Diageo closed its Crown Royal whisky plant in Amherstburg, Ont., two days ahead of schedule on Feb. 25, catching more than 200 unionized workers off guard when they were told mid-shift that the day would be their last, according to the union representing the workers.
The closure eliminates the jobs of more than 200 members of Unifor Local 200. Workers will be compensated for the two unworked days, but the union says the abrupt end was an unacceptable way to conclude their employment.
Closure tied to production shift to U.S.
Diageo announced six months ago that it would close the Amherstburg facility and move production to the United States. The union and the Ontario government both made efforts to convince the company to reverse the decision, but Diageo declined. The final day of work had been scheduled for Feb. 27, 2026.
“This is a final show of disrespect for Canadian workers as Diageo moves their jobs south of the border to appease Donald Trump,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “This is a sad day for our members and for this community, which has a century long storied history of whisky making.”
Union criticizes manner of closure
Unifor Local 200 President John D’Agnolo said the early closure was a deliberate move to avoid public attention. “It’s clear Diageo didn’t want to face the scrutiny that would have come on the final day of operations, so its overseas executives opted to slink out of Ontario instead,” he said. “Canadians will not forget that Diageo is a company that chose to walk away from a loyal workforce and add insult to injury by bottling a marquee Canadian whisky in America.”
Next steps for the facility
Unifor says it will continue working with the Town of Amherstburg and the Province of Ontario to attract a new employer to the facility and preserve jobs in the community.
