Ontario Premier Doug Ford has made a strong statement threatening to remove Crown Royal from liquor store shelves in the province if Diageo proceeds with its plan to close a nearly century-old bottling plant in Amherstburg, Ontario. Ford’s pledge came during a passionate address at a union rally, where he expressed solidarity with the approximately 200 workers facing job losses at the facility in southwestern Ontario.
Addressing the crowd in Brampton, Ford vowed to take action against Diageo by pulling Crown Royal off LCBO shelves once the last employee exits the plant. This represents Ford’s most definitive stance yet on the matter, regarding potential directives to the LCBO, a significant alcohol purchaser globally.
In a televised press conference in early September, Ford symbolically poured out a bottle of Crown Royal and criticized Diageo for what he termed a thoughtless decision. While Ford emphasized his intent to hold Diageo accountable for the plant closure, he refrained from confirming whether he would proceed with removing Crown Royal from LCBO shelves, a demand advocated for by the plant workers’ union.
Diageo, known for brands like Guinness and Smirnoff, justified the plant closure as part of efforts to enhance operational efficiency and resilience within its supply chain. The company assured that the production of Crown Royal, a Canadian staple since 1939, would continue in Canada despite the closure of the Amherstburg facility.
The union leader representing the plant workers urged Ford to act swiftly by halting the sale of all Diageo products at the LCBO immediately, rather than waiting until the plant’s scheduled closure in February. He highlighted the potential financial impact on Diageo, suggesting that removing their products from shelves could compel the company to reconsider its decision.
Ford’s office remained non-committal on whether all Diageo products would be pulled from provincial liquor stores or if this action would be expedited. The spokesperson for the premier emphasized that various options were under consideration pending Diageo’s stance on the plant closure decision.
Diageo, in response to queries, reiterated its commitment to supporting affected employees during the transition and complying with legal obligations and collective agreements. The company pledged to engage with the community to provide assistance and emphasized its appreciation for the longstanding relationship with its employees.
The union leader expressed determination to continue advocating for Ford to take action against Diageo, citing the significant impact of the plant closure on the local community’s economy and morale. With Diageo being a major employer in Amherstburg and the surrounding region facing economic challenges, the union emphasized the importance of holding corporations accountable for their decisions.
The union leader expressed hope that Ford would prioritize the interests of the affected workers and the community, stressing the broader implications of allowing companies to prioritize profits over employee welfare. The union’s ongoing efforts aim to ensure the well-being of the impacted workers and the sustainability of the local economy in the face of corporate decisions impacting livelihoods.