Around 400 union distillery workers in Bardstown, Kentucky, hit the picket line yesterday after rejecting a contract offer from Heaven Hill Distilleries, which included healthcare price hikes that reduce take-home pay, cuts to overtime, and drastic scheduling changes. Heaven Hill produces some of the most popular bourbon brands in the world, including Evan Williams, Elijah Craig, and Old Fitzgerald. According to the website Inc. Fact, the company averages annual profits of over $500 million.

In this mini-cast, we talk with Matt Aubrey, president of UFCW Local 23D, to get an update on the strike and workers’ demands.

Additional links/info below...

Bruce Schreiner, AP News, "Big Bourbon Producer Heaven Hill Faces Strike in Kentucky"
WLKY, "Employees on Strike at Heaven Hill in Bardstown Demanding Better Working Conditions"
Inc. Fact, "Heaven Hill Distilleries: Revenue, Growth & Competitor Profile"

Featured Music (all songs sourced from the Free Music Archive: freemusicarchive.org):
Jules Taylor, "Working People Theme Song"