New York’s beer delivery workers tap out for pensions and fair labor practices; beer shortage possible
The company delivers Corona, Modelo, Sam Adams, Coors, Blue Moon, and other beers to thousands of bars and restaurants.
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Union warehouse workers and delivery drivers who work for Manhattan Beer Distributors walked off the job at midnight Tuesday after contract negotiations broke down.
Manhattan Beer is the largest beer distribution company in New York state and in some areas has exclusive rights to distribute popular beers such as Corona, Coors, Sam Adams, Modelo and more to the Hudson Valley, Long Island and New York City.
Matt Ardvino - Union shop steward in Suffern
The strike means bars restaurants, bodegas and more will not get their beer deliveries.
According to union officials and workers, the company is trying to get employees to stop participating in their pension plan and move to a 401(k) plan or another option. Union officials also claim the company sidestepped the union and went straight to the workers with the push to change, which they say is a violation of labor laws. The union has filed an unfair labor practice complaint with the National Labor Relations Board.
Workers walking the picket line at the company's Suffern distribution center in Rockland County tell News 12 they've tried to meet Manhattan Beer officials halfway but claim company leaders won't budge.
Workers tell News 12 this is the first strike in the company's history, which dates back to the 1970s.
News 12 has reached out to officials at Manhattan Beer for comment but has not heard back
