Brits have been warned of an alcohol shortage as workers at a major supplier announce a strike over job cuts, pay and conditions. Around 100 members of staff are set to walk out, with the union warning that the strike could lead to "supply shortages of many people’s favourite drinks".
Strike at Diageo's Cameronbridge Distillery
The strike action is set to take place at Diageo’s Cameronbridge Distillery in Scotland. Diageo plc, one of the world's largest producers of spirits and beers, operates from 110 sites and sells over 200 products, including Johnnie Walker, Guinness, and Smirnoff. The firm employs approximately 4,500 people across 64 sites in the UK and just under 28,000 employees worldwide.
As reported by the Morning Advertiser, the strike row centres around 10 job cuts at the distillery in Scotland, coming as part of wider restructuring plans.
Union warns of supply shortages
Unite industrial officer Dougie Orchardson said: "Diageo need to listen to its workers or the distillery will be brought to a standstill. Industrial action will inevitably result in supply shortages of many people’s favourite drinks. This is directly a result of Diageo planning to boost profits at the expense of its loyal workforce."
In its latest registered accounts, Diageo Scotland recorded after tax profit of £595m for 2025, and £736m in 2024. The group is understood to have contingency plans in place to manage production during the strike action.
Union leader and Diageo respond
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "Diageo is drinking in the last chance saloon. Strikes will be announced in the coming days unless Diageo swiftly changes course. Diageo is raking in hundreds of millions of profit and there is no justification for slashing hundreds of jobs across its operations."
A spokesperson for Diageo said: "We are disappointed by the outcome of the ballot and remain committed to engaging constructively. The proposed changes are necessary as we maintain reduced production volumes to protect the long-term competitiveness of our business. We do not envisage any supply shortages."
