Time to Celebrate with Some Union Wine

March 12, 2015 by Robert Bonsall

Nearly 50 workers at the Constellation Brands Woodbridge Winery have joined the ranks of Teamsters Local 601. Constellation Brands is one of the largest wineries in the United States and produces some of the finest wines in California, including Ravens Wood, Toasted Head and Robert Mondavi wines.

Although a majority of the workers expressed their desire to be represented by Local 601, Constellation Brands refused to voluntarily recognize the Union.  With the assistance of Beeson, Tayer & Bodine, Local 601 filed an election petition with Region 32 of the NLRB.  The Employer attempted to halt the election by alleging that the petitioned-for unit was inappropriate.  After a five day hearing, the Regional Director rejected the Employer’s position and ordered an election which took place on February 6, 2015 after persistent organizing efforts by the Cellar Operation employees at the winery and representatives of Teamsters Local 601.  The Employer then filed a Request for Review with the NLRB.  This forced the Regional Director to impound the ballots on the day of the election.  Eventually, the NLRB rejected the Employer’s appeal and ordered that the ballots be counted.  On March 4, 2015, the results of the election were clear – the employees voted overwhelming for Union representation. 

This victory by the Cellar Operation employees at Constellation Brands Woodbridge was made possible by a group of individuals who realized that obtaining fair pay, adequate benefits and a voice at work would only be possible with a Union.  With Teamster representation, these employees intend to gain terms and conditions of employment with Constellation brands commensurate with the value that they have always brought to the Company. In other words, it is time that these workers enjoy the fruits of their labor.

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