Let’s toast: Striking Jim Beam workers accept new contract

Jim Beam is getting back to bourbon. Union workers on Friday approved a new contract, ending a strike at two distilleries that began Oct. 15.

A statement from the company says the Clermont and Boston distilleries will be operating at full strength again on Monday.

According to the Associated Press, the union voted 204-19 to approve the new offer.

The new contract resolved many of the issues raised by about 250 workers of the United Food and Commercial Workers Union, according to a statement from Janelle Mudd, president of the local union.

“The final proposal includes many of the key elements that we felt so strongly about, such as equal pay for equal work, a cap on temporary employees and the hiring of more full-time employees,” she said.

Management at both plants met with employees and spoke with employeess on the picket line to “clarify the areas of greatest need,” she said. She expressed thanks to the community for support and to plant workers who refused to cross the picket line.

Company officials also said the agreement is good news for everyone, including fans of Jim Beam, which is the best-selling bourbon worldwide.

The boom in demand has created increased pressure on distilleries across Kentucky, which have ramped up production to fill more barrels and more warehouses with aging spirits.

“We developed solutions that include less reliance on temporary workers, better management of overtime, and a number of improvements to promote work-life balance. This contract builds on the values shared by our company and our work force, and will help make these plants even better places to work,” said David Hunter, chief supply chain officer for Beam Suntory, in a statement.

This story was originally published October 21, 2016 at 2:12 PM with the headline "Let’s toast: Striking Jim Beam workers accept new contract."