Around 100 employees at Diageo’s Cameronbridge distillery in Leven will vote on taking industrial action on Wednesday, August 26.
10:59, 25 Aug 2026Updated 11:30, 25 Aug 2026
Diageo’s Cameronbridge distillery(Image: Google)
Workers at a Fife distillery have been balloted to strike after Diageo announced it would be slashing hundreds of jobs across Scotland. Around 100 employees at Diageo’s Cameronbridge distillery in Leven will vote on taking industrial action on Wednesday, August 26.
It comes after the conglomerate behind the iconic Johnnie Walker whisky brand announced it would be axing hundreds of jobs across its operations in Scotland as part of global restructuring proposals. Cameronbridge is Europe’s largest grain distillery, employing around 200 people.
It is estimated that over 70 roles are under review at the distillery. Unite the Union, which represents some of the workers, argues Diageo failed to properly consult on the job cuts.
The union claims the drinks giant provided no explanation and minimal detail on the proposed cuts. It has raised further concerns over safety and wellbeing due to roles being cut with no proposed reduction in production at the distillery.
The workers include production operators and cask handlers. If the ballot is successful, strike action could begin by mid-September.
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.”
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.
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.”
It comes after Diageo has 172 distillery workers in the Highlands and islands at risk of redundancy and warned 38 could lose 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.
A spokesperson for Diageo said: “We are in consultation with colleagues on proposed changes at Cameronbridge Distillery, which would see a small reduction in roles. While difficult, this follows the decision to maintain reduced production volumes to protect the long-term competitiveness of our business. We are committed to engaging constructively and in good faith with the trade unions and we will continue to support all colleagues during this process.”
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