Three Almaden Plants Struck in Widening Strike at Wineries

Workers walked off the job Friday at three Almaden Vineyards plants, making it the ninth wine maker struck over the past three weeks by about 1,200 union members.

The widening harvest-time battle between the 12-member Winery Employers Assn. and workers, has affected wine makers that are responsible for about half of California’s $5.5 billion in yearly production.

The biggest winemaker, Ernest and Julio Gallo Co., has not been struck.

On Friday, about 350 members of Winery, Distillery and Allied Workers Union Locals 186 and 45 walked off the job at three Almaden plants in San Jose and San Benito County.

Robert Fogg, president of Local 186, said a contract offer on Wednesday was insulting. Talks broke off, with no others scheduled.

Almaden is owned by National Distillers and Chemical Corp. It is among California’s oldest vintners, with origins dating back to 1852.