Earlier this month, Diageo confirmed there would be job losses across its operations in Scotland as part of global restructuring proposals.
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The Cameronbridge site is Europe’s largest grain distillery employing around 200 people. It is estimated more than 70 roles will be under review at the distillery.
Following the update, Unite the Union has confirmed its members will head to the ballot box on Wednesday 26 August to decide if strike action will be taken.
The ballot will close on Wednesday 9 September, with workers potentially downing tools by mid-September if industrial action were to go ahead. Affected workers include production operators and cask handlers.
Safety concerns
Unite said it believed Diageo failed to properly consult on the job cuts at Cameronbridge, claiming the company provided no explanation and minimal detail on the proposed redundancies.
Commenting on the ballot, Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Diageo is treating its hard 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.”
However, a spokesperson for Diageo told The Morning Advertiser (The MA) the business was “committed” to engaging constructively with staff and trade unions.
“We are in consultation with colleagues on proposed changes at Cameronbridge Distillery, which would see a small reduction in roles”, the spokesperson continued.
“While difficult, this follows the decision to maintain reduced production volumes to protect the long-term competitiveness of our business. We will continue to support all colleagues during this process.”
The union also raised further concerns over safety and wellbeing for workers due to roles being cut, claiming there was no proposed reduction in production at the distillery.
However, The MA understands Diageo plans to cut up to 12 of 72 jobs by reducing grain distilling teams from six to five, with production expected to remain lower for the next three years and alternative roles available for affected workers where possible.
Needless cuts
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 £595m for 2025, and £736m in 2024.
It’s spirits portfolio includes Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, J&B, Buchanan’s and Windsor whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio and Tanqueray.
Several of Diageo’s high-profile brands, including Johnnie Walker, Smirnoff and Tanqueray, are distilled at Cameronbridge.
Unite industrial officer Dougie Orchardson added: “Diageo is treating its workforce with contempt and that is unacceptable.
“There is no business case to slash jobs...we have no option but to ballot our members on strike action to stop these needless cuts.”
This comes after recent analysis found Diageo, which also produces Guinness, reduced its global workforce by nearly 2,000 positions over the last financial year as part of an extensive restructuring initiative led by chief executive Sir Dave Lewis.
Analysts further indicated the ongoing cost-cutting measures could result in up to 5,000 redundancies in total for the global drinks giant.
