Jim Beam workers approve new contract

Jim Beam employees largely voted in favor of a new contract Friday that will end a weeklong strike and is expected to improve working conditions at two Kentucky facilities.

With a total of 204-19, the vote signaled a positive end to the negotiations between the employees' union and the world's largest spirits producer, which have made national headlines because of the nature of the workers' demands.

Instead of asking for more money or hours, the employees had requested less overtime and more full-time hires, with some saying they regularly worked 60- to 80-hour weeks to keep up with increased whiskey production.

"They really addressed everything that we asked them to," said Janelle Mudd, president of Union Food and Commercial Workers 111D, which represents about 250 Jim Beam employees. "... We feel very fortunate."

The new two-year deal includes many elements that were key to the union, including equal pay for equal work, a cap on temporary employees and the hiring of more full-time employees, Mudd said.

Though some parts of the contract will take effect immediately, such as the elimination of a two-tiered pay system, others will take time to implement.

According to the contract, Mudd said, employees will still be required to work overtime to the tune of four extra hours per shift. But the company pledges to reduce that need by hiring 27 to 30 new full-time employees by July.

"This outcome is good news for our people, our customers and fans of Jim Beam everywhere," said David Hunter, chief supply chain officer for Beam Suntory, in an emailed statement. "The successful resolution to this matter resulted from constructive good faith dialogue with the union leadership and valuable listening sessions with a broad cross-section of team members.

"This contract builds on the values shared by our company and our workforce and will help make these plants even better places to work."

Union employees also will be eligible for raises under the contract, and new full-time workers will make a starting wage of about $23 per hour, Mudd said.

The high wages have caused confusion for people who've questioned both the employees' demands and the company's procedures.

However, Mudd said the employees still received an overwhelming amount of support from other unions and community members, who stood behind their concerns about work-life balance.

"It was really just tremendous, and we're so thankful for that as well," said Mudd, a Jim Beam employee of 10 years.

The approved contract is now in effect, and employees will return to work Monday. Until then, Mudd said she's glad to enjoy her weekend.

"I'm not going to have anything to worry about," she said.

Reach reporter Bailey Loosemore at (502) 582-4646 or bloosemore@courier-journal.com.