• News & events
• Archived news releases
• 2009 archived press releases
• Unite expresses anger at silence over the future of the Bank of Scotland in Ireland
• 'It's not too late to save England’s last wind turbine plants' says Unite
• Unite call on business minister to intervene over future of chemical plants
• Corus workers march to save steel
• Unite members to challenge First Group over pay freeze and strike tricks at AGM
• Unite urges Scotland's politicians to join battle against Diageo’s job cuts
• Vauxhall convoy to show parliament what is great about UK car industry
• Jaguar job cuts underline urgency of support for the industry
• Unite concerned over emergency cover for the London Fire Brigade
• Lloyds Groundhog Day as further 1,200 job losses are announced

Unite urges Scotland's politicians to join battle against Diageo’s job cuts

14th July 2009

Unite, the UK’s largest union, representing workers at drinks firm Diageo is urging politicians from across Scotland to pledge their solidarity and join Unite in its fight to save Diageo jobs in Scotland.

Over 900 workers at Diageo, which produces internationally famous-name brands including Johnnie Walker whisky, are to lose their jobs if Diageo’s plans to close both plants in Kilmarnock and Port Dundas and cut jobs in Shieldhall go ahead.  In addition, the company proposes to transfer 64 jobs in Hurlford to a third-party logistics firm.

Unite, which is leading the campaign to stop Diageo job cuts in Scotland, is writing directly to politicians across all parties in Scotland urging them to join forces with the union to save jobs and stop the closure of both sites.

Len McCluskey, Unite assistant general secretary, said: “Our members are standing up to Diageo bosses in their fight to save jobs and to save a big part of Scotland's heritage.

“The support of MPs to workers as they fight for a future will be welcome because now is the time to pull together.  The task we face is immense which is why we are urging all MSPs and MPs to get behind the Unite-led campaign for alternative proposals that keep Diageo jobs in Scotland.

“Diageo is an internationally renowned name.  It must not tarnish that good name by being responsible for consigning entire Scottish communities to the dustbin so I appeal to them now to work with Unite to save the jobs of its loyal workforce today, and the jobs for their sons and daughters tomorrow."

Unite says that Diageo must review its proposals and says it and the workers will pursue every avenue in fighting to keep Diageo jobs in Scotland.

Unite representatives will meet Diageo's senior management tomorrow (15th July) to question the company’s proposals to cut 900 Scottish jobs.

ENDS

For further information please contact Karen Viquerat, communications officer, on 01704 546 500 or 07768931316.