Trade union Unite announced plans to dispute over job cuts at Diageo’s Cameronbridge distillery in Leven, Scotland.

Diageo is the parent company of a portfolio of popular alcohol brands, including Guinness, Johnnie Walker and Tanqueray.

According to the workers’ union, Diageo planned to slash hundreds of jobs across its operations in Scotland as part of its global restructuring efforts.

Unite stated that over 70 roles are at risk and under review at the distillery, and Diageo failed to properly consult employees about the redundancies.

Additionally, there is ongoing concern around the safety and wellbeing of employees due to roles being cut but no proposed reduction in production at the distillery.

Diageo confirmed plans to change the workforce following a review, but claimed the company shared proposals with the employees and union.

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.

Subscribe to Grocery Gazette for free

Sign up here to get the latest grocery and food news each morning

“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.”

The trade union opened a strike action ballot yesterday (26 August), which will close on 9 September.

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.”