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AMHERSTBURG, ON–Unifor Local 200 members at Diageo’s Crown Royal plant in Amherstburg have ratified a closure agreement with the company, with operations set to cease in February 2026.
“We fought hard to keep the jobs here. This is not the outcome we wanted, but in the end, we acted to secure the best possible outcome for our members while they still had the protection of their collective agreement,” said Unifor President Lana Payne.
The current collective agreement expires today, December 2, 2025. Once expired, workers would only be entitled to minimum legally mandated severance. On November 30, members voted 89% in favour of the union-negotiated closure agreement, which provides enhanced severance.
Approximately 160 members will have the option to leave immediately or remain until the plant closes in February.
The union will now focus on working with the Town of Amherstburg and the Province of Ontario to attract a new employer to the facility and preserve good local jobs.
“We’re not giving up on these workers or this community,” said Unifor Local 200 President John D’Agnolo. “Our goal now is to bring new investment into Amherstburg and ensure these skilled workers have access to good, stable jobs for the long term.”
Unifor is Canada’s largest union in the private sector, representing 320,000 workers in every major area of the economy. The union advocates for all working people and their rights, fights for equality and social justice in Canada and abroad, and strives to create progressive change for a better future.
For media inquiries or to arrange interviews please contact Unifor Communications Director Kathleen O’Keefe at @email or by cell at (416) 896-3303.
