Whisky workers at Inver House distillery will vote on strike action after refusing a 3 per cent pay rise.
The Lanarkshire-based company, with distilleries across the Highlands, refused to re open talks and engage with conciliation service Acas as workers seek a 4 per cent deal.
A consultative ballot showed 94 per cent support for a vote on industrial action if talks broke down.
The three-week ballot of GMB members on possible industrial action closes on 24 March.
Inver House has five distilleries across the Highlands and produces whiskies including Balblair, Balmemach, Knockdhu, Old Pulteney and Speyburn.
The company is a subsidiary of ThaiBev, one of the biggest drinks companies in Southeast Asia which recorded profits of £600m last year.
David Hume, GMB Scotland Organiser, said:
“Our members accepted below inflation rises during the cost of living crisis and this offer must reflect that.
'With inflation rising again and household bills remaining high, our members are clear that a below inflation offer will not be accepted.
“In addition to pay, the longstanding collective bargaining arrangements must be modernised to reflect our membership among distillery, warehouse and security workers.
“The company has refused to seriously engage with either issue leaving our members with little choice but to vote on industrial action.”
