WORKERS at a Scottish whisky distillery could go on strike after alleging "appalling" treatment from management.
Around 100 staff members at Diageo's Cameronbridge distillery are set to vote on whether to take strike action in a ballot which opens this week.
It comes as Diageo plans to slash hundreds of jobs across its operations in Scotland as part of global restructuring proposals.
Cameronbridge, in Fife, is Europe's largest grain distillery, employing around 200 people. The distillery, which dates back to 1824, produces Scotch whisky.
Unite the union, which represents around 150,000 members in Scotland, said more than 70 roles are under review at the distillery.
It is understood Diageo is proposing to move from six to five crews in grain distilling, which the company claims would result in the loss of up to 12 roles.
The union has accused Diageo of failing to properly consult on the job cuts at Cameronbridge, alleging the company "has provided no explanation and minimal detail on the proposed redundancies".
Further concerns have been raised over safety and wellbeing due to roles being cut with no proposed reduction in production at the distillery.
Workers at the site include production operators and cask handlers.
The strike ballot opens on Wednesday and closes on September 9, meaning that strike action could take place as soon as mid-September.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Diageo is treating its hard 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 3000 employees based in distilleries and bottling plants across Scotland.
In its latest registered accounts, Diageo Scotland recorded after tax profit of £595 million for 2025, and £736m in 2024.
The company produces high-profile brands such as Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, J&B, Buchanan's and Windsor whiskies, Smirnoff, Ciroc and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray and Guinness.
Unite industrial officer Dougie Orchardson added: "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."
A Diageo spokesperson 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.”
