Around 100 employees at Diageo's Cameronbridge distillery in Leven, Fife, will vote on taking industrial action on Wednesday, August 26, after the drinks giant announced it would be cutting hundreds of jobs across Scotland.
Cameronbridge is Europe's largest grain distillery, employing around 200 people. It is estimated that over 70 roles are under review at the site. The ballot follows Diageo's announcement of global restructuring proposals that include axing hundreds of jobs across its Scottish operations.
Union criticises consultation process
Unite the Union, which represents some of the workers, argues that Diageo failed to properly consult on the job cuts. The union claims the company provided no explanation and minimal detail on the proposed cuts. It has also raised concerns over safety and wellbeing, as roles are being cut with no proposed reduction in production at the distillery.
The workers affected include production operators and cask handlers. If the ballot is successful, strike action could begin by mid-September.
Union leaders hit out at Diageo
Sharon Graham, Unite general secretary, said: “Diageo is treating its har- working and loyal workforce in an appalling manner. 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.”
Dougie Orchardson, Unite industrial officer, said: "Diageo has failed to consult on the proposed cuts at Cameronbridge. The company is treating its workforce with contempt and that is unacceptable. 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."
Wider job losses across Scotland
Diageo has around 3,000 employees based in distilleries and bottling plants across Scotland. According to Unite, Diageo Scotland recorded a profit of £595m after tax for 2025, and £736m in 2024.
The company produces high-profile brands including 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.
Earlier, Diageo had 172 distillery workers in the Highlands and islands at risk of redundancy, with 38 potentially losing their jobs as part of the global round of cutbacks. The firm also intends to make redundancies at distilleries across the north of Scotland, including Cardhu, Cragganmore, Port Ellen, Islay, and Dufftown. The Record has approached Diageo for comment.
