Unite prepares to mount campaign to save Diageo jobs
3rd July 2009
Following the announcement that 900 jobs are to be slashed at
drinks firm Diageo, Unite, the UK’s largest union, is challenging
the company to produce a detailed rationale for the swingeing cuts
at its Kilmarnock and Port Dundas plants.
The union is urging the company, which produces famous-name
brands such as Tanquerary gin and Johnnie Walker whisky, to come
clean on why it intends to shed so many workers by producing a
detailed financial audit of its trading performance.
Jim Winter, Unite regional industrial officer, said: “Diageo's
cuts will devastate these communities, so the very least they owe
these loyal workers is a proper explanation of why they are to be
thrown on the scrapheap.
"We want a full, independent audit of Diageo's figures because
we believe the company does not need to pursue such drastic action
and we fully intend to fight to defend these jobs.
“Diageo is the single largest employer in Kilmarnock.
Unite will not stand by as 900 jobs go and a region is turned into
Scotland's unemployment black spot.
“The site has been in existence since 1810 where it has produced
the famous Johnnie Walker whisky. Hundreds of families work for
this company so these threatened closures will decimate this
community.”
Len McCluskey, Unite assistant general secretary added: “Diageo
members have our full support and we shall be building the momentum
of our campaign over the days and weeks to come.”
ENDS
More information contact Jim Winter on 07739 6548 56 or Mark
Di-Toro in the Unite press office on 07918 640 579
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