A Bold New Flavor of Tennessee Whiskey: Union-Made

https://www.thenation.com/article/society/whiskey-tennessee-union

In the heart of Nashville, the United Distillery Workers of Tennessee are fighting to become the state’s first unionized distillery.

By Kim Kelly YESTERDAY 2:24 PM

For those of us who appreciate the warm, smoky sting of a nice glass of the good stuff, Tennessee whiskey enjoys the same outsize reputation as Kentucky bourbon; there’s history in every sip, and even the not-so-good stuff ain’t that bad. The two tipples are closely related, historically, geographically, and chemically; a liquor connoisseur will tell you the main difference comes down to an extra step (the Tennessee version is filtered through sugar maple charcoal after it’s distilled, which imparts its characteristic smoothness). But there’s another key factor that differentiates the two iconically American spirits that—hopefully—will soon evaporate like an angel’s share.

In Kentucky, workers at many of the bourbon distilleries that manufacture popular brands like Jim Beam, Buffalo Trace, Heaven Hill, and Wild Turkey are union members, and are represented by the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW)’s Distillery and Winery division. Until now, none of their Tennessee counterparts could say the same. But in December, workers at Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery in Nashville went public with their desire to organize a union, taking the name United Distillery Workers of Tennessee. They face an uphill battle by trying to unionize in a “right to work” state like Tennessee, whose Republican governor, Bill Lee, is so virulently anti-union that he’s personally led captive audience meetings, but they’re standing firm. The United Distillery Workers of Tennessee’s distillery union drive is a first for their state, and, as one of the worker-organizers told me last week, is an essential move to protect themselves and their livelihoods.

It started with a strike. On September 11, 2021, following months of stalled negotiations over their next five-year contract, the arrival of a federal mediator, and a September 9 meeting that saw UFCW Local 23D members vote 96 percent against the company’s latest proposal, more than 400 unionized workers at the Heaven Hill distillery in Bardstown, Ky., walked out. Heaven Hill is known for manufacturing some of the biggest names in bourbon, including Evan Williams, Elijah Craig, and Larceny (a personal favorite). Workers pointed out that the bourbon industry had been enjoying record profits. In 2020, Heaven Hill made over $500 million in profits, but during negotiations, the company hardly budged on issues like overtime, wages, and health care premiums. Both labor and the local bar and restaurant community rallied behind the strike, urging consumers to boycott Heaven Hill products or refusing to stock them outright until an agreement was reached. Six weeks later, on October 21, the strike came to an end after workers ratified a new contract. UFCW Local 23D President Matt Aubrey celebrated their contract gains in a press release, saying, “Together, these hardworking Kentuckians preserved the affordable healthcare, overtime pay, and fair scheduling that enables them to balance work with supporting their families.”

FULL story at link above.