Diageo has abruptly closed its Crown Royal whisky bottling plant in Amherstburg, Ontario, two days earlier than scheduled and without prior warning to employees, a decision that the workers' union has labeled a "final show of disrespect." The move has sparked significant backlash from Unifor, the national union representing the facility's workers, who accuse the company of shifting jobs to the United States to appease political interests.
Union Condemns Early Closure as 'Unacceptable'
Lana Payne, the national president of Unifor, expressed deep disappointment in a Wednesday news release, stating that the early closure marks a sad day for both union members and the local community, which boasts a century-long history in whisky production. The plant was originally set to shut down on Friday, following a closure agreement reached late last year between Diageo and Unifor, which included enhanced severance packages beyond the legal minimum.
Approximately 160 union members were given the option to leave their positions immediately or remain until the planned closure date. However, workers were informed during their shift on Wednesday that it would be their final day at the site. While they received compensation for two unworked days, Unifor criticized the "abrupt removal" as an unacceptable conclusion to their service.
Community and Political Reactions
John D'Agnolo, president of Unifor Local 200, accused Diageo of avoiding scrutiny by closing early, suggesting that overseas executives chose to "slink out of Ontario" rather than face public backlash on the final operational day. He emphasized that Canadians will remember Diageo as a company that abandoned a loyal workforce and opted to bottle a flagship Canadian whisky in America, adding insult to injury.
The closure decision had previously angered Ontario Premier Doug Ford, who had threatened to pull Diageo products from LCBO store shelves in response. The company later agreed to $23 million in new investments for the province, though emails seeking comment from the premier on the early closure were not immediately returned.
Impact on Workers and Local Economy
The sudden shutdown has left employees like Kathy Delmore, a bottling operator with 25 years at the plant, emotional and uncertain about the future. The move not only affects the livelihoods of workers but also disrupts a community with deep ties to the whisky industry, raising concerns about economic stability and job losses in the region.
As the situation unfolds, further developments are expected, with union leaders vowing to continue advocating for fair treatment and transparency from Diageo. The early closure underscores broader issues of corporate responsibility and the impact of global business decisions on local communities.
