Strike action by over 100 Unite union members at Diageo’s Cameronbridge distillery in Fife will escalate “in response to management reiterating its threat to force through job cuts” the union has announced.
Unite is the principal trade union at Cameronbridge. The union said Cameronbridge distillery is Europe’s largest grain distillery.
“Industrial disruption began on 28 September with specific groups of workers scheduled to take industrial action up until 15 October,” said the union.
“Strike action involving all members will now be widened to include the following additional days: 12, 15, 19 and 22 October.”
The union said the significant industrial escalation is in response to Diageo management “reaffirming its threat to push through compulsory redundancies during the course of meetings this week.”
Diageo employs around 3,000 in Scotland.
Diageo’s many Scotch whisky brands include blends Johnnie Walker, J&B, Bell’s, Buchanan’s, VAT 69 and Black & White and malts Talisker, Lagavulin, Oban, Cragganmore, Dalwhinnie, Glenkinchie, The Singleton, Cardhu and Mortlach.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Diageo’s behaviour toward its loyal and skilled workforce at Cameronbridge is disgraceful. It is making hundreds of millions of profit on the back of our members’ hard work. Its sole objective appears to be squeezing even more out of them which is completely unacceptable. Our members will fight these unnecessary jobs cuts every step of the way.”
The union claims the dispute is based on Diageo’s plans to “slash hundreds of jobs across its operations in Scotland” with dozens of roles under review at Cameronbridge, as part of global restructuring proposals.
Unite said it believes Diageo has failed to properly consult on the job cuts at Cameronbridge, and said the company “has provided no explanation and minimal detail on the proposed redundancies.”
The union said it has raised further concerns over worker safety and wellbeing due to roles being cut with no proposed reduction in production at the distillery.
Unite industrial officer Dougie Orchardson, said: “Unite members will significantly escalate their industrial action in response to Diageo’s arrogance and greed. The company has refused to properly engage with us. It has instead reaffirmed its disgraceful plan to push ahead with its job cuts.
“Diageo has brought further strike action on itself due to its actions. This will inevitably result in more disruption which is already having a really significant impact on Diageo’s operations.”
Diageo said: “We are disappointed with the decision to strike. We do not expect any disruption to the availability of our products resulting from this action.
“The proposal to remove up to 10 roles at Cameronbridge distillery is a difficult but necessary step as we maintain reduced production volumes.
“This approach protects the long-term competitiveness of our business. We remain open to constructive dialogue with our employees and their representatives throughout this process.”