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Distillery Workers in Missouri Ratify a New Contract

About 50 members of UFCW Local 74A who work at McCormick’s Distilling Company in Weston, Mo., recently ratified a new contract.

McCormick’s Distilling Company is the oldest distillery west of the Mississippi River that is still operating in its original location, and these members produce McCormick’s whiskey, rum, gin, and vodka brands, including 360 Vodka, Broker’s Gin, Tequila Rose, Hussong’s Tequila, Five Farms Irish Cream, as well as Holladay 1856 Bourbon, which is named after the distillery’s founder.

The three-year contract includes the follow provisions:

  • Wage increases

  • Additional paid sick leave

  • Better flexibility in using sick time and business leave

  • Pay for workers who attend summer military training

  • Protection for holiday pay

  • Less discipline for being tardy

  • Added pandemic language

“The committee and members are happy with this agreement,” said UFCW Local 74A President James Hill. “A contract agreement like this just shows how powerful being a unionized workforce is.”

Tell Congress to Support the Food Secure Strikers Act

The UFCW is encouraging locals and members to contact Congress in support of the Food Secure Strikers Act.

Sponsored by Representative Alma Adams (D-NC) and Senator John Fetterman (D-PA), this critical legislation would repeal the restriction that prevents striking workers from receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits unless they were previously eligible and affirmatively protect the eligibility of workers to receive funds to buy food while on strike. 

Strikes are a critical tool for workers to secure better wages and working conditions, but they come with serious financial risks. While union funds can sometimes reduce financial stress during labor disputes, workers still face serious financial insecurity when on strike. As strikes become more necessary and endure for longer periods of time, the resulting loss of income can lead to food insecurity.

No worker should go hungry while on strike. Click here to send a message to your member of Congress asking them to co-sponsor the Food Secure Strikers Act so that striking workers can feed their families.