Earlier this month Diageo announced it would be making redundancies across its global operations, this includes staff at its historical Cameronbridge distillery.
The Fife-based site is Europe’s largest grain distillery, employing around 200 people. It contributes single grain whisky to many of its popular Scotch brands including Johnnie Walker, as well as producing Smirnoff, Gordon’s and Tanqueray.
It is estimated that more than 70 roles are under review at the distillery.
Unite says around 100 members working at the site are now voting on strike action. If it goes ahead, strikes could begin by mid-September.
The move comes as Unite claims Diageo has failed to properly consult on the job cuts at Cameronbridge. It adds that the company has provided no explanation and minimal detail on the proposed redundancies.
Commenting, Sharon Graham, Unite general secretary said Diageo is treating its workforce in an “appalling manner”.
She continued: “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.”
However, a spokesperson at Diageo told Food Manufacture: “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.”
Unite has also raised concerns over safety and wellbeing over roles being cut with no proposed reduction in production at the distillery. The workers include production operators and cask handlers.
“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,” added Dougie Orchardson, Unite industrial officer.
But as Food Manufacture understands, proposals have been shared with colleagues and trade union representatives to move from six to five crews in grain distilling, resulting in the loss of up to 12 of 72 roles, and alternative roles available for impacted workers. Production is also expected to remain lower for the next three years.
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 £595 million for 2025, and £736 million in 2024.
The job cuts follow the appointment of Sir David Lewis, nicknamed ‘Drastic Dave’ as CEO - a moniker that goes back to some significant cost-cutting during his time at Unilever, where he spent almost three decades.
