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Diageo’s headquarters in Edinburgh
A MAJOR booze producer faces strike action in a row over plans to slash hundreds of jobs across its Scottish operations as part of global restructuring.
Unite members comprising around half of the 200-strong workforce at Diageo’s Cameronbridge distillery will begin balloting on Wednesday over an estimated 70 proposed job cuts at the site.
The union believes it has failed to properly consult on the plans at Cameronbridge and provided no explanation and minimal detail on the proposed redundancies.
Diageo produces high-profile brands including Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, J&B, Buchanan’s and Windsor whiskies, Smirnoff, Ciroc and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray and Guinness.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Diageo is treating its hard working and loyal workforce in an appalling manner.
“The company is extremely wealthy and there is simply no reason to slash jobs across its operations.”
A spokesperson for Diageo said: “We are in consultation with colleagues on proposed changes at Cameronbridge distillery, which would see a small reduction in roles.
“While difficult, this follows the decision to maintain reduced production volumes to protect the long-term competitiveness of our business. We are committed to engaging constructively and in good faith with the trade unions and we will continue to support all colleagues during this process.”
