Workers back strikes at Diageo distillery over jobs threat

Distillery workers have voted to strike over job losses in Scotland.

GMB Scotland members at Cameronbridge distillery, owned by drinks giant Diageo, backed industrial action in a ballot result announced today [Wednesday].

The union said 75 per cent of members at the distillery, in Cameron Bridge, Levenmouth, Fife, voted for industrial action on a turnout of 73 per cent.

Seventy-two distillery operators have been told that ten of them will lose their job at the plant as part of a huge global redundancy programme planned by the company.

They voted for industrial action at the distillery, which makes whisky, gin, and vodka, voted in support of strike action after accusing executives of failing to properly consult on the job losses.

Daniel Reid, GMB Scotland organiser in the drinks industry, said the vote revealed the frustration of a skilled and committed workforce faced by unlistening management.

He said: “The company may believe a consultation can only involve one voice, their own, but our members do not.

“There has been no genuine attempt to listen to their concerns about the impact of these proposals or proposals to ease that impact.

“The company came into these discussions with a plan already set in stone and no intention of seriously engaging with workers at risk of redundancy.

“The result of this ballot is no surprise and reflects the rising anger of our members and the urgent need for the company to return to talks prepared to engage with their concerns.”

The vote for strike action comes weeks after GMB members at Diago distilleries in the Highlands and islands where 38 jobs are at risk voiced concern over the lack of consultation.

Workers said there had been no serious attempt to engage with them over the redundancies and no agreement has been reached on the number of job losses or the process.

ENDS