Workers at a Fife distillery could walk out amid a dispute over job cuts and a lack of consultation.
Around 100 Unite members at Diageo’s Cameronbridge site are being balloted for strike action as part of a growing row with the drinks giant, which recently announced plans to cut hundreds of jobs across its Scottish operations under a global restructuring programme.
The dispute centres on Diageo’s alleged failure to properly consult staff about the cuts, particularly at Cameronbridge, Europe’s largest grain distillery, where more than 70 roles are reportedly under threat.
Sharon Graham, general secretary of Unite, 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.
"If Diageo continue down this callous path, then they will be met with the full force of Unite."
Diageo’s product portfolio includes major global brands such as Johnnie Walker, Smirnoff, Baileys, Captain Morgan, Guinness, and more.
The union has also raised serious concerns about worker safety and wellbeing, claiming that Diageo intends to maintain current production levels despite the reduced workforce.
The ballot opens on August 26 and will close on September 9, with strike action possibly beginning by mid-September.
Dougie Orchardson, Unite industrial officer, said: "Diageo has failed to consult on the proposed cuts at Cameronbridge.
"The company is treating its workforce with contempt and that is unacceptable.
"There is no business case to slash jobs, and it will directly put our members’ safety and wellbeing at risk because Diageo plans to maintain the same level of production.
"We have no option but to ballot our members on strike action to stop these needless cuts."
Diageo has around 3,000 employees based in distilleries and bottling plants across Scotland.
In its latest registered accounts, Diageo Scotland recorded after tax profit of £595m for 2025, and £736m in 2024.
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