Around 100 team members are expected to take part in the walkout, according to Unite the Union.
Join our new WhatsApp channel: The Morning Round-Up
Get the biggest pub trade stories straight to your phone. Listen to our one-minute daily news briefing and receive breaking news, exclusives and sector updates throughout the day. Remember to turn notifications on in the top right corner!
Join the channel here.
Unite members voted on industrial action last month, with the union now confirming staff will down tools in the near future.
Strike dates are expected to be announced in the coming days. Unite had previously indicated industrial action could begin by mid-September.
The dispute centres on Diageo’s plans to cut hundreds of jobs across its Scottish operations as part of a global restructuring programme.
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.
Job cuts
“Diageo is raking in hundreds of millions of profit and there is no justification for slashing hundreds of jobs across its operations.”
Cameronbridge, Europe’s largest grain distillery, employs around 200 people, with more than 70 roles currently under review.
Unite has claimed Diageo failed to properly consult workers over the proposed job cuts at Cameronbridge, alleging the company provided little detail or explanation about the redundancies.
The union has also raised concerns about worker safety and wellbeing, particularly among production operators and cask handlers, arguing staffing reductions are being proposed despite no corresponding cut to production levels.
However, a spokesperson for Diageo rejected the claims, telling The Morning Advertiser (The MA) the business remained “committed” to engaging constructively with employees and trade unions.
They said: “We are in consultation with colleagues on proposed changes at Cameronbridge Distillery, which would see a small reduction in roles.
Difficult decision
“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.”
Diageo employs around 3,000 people across distilleries and bottling plants in Scotland.
The company’s latest accounts show Diageo Scotland recorded an after-tax profit of £595m in 2025, following a £736m profit in 2024.
Cameronbridge produces a number of major brands, including Johnnie Walker, Smirnoff and Tanqueray.
Unite industrial officer Dougie Orchardson added: “Diageo need to listen to its workers or the distillery will be brought to a standstill.
“Industrial action will inevitably result in supplies and 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.”
