Fears are growing for dozens of jobs at some of Moray’s best-known whisky distilleries after union leaders accused drinks giant Diageo of refusing to consider alternatives to compulsory redundancies.
A total of 172 workers across Diageo’s Highland and Islands distilleries have been placed at risk of redundancy, with the company warning that 38 jobs could ultimately be lost as part of a global cost-cutting programme.
Cardhu Distillery, Speyside. Picture: Daniel Forsyth
Among the sites affected are Moray’s Cardhu, Cragganmore and Dufftown distilleries.
GMB Scotland has launched an attack on the company’s handling of the consultation process, claiming executives have refused to discuss measures that could reduce the number of compulsory redundancies.
The union says a four-week consultation ended last week without any agreement being reached and has described the process as little more than a “box-ticking exercise”.
Lesley-Anne Macaskill, GMB Scotland organiser for the Highlands and Islands, said workers’ concerns had been ignored throughout discussions.
“We have now had five meetings with the company to discuss its plans but there has been no serious attempt to engage with our members’ concerns or modify its plans in any way,” she said.
Lesley-Anne MacAskill, GMB organiser.
“This has not been a genuine consultation but a box-ticking exercise by a company intent on steam-rollering through job losses to a plan that has already been decided.
“The absolute refusal to engage with our members’ concerns is a morally bankrupt betrayal of a skilled, experienced and committed workforce.”
The union says it repeatedly proposed alternatives including voluntary redundancy schemes and job-sharing arrangements, arguing these approaches are commonly used across the industry to minimise compulsory job losses.
However, it claims every proposal was rejected.
“Our members understand the company must respond to changing demand but that can be done with respect, fairness and genuine consultation,” Ms Macaskill added.
“Instead, it has refused to listen or alter its plans in any way.”
GMB has also criticised Diageo’s decision not to provide details of potential redundancy payments before workers enter an individual assessment and scoring process.
According to the union, employees at risk will now be graded before attending one-to-one meetings, with redundancy terms still unclear.
Ms Macaskill said it had become apparent during negotiations that company representatives “had no authority” to amend the proposals, labelling the consultation a “sham”.
“It became obvious the decisions have already been taken elsewhere, miles away from the rural communities where the impact of these redundancies will be felt,” she said.
The union has now formally rejected the consultation process and plans to write to politicians across the Highlands and Islands urging them to intervene, warning the losses could have consequences far beyond the distillery gates.
The cuts form part of a worldwide restructuring programme being led by Diageo chief executive Sir Dave Lewis.
Reports have suggested as many as a third of the company’s global workforce of around 30,000 could ultimately be affected as the company seeks to reduce costs and respond to changing market conditions.
Consultation is also continuing at Diageo’s production, bottling and distribution sites elsewhere in Scotland.
Diageo has previously said it needs to reshape parts of its business to reflect changing demand and improve efficiency, although GMB insists the company has failed to explore every possible option to protect jobs.
A Diageo spokesperson said: “In February, at our Interim Results, we shared our intention to redesign our operating framework, to drive sustainable returns for shareholders by delivering a more competitive Diageo.
“In the UK, we are still in consultation on this and no decisions have been made.
“We will always prioritise informing our colleagues of any organisational changes first and have committed to update shareholders on our progress at a Capital Markets Day on 6 August.”
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