time asked to do any task that leaves you feeling unsafe. This includes anyone working within two metres of you. GMB Scotland will back all its members when it comes to protecting health and safety. GMB will not let any employer’s reckless pursuit of profit put you at risk. GMB will work with all employers who choose to do the right thing in suspending production and paying our members 100 per cent of wages. The whisky and spirits sector can afford to do the right thing."

A statement earlier this week from the Scotch Whisky Industry said: "This is a rapidly changing situation and we continue to work to mitigate the impact on the Scotch whisky industry and its workforce. Despite disruption to exports, global travel retail and tourism to distillery visitor centres, we remain confident in the long-term growth opportunities for Scotch whisky at home and abroad.

"As ever, the safety of our workforce, is paramount. Our member companies are working with local authorities in the UK and in export markets to ensure we are playing our full role in protecting employees, and in helping to contain the virus in affected countries. Companies are all applying the latest government guidance for those who work in production and operations, applying strict social distancing and comprehensive additional hygiene measures. All employees who can work from home are doing so. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and share relevant guidance.

“The Scotch Whisky Association has this week launched an online portal to help with the supply of hand sanitiser to frontline health and social services, emergency services, local communities and other industries in need of it across the UK. In doing so, our industry is keen to play its full role in fighting the coronavirus."

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