AMHERSTBURG, ONT. – Workers at the Crown Royal whisky plant in Amherstburg, Ontario, were sent home Wednesday, two days before the scheduled closure, leaving Unifor officials and employees feeling “blindsided” and accusing Diageo of a final act of disrespect. The abrupt shutdown of the facility, which has a century-long history of whisky making in the community, marks a significant loss for the region and raises concerns about the future of Canadian manufacturing jobs as production shifts south of the border.
The unexpected closure prompted a swift and critical response from Unifor National President Lana Payne, who characterized the move as a deliberate attempt to avoid scrutiny and appease Donald Trump. Payne stated, “Here’s a final show of disrespect for Canadian workers as Diageo moves their jobs south of the border to appease Donald Trump.” The union had been working with the Ontario government to potentially reverse the decision, announced six months ago, but Diageo refused to reconsider.
More than 200 Unifor Local 200 members were affected by the plant’s closure. While workers will receive compensation for the two days of work lost due to the early shutdown, union officials expressed outrage over the lack of a proper farewell. John D’Agnolo, President of Unifor Local 200, lamented the lost opportunity for a “final goodbye,” stating, “Usually they (employers) would give us the heads up ahead of time.” He suspects Diageo intentionally avoided the publicity that would have accompanied a more formal closure event, fearing negative attention as workers departed the plant.
Diageo’s Decision and the Shift to the U.S.
Diageo announced its plans to close the Amherstburg plant earlier this year, citing a strategic realignment of its North American operations. The company intends to consolidate production in the United States, a move that has drawn criticism from Canadian labor leaders and politicians. The decision comes amid ongoing concerns about the impact of protectionist policies on Canadian industries. The $23 million deal with the Ontario government, announced on February 13, aimed to keep Crown Royal and other Diageo products on LCBO shelves and invest in economic development in Amherstburg, but it ultimately failed to prevent the plant’s closure. The deal similarly included commitments to collaborate with a spirit maker in Eastern Ontario and contracts with co-manufacturers in Scarborough and Toronto, but these measures were insufficient to save the Amherstburg facility.
The union argues that Diageo’s decision is a betrayal of a loyal workforce and a blow to the local economy. D’Agnolo accused the company of “backdoor[ing]” the agreement with the Ontario government, expressing disappointment that Diageo would prioritize its own interests over the well-being of its Canadian employees and the community. He added, “It’s so disappointing that this company would do that.”
Worker Reaction and Community Impact
The news of the early closure was met with shock and anger by workers at the plant. CBC News reported scenes of tears and hugs outside the plant as workers processed the unexpected end of their employment. Many had dedicated decades of their careers to Diageo, and the abruptness of the shutdown left them feeling undervalued and disregarded. The closure impacts not only the workers themselves but also their families and the wider Amherstburg community, which relies on the plant for economic stability.
Unifor is now focused on working with the Town of Amherstburg and the Province of Ontario to attract a new employer to the facility and preserve local jobs. The union recognizes the importance of finding a viable replacement for the plant to mitigate the economic fallout from Diageo’s departure. The long-term effects of the closure on the region remain to be seen, but local officials are committed to exploring all available options to revitalize the area.
A History of Whisky Making in Amherstburg
The Crown Royal plant in Amherstburg has a rich history dating back over a century. The facility has been a cornerstone of the local economy and a source of pride for the community. The closure marks the end of an era for the town, which has long been associated with the production of Canadian whisky. The plant’s legacy will undoubtedly be remembered by generations of workers and residents.
Looking Ahead
The immediate focus is on supporting the affected workers and securing a future for the Amherstburg facility. Unifor will continue to advocate for its members and work with government officials to find a suitable replacement employer. The situation highlights the vulnerability of Canadian manufacturing to global economic forces and the importance of protecting Canadian jobs. The union is committed to ensuring that the workers of Amherstburg receive the support they need to transition to new opportunities.
The next step involves ongoing discussions between Unifor, the Town of Amherstburg, and the Province of Ontario regarding potential investment opportunities and strategies for attracting new businesses to the area. Further updates on these efforts are expected in the coming weeks.
This situation underscores the challenges facing Canadian workers in a rapidly changing global economy. Share your thoughts on the closure and its impact on the community in the comments below.
