The central issues in the United Food & Commercial Workers union strike against Heaven Hill Distillery are a cap on health insurance premium increases, reduced overtimes, and, as previously reported, weekend shifts.
Some 420 workers struck the distillery over the weekend. UFCW Local 23D, which represents the workers, said it has been negotiating with the company for six months. Ninety-six percent of the workers rejected a proposed contract on Sept. 9 and the strike began Sept. 11, the union said.
“Healthcare price hikes that reduce take-home pay, cuts to overtime, and drastic scheduling changes are no way to recognize the incredible service of these Kentucky essential workers,” saod Matt Aubrey, UFCW Local 23D president, “but that is exactly what Heaven Hill is trying to do with this contract.”
Noting that during the early part of the Covid pandemic, when “so many businesses shut down, Heaven Hill essential woerkers stepped up, helping to support our families and keep the company and our local economy strong throughout this crisis” Aubrey asked, “How can a company making $500 million a year justify making healthcare more expensive for essential workers in the middle of a pandemic? What kind of message does it send when a family-owned company is pushing scheduling changes that make it harder for workers to support and care for their own families?
“Kentucky families have been working at Heaven Hill and proudly serving our communities for generations. They want to ensure that these continue to be good jobs that their kids and grandkids can count on so their families can continue this proud tradition of making the high-quality Kentucky bourbon that has powered our economy for decades. Heaven Hill has a responsibility to do right by these Kentucky essential workers and we are urging the company to step up and provide the strong contract that they have earned and deserve.”
Heaven Hill hasn’t responded to our request for comment.