I recently had the opportunity to interview Matt Aubrey, the President of UFCW Local 23D in Bardstown, Kentucky, regarding the ongoing strike at Heaven Hill distillery. The strike has been going on for over six weeks now, with a total of 420 workers participating.
One of the main reasons behind the strike is the issue of healthcare cost hikes. The workers at Heaven Hill are facing significant increases in their healthcare expenses, which is putting a strain on their finances. This is a major concern for the workers, as they believe that healthcare should be affordable and accessible to all employees.
Another point of contention is the schedule changes that the company has implemented. The workers claim that the new schedules are unfair and disrupt their work-life balance. They argue that the changes have made it difficult for them to plan their personal lives and spend quality time with their families.
Furthermore, the workers are protesting against the overtime cuts that have been implemented by Heaven Hill. Overtime pay is an important aspect of workers’ compensation, and any reduction in overtime hours directly affects their income. The workers believe that their hard work and dedication should be adequately rewarded, and they are demanding fair treatment in terms of overtime pay.
During the interview, Aubrey emphasized the importance of these issues to the workers. He mentioned that many of them have been with the company for years, and they feel a strong sense of loyalty towards Heaven Hill. However, the recent changes and cost hikes have left them feeling undervalued and taken advantage of.
Aubrey also highlighted the impact of the strike on the workers and their families. He explained that many of them are struggling to make ends meet without their regular income. The financial burden, coupled with the stress of being on strike for such a long period, has taken a toll on their overall well-being.
The Heaven Hill distillery workers are on strike due to healthcare cost hikes, schedule changes, and overtime cuts. These issues have created a sense of injustice among the workers, who believe that they deserve better treatment and fair compensation for their hard work. The strike has been ongoing for over six weeks, with no resolution in sight at the moment.