The Diageo bottling plant in Amherstburg, Ontario, has officially ceased operations, concluding its final day of production on Wednesday, February 25, 2026. This closure occurred two days earlier than initially anticipated, catching employees off guard during what turned out to be their last shift. The facility, which specialized in bottling Crown Royal whisky, had been slated to shut down on Friday, February 27, 2026, but the timeline was abruptly accelerated.
Union Leaders Express Outrage and Disappointment
John D’Agnolo, president of Unifor Local 200, which represented the Diageo employees, confirmed the early closure. He described the decision as a final act of disrespect toward Canadian workers, suggesting that Diageo moved the jobs to the United States to align with policies favored by former President Donald Trump. D’Agnolo emphasized that the company's overseas executives opted to avoid the scrutiny that would have accompanied the originally scheduled final day of operations.
Community Impact and Historical Context
Unifor National President Lana Payne echoed these sentiments in an online statement, labeling the day as a sad moment for both the union members and the broader community. She highlighted Amherstburg's century-long history in whisky production, underscoring the cultural and economic significance of the plant's closure. The shutdown eliminates more than 200 jobs, dealing a significant blow to the local workforce and economy.
Attempts to Reverse the Decision
Efforts to persuade Diageo to reconsider its decision were made by both the union and Ontario Premier Rob Ford. Premier Ford famously poured out a bottle of Crown Royal on camera, threatening to remove the product from LCBO shelves if the closure proceeded. Despite these appeals, Diageo remained steadfast in its plans, initially informing the union that the plant would close on the later date.
Employee Reactions and Compensation
Employees were only notified of the earlier closing date during their final shift on Wednesday. While workers will be paid for the last two working days, the union has condemned the abrupt end of operations as unacceptable. The sudden departure left many workers emotional, with scenes of hugs among colleagues and family members outside the facility captured in photographs.
Future Prospects for the Facility
Unifor has announced its commitment to collaborating with the Town of Amherstburg and the Province of Ontario to attract a new employer to the vacant facility. This initiative aims to mitigate the economic impact of the closure and provide new opportunities for the displaced workers. The union's focus remains on supporting the community through this transitional period.
The closure of the Diageo plant marks the end of an era for Amherstburg, reflecting broader trends in corporate decisions affecting manufacturing jobs in Canada. As the community grapples with this loss, the hope is that future endeavors will restore some of the economic vitality that the whisky bottling plant once contributed.
