Fife - Workers to strike at Diageo distillery

It comes after around 100 were balloted on industrial action by Unite the union after the company announced that it plans to slash hundreds of roles across Scotland.

A strike will be carried out from Friday, September 28, until 5.59am on Tuesday, October 15.

Unite’s deputy Scottish secretary, Dougie Maguire, said: “It really is last orders for Diageo. It has a final opportunity to step back from its callous cuts at Cameronbridge.

“If it fails to halt these self-destructive proposals, then strikes will bring production to a standstill. 

“Industrial action will disrupt the supply of many people’s favourite drinks but the blame for this will lie squarely with Diageo’s management.” 

The facility at Cameron Bridge employs roughly 200 people, and it’s estimated that over 70 people's positions there are under review.

It’s claimed by the union that Diageo has failed to properly consult staff, and there are further concerns over safety and wellbeing due to roles such as cask handlers being cut “with no proposed reduction in production”.

The firm makes products for high-profile brands such as Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, J&B, Buchanan’s and Windsor whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray and Guinness.

A spokesperson for Diageo said: “We are disappointed by the decision to strike. The proposal to remove up to ten roles at Cameronbridge Distillery is necessary as we maintain reduced production volumes to protect the long-term competitiveness of our business. We remain committed to engaging constructively.”