Press Releases
Teamsters Support Beer Distribution Workers on Strike in N.Y.
(WASHINGTON) – The International Brotherhood of Teamsters and its 1.4 million members in the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico fully support Teamsters Local 812 members on strike at Clare Rose in New York.
The over 100 drivers and warehouse workers distribute Budweiser, Heineken and craft beer products to Long Island. They went on strike Sunday night when the company imposed 30 percent wage cuts and ended the drivers’ pension. Less than one day into the strike, Clare Rose announced that it is permanently replacing the striking workers.
“The full might of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters is behind the members of Local 812 in their fight at Clare Rose,” said Jim Hoffa, Teamsters General President. “We represent Budweiser and other brewery and transportation workers across the country. Such union busting and draconian wage cuts are unheard of at similar distributors elsewhere. We intend to put forward our political, economic and organizing resources to ensure that these workers get a new union contract that protects their wages and retirement.”
The International Brotherhood of Teamsters strike fund stands at over $150 million. At the last union convention, delegates voted to increase strike benefits to give union members more leverage in negotiations with anti-union companies.
The Clare Rose strike has largely stopped distribution of Budweiser, Bud Light, Heineken and several local craft beers to Long Island stores and bars.
Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.4 million hardworking men and women throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Visit www.teamster.org for more information. Follow us on Twitter @Teamsters and “like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/teamsters.