Facing imminent layoffs at the Crown Royal bottling plant in Amherstburg, the workers' union has vowed to fiercely oppose the closure.
Employees arrived at the plant on Thursday morning to learn that Diageo, which owns the Crown Royal brand, will close it in February 2026.
Only a day after being reelected as Unifor's National President, Lana Payne said Diageo will have to stand up and explain the move.
"Diageo did not have the decency or dignity to talk to the union or its members prior to announcing this closure publicly, knowing how unpopular this decision will be in the region, in a province that continues to boycott American liquor, and in a country determined to protect jobs here at home," said Payne.
There are 170 jobs affected by the closure, represented by Unifor Local 200.
"This is about the families, our community, and our country. It's about how we put our elbows up to protect Canadian jobs," said Local 200 President John D'Agnolo. "This facility is the largest employer in Amherstburg and the heart and soul of the community. The decision to close the plant makes no sense and shows no loyalty to Canadian workers."
In addition, Windsor West MPP Lisa Gretzky of the NDP blamed the announced closure on the provincial government's policies.
"“For nearly a century, families in Amherstburg, LaSalle, Windsor, and across our region have bottled Crown Royal right here in Ontario, and Ford continues to stand by while multinational corporations cut and run," said Gretzky in a media release. "Windsor already has the highest unemployment rate in the country and losing these jobs will make things even harder for families and our local economy. We need leadership that puts workers and Ontario’s economy first."
Diageo had called the decision "difficult", but necessary to improve "the efficiency and resiliency of our supply chain network."
The company will continue to maintain its headquarters in Toronto, as well as distilleries and bottling facilities in Manitoba and Quebec.
-with files from Adelle Loiselle