As reported at the beginning of July, 700 jobs at the Johnnie Walker plant in Kilmarnock are to be cut, along with 140 at its Port Dundas distillery and 30 at a Shieldhall packaging plant. However, 400 new jobs will be created at a packaging plant in Fife.
The march and rally included Alex Salmond (first minister) and Des Browne (former Scottish secretary). Browne, the Kilmarnock and Loudoun MP, told protesters that he hoped Diageo take a message from the protest.
“That message is, ‘You have got it wrong. You must understand that. You must do the right thing. You must agree an alternative plan that respects your workers and allows them to keep their jobs. Your company’s greatest asset is its people, its loyal and dedicated workforce. You seem to have forgotten that you don’t own Johnnie Walker. The people of Kilmarnock do. He is one of us. If you are in any doubt, look at this assembled crowd – tens of thousands of people, employees, their families, their friends and those who stand in solidarity with them’.”
The protest through the streets of Kilmarnock was organised by East Ayrshire Council. Diageo has promised to listen to alternatives to the closure plan, which will save £20m, but only if they meet the firm’s financial objectives.
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