On Feb. 7, the UFCW highlighted how union contracts help to safeguard workers during major ownership changes after the recent sale of the Four Roses bourbon distillery in Lawrenceburg, Ky., to California-based E & J Gallo Winery. Members of UFCW Locals 10D and 23D work at the distillery in Lawrenceburg and at the aging and bottling operations facility in Cox’s Creek. The distillery was formerly owned by Kirin Holdings.
“Four Roses distillery has built its reputation on quality, and that quality starts with the skilled union members who make every bottle with pride and under the protection of a strong union contract,” UFCW International President Milton Jones said in a statement. “While ownership may change, what must never change is respect for workers. I am pleased to announce that the UFCW worked with E & J Gallo to honor our contracts, ensuring that union distillery members continue to have fair pay, good benefits, and a voice on the job. Protecting these good union jobs means that workers can continue to support their families, invest in their towns, and help keep the communities around Four Roses thriving.”
“Over the years I have seen this distillery switch ownership many times, with the most recent change from Kirin to Gallo,” said UFCW Local 10D member Jeff Scott, who works at the Four Roses distillery. “The one thing that has remained constant has been our union here at the plant. UFCW Local 10D has helped maintain and secure our jobs through the various owners. Our union members with UFCW Local 10D are very dedicated to Four Roses bourbon and look forward to a great partnership with E & J Gallo, accompanied by a strong CBA. If they (Gallo) don’t know, they will soon learn there is no better worker than a union worker.”
“As a proud UFCW Local 23D union worker of 12 years at Four Roses, I take pride in my work,” said Curt Standiford, who works at the aging and bottling operations facility in Cox’s Creek. “With the recent announcement of ownership change, I feel things will remain stable and hopefully even grow because we are a union workforce that stands together.”