Workers at Diageo’s Cameronbridge distillery in Scotland have voted in favour of strike action, raising the threat of shortages of its spirits brands in the run-up to Christmas.
Members of both GMB Scotland and Unite are to walk out in response to planned redundancies at the Cameronbridge site, which produces whisky, gin, and vodka for popular brands including Gordon’s, Smirnoff and Johnnie Walker.
GMB said 75% of its members had voted in favour of strike action, while Unite said around 100 of its members would walk out after “emphatically” backing industrial action.
The Cameronbridge distillery currently employs around 200 people, with 70 roles under review as part of Diageo’s global restructure, according to Unite.
Diageo insists that the proposals will only result in the loss of 10 employees, with only eight staff impacted as two roles are currently vacant. The job cuts are necessary due reduced grain requirements for spirit production over the next three years, according to the company.
However, Diageo had “failed to properly consult on the job cuts at Cameronbridge” and had provided “minimal detail” on the proposed redundancies, Unite union said.
“Diageo need to listen to its workers or the distillery will be brought to a standstill,” warned Unite industrial officer Dougie Orchardson. “Industrial action will inevitably result in supplies and shortages of many people’s favourite drinks.”
Daniel Reid, GMB Scotland organiser, added: “The company came into these discussions with a plan already set in stone and no intention of seriously engaging with workers at risk of redundancy.
“The result of this ballot is no surprise and reflects the rising anger of our members and the urgent need for the company to return to talks prepared to engage with their concerns.”
It comes weeks after GMB warned 38 jobs were at risk of redundancy at Diageo’s distilleries in the Scottish Highlands and islands.
Diageo has so far declined to say how many jobs it is cutting in the UK as part of a wide-reaching global restructure under its new CEO Dave Lewis.
“We are disappointed by the outcome of the ballot and remain committed to engaging constructively,” a spokesperson for Diageo said. “The proposed changes are necessary as we maintain reduced production volumes to protect the long-term competitiveness of our business.”
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