Striking bourbon workers scheduled to vote on new contract

FILE - In this Sept. 13, 2021 file photo, members of Local 23D Union picket in front of Heaven Hill Distillery in Bardstown, Ky. Workers at one of the world’s largest bourbon producers, are scheduled to vote on a new contract on Saturday, Oct. 23, six weeks after walking out. The company announced a tentative contract agreement with the union representing striking workers on Friday(Silas Walker/Lexington Herald-Leader via AP, File)


https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-lifestyle-business-health-kentucky-ca501eecd2002940fca0c0f6b8ae2c5b

BARDSTOWN, Ky. (AP) — Striking workers at one of the world’s largest bourbon producers are scheduled to vote on a new contract on Saturday, a day after announcing a tentative agreement with Heaven Hill.

About 420 members of United Food and Commercial Workers Local 23D went on strike about six weeks ago, forming picket lines at the company’s operations in Bardstown, Kentucky, after rejecting a previous contract proposal. The tentative agreement came just days after the company signaled it intended to start hiring permanent replacement employees for bottling and warehouse operations.

The dispute revolved around health care and scheduling, the latter a sign of the bourbon industry’s growing pains as it tries to keep up with global demand.

Family-owned and operated Heaven Hill produces Evan Williams, one of the world’s top-selling bourbons. The spirits company’s other brands include Elijah Craig, Henry McKenna, Old Fitzgerald, Larceny and Parker’s Heritage Collection.

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