A wave of finality washed over the workers at the Crown Royal plant in Amherstburg, Ontario, as their union ratified a closure agreement. The agreement, reached with Diageo, aims to soften the blow of the plant’s impending shutdown in February, a decision that sparked outrage and uncertainty for the 160 employees and their families.
The closure stems from Diageo’s decision to shift bottling operations to the United States, a move that ignited a public dispute with Ontario Premier Doug Ford. While the union fought tirelessly to reverse the decision, the ratification represents a pragmatic attempt to secure the best possible terms for those facing job loss.
Union members overwhelmingly approved the negotiated settlement, with 89% voting in favor. The agreement provides enhanced severance packages, exceeding the legal minimums, offering a crucial financial buffer during the transition. Workers now face a choice: leave immediately or remain until the plant officially ceases operations.
Beyond immediate severance, the agreement includes a “substantial increase” to the standard two weeks of pay per year of seniority. Recognizing the long-term impact of the closure, Diageo will also fund a program to assist workers with education, skills development, and resume building, aiming to equip them for future employment.
The mood within the union remains somber. Local 200 president John D’Agnolo acknowledged the devastation felt by members, many of whom envisioned retiring from the plant. These were not just jobs, but careers offering good wages and secure pensions – a cornerstone of stability for families in the Amherstburg community.
Premier Ford’s initial response to the closure was forceful, publicly vowing that Diageo would “pay dearly” for its decision, even dramatically emptying a bottle of Crown Royal during a press conference. However, the focus now shifts towards mitigating the damage and securing a future for the affected workers.
D’Agnolo is now appealing to both the provincial government and the Town of Amherstburg to actively pursue new investment in the facility. The goal is to attract a new employer and preserve the skilled workforce, preventing a long-term economic downturn in the region.
Despite the closure, Diageo maintains a significant presence in Canada, including its headquarters and warehouse operations in the Greater Toronto Area. The company’s future plans do not signal a complete withdrawal from the country, but the loss of the Amherstburg plant represents a painful blow to the local economy and its dedicated workforce.
The union’s commitment remains steadfast: to support its members and advocate for a revitalized future for the Amherstburg community. The fight for good, stable jobs continues, even as one chapter closes and the search for a new beginning begins.
