WORKERS at a Paisley whisky factory are set to vote on holding a strike following a dispute in pay talks.

Unite members at Chivas Brothers overwhelmingly rejected the company's pay offer of a 1.5 per cent increase, backdated to July 2016.

This was to be followed by three years of rises that, according to the union, would barely keep pace with inflation and could see staff lose money in real terms.

The Chivas site in Renfrew Road, Paisley, is to close within the next three years with owners Pernod Ricard investing in a new facility at the Kilmalid base in Dumbarton.

Around 450 workers are employed at the Paisley site and Chivas has pledged that staff will be offered the chance to move to Dumbarton.

There has also been an issue around a failure to harmonise pay with immediate effect across both sites.

Elaine Dougall, regional co-ordinating officer at Unite, said workers tried their best to find a solution with Chivas.

She said: "Our members have rejected Chivas's derisory and patronising pay offer.

"Despite offers to meet with bosses to find a remedy and avert a dispute Chivas has chosen the path of conflict.

"A four-year deal in such uncertain circumstances is too risky for our members.

"An agreement this length reduces the union's collective bargaining strength during a period of huge change."

Chivas said there would be no improved offer on the table despite being asked to engage in further talks.

The company has also stated it intends to harmonise the pay and conditions of workers across both sites in 2018 but Unite believes workers would be better served by harmonising contracts now.

Ms Dougall added: "The delay in harmonising contracts is creating a divided workforce at a time when workers at both sites should be working in tandem."

“Our members at these sites are proud of the work they do and the tradition of the Chivas brand, but this offer completely ignores the contribution our members make to the success of Chivas."