JOHNNIE GOES TO HOLYROOD

DIAGEO ANNOUNCEMENT

It was with utter dismay that we heard of Diageo’s decision this morning. On 3 September, day 65 of the 90-day consultation, the Cabinet Secretary presented our alternative business proposals to Keep Johnnie Walker in Kilmarnock to Diageo. Today, on day 71, Diageo have confirmed their decision. Did they really give our proposals due consideration in only four working days?

We do recognise that a decision has been taken, but we believe that the decision taken is a wrong one. Our supporters obviously agree, as our campaign has demonstrated, with more than 100,000 people signing our petition, support flooding in from around the globe, 15,000 people have written personally to Paul Walsh and almost half a million people have written to Diageo shareholders.

Johnnie Walker is synonymous with Kilmarnock and the brand has been associated with the town since 1820. It is recognised in every corner of the world as the leading brand name for Scotch whisky, and generations of local families have shown tremendous commitment and loyalty to the company over the past two hundred years. Now they will witness the very heart and soul being ripped out of their community.

Today we find ourselves in a position where we must move forward and try to secure the best possible outcome for Johnnie Walker employees and the town of Kilmarnock.

The Cabinet Secretary has convened a meeting of the Task Force on Monday and we will present a package of proposals designed to support the growth of new jobs in Kilmarnock. We want to secure Scottish Government support for the town and our attention will now turn to developing an action plan which will seek to create 700 sustainable jobs for Kilmarnock.

Councillor Douglas Reid, Leader of East Ayrshire Council said: “I welcome the continued commitment from Cabinet Secretary John Swinney, and as he himself stated, he will work unstintingly with partners to mitigate the serious impacts and assist the people and communities affected by Diageo’s decision-making.”

Councillor Maureen McKay, Leader of Main Labour Opposition said: “It is hard to describe the true extent of our feelings today. However, we remain resolute as we turn our attention to securing a positive future for the town, by applying the same energy, enthusiasm and strength as witnessed throughout the campaign.”

Councillor Tom Cook, Leader of Conservative Opposition said: “We are truly disappointed at today’s outcome, which will undoubtedly have a devastating effect of the town and the wider local community. We must now look towards the future as we prepare to work with the Scottish Government on plans to help secure 700 sustainable jobs for the town.”

We are proud of what this campaign has achieved. The facts speak for themselves.

Throughout the 71 days of this campaign we gained the support of the entire local community; local businesses, residents, workers, trades union representatives, Kilmarnock Football Club and politicians from all parties have united to keep Johnnie Walker in Kilmarnock. People have given their all in support of this campaign and we could have asked for nothing more.

News

By JWCampaign ⋅ September 8, 2009 ⋅ Post a comment

holyrood The iconic Striding Man attended the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh last Wednesday, as part of the ongoing campaign against Diageo’s proposed closures in Kilmarnock.

Accompanied by Johnnie Walker workers and East Ayrshire Council’s cross-party working group, Johnnie Walker arrived at Holyrood for the Diageo debate.

Also in the gallery to see Kilmarnock MSP Willie Coffey battle to save 700 whisky jobs in Kilmarnock were Des Browne MP and Michael Johnston, Chairman of Kilmarnock FC.

Finance Secretary John Swinney updated MSPs on the progress of the alternative plan backed by the cross-party task force, which he then took to Bryan Donaghey, managing director of Diageo Scotland, and David Gosnell, managing director of Diageo Global Supply, 24 hours after the debate.

Mr Swinney told MSPs that the closure of Diageo’s whisky bottling plant in Kilmarnock would cost the local economy £15.5m a year.

It is hoped the proposals will save most of the 700 jobs at the Johnnie Walker plant in Kilmarnock and 200 jobs at the Port Dundas grain distillery in Glasgow.

Mr Swinney said: “Our work in trying to reverse Diageo’s decisions has nothing to do with trying to tell a successful global company how to run its business. The issue has been, and will continue to be, about safeguarding those economically fragile communities at risk in the west of Scotland.”

East Ayrshire Council cross-party working group said: “Diageo’s plans have caused outrage amongst ministers, trades unions and local politicians, who have formed a government backed task force to fight the job cuts.

“On the basis of the strong alternative proposals which Finance Secretary John Swinney has presented to them – we sincerely hope that Diageo will think again.”