More than 100 Unite members will take part in the walkout on Monday 28 September, with different groups of workers then taking further action until Thursday 15 October.
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Successive days of strikes by distillation and process controllers, distillery and machine operators, technicians, quality control analysts, process chemists and engineers will be held each day during the three week period.
Unite members voted on industrial action last month, in an escalating dispute over jobs.
Cameronbridge, Europe’s largest grain distillery, employs around 200 people, with some 70 roles currently under review.
Job cuts
Around 10 jobs are expected to be axed at the site, which produces a number of major brands, including Johnnie Walker, Smirnoff and Tanqueray, following a global restructuring programme.
Unite claimed Diageo failed to properly consult workers over the proposed job cuts, alleging the company provided little detail or explanation about the redundancies.
The union 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.
They previously told The Morning Advertiser (The MA): “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.”
No justification
The MA also understands Diageo has planned to maintain lower levels of grain distillation at the site over the next few years following the cuts.
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.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Unite has repeatedly warned Diageo that there is no justification for slashing hundreds of jobs across its operations when it is raking in hundreds of millions of profit.
“We are backing our members at Cameronbridge all the way in their fight for jobs, pay and conditions.”




