Published Date:
03 July 2009
THE battle to save 900 whisky jobs at Diageo's operations today (3 July] intensified with a vow by a senior minister to get the decision reversed.
While jobs are to be created at the company's Leven facility, politicians have pledged to save the other 900 jobs being lost elsewhere in Diageo's Scottish operations.
Finance Secretary John Swinney made the pledge after visiting Kilmarnock where the drinks giant plans to close the Johnnie Walker packaging plant with the loss of 700 jobs.
His comments came as the local football club also threw their weight behind the fight to save the jobs.
Mr Swinney said: "We are determined to put forward a cohesive argument and initiatives that provide for an alternative to the proposals that Diageo has set out.
"We want to ensure that the proposals put forward by Diageo are not implemented and that we change their minds."
Mr Swinney was speaking after meetings in Kilmarnock with Diageo, Scottish Enterprise, East Ayrshire council and local politicians.
The town's Labour MP, Des Browne, and SNP MSP Willie Coffey, were also involved in today's meetings.
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Last Updated:
03 July 2009 8:12 PM
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Source:
n/a
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Location:
Fife Now
