Striking beer and beverage workers return to work in time for holiday
The six-day strike's resolution ends concerns that beer and beverage supplies could be impacted during the Fourth of July holiday weekend.
Local beverage industry workers’ six-day strike ended Saturday, easing concerns that beer and beverage supplies for the Philadelphia area would be affected over the Fourth of July holiday weekend.
» READ MORE: Local strike could impact availability of beer ahead of Fourth of July weekend
About 3,100 workers from Teamsters Local 830 overwhelmingly approved a contract with the industry group Delaware Valley Importers Distribution Association, which includes Penn Beer Sales and Service, Origlio Beverage, and Muller Inc.
“It ensures beer will be flowing during the July 4th holiday, making it a happy one for the people of the Delaware Valley and the thousands of small businesses that rely on the beer industry for their livelihoods,” a joint statement from the union and industry association said.
The strike began last Sunday over pay and work conditions concerns, with picket lines established at businesses in Philadelphia and Hatfield, Montgomery County. The resolution came with a new four-year contract that included a more than 10% pay increase in the first year, with additional raises in subsequent years, increased pension and 401(k) contributions, a change in work limits that previously had required 12-hour shifts for five or six consecutive days, and an additional paid holiday, according to a statement from the union.
“I am proud to say we’ve achieved our goals and today’s overwhelming ratification by the Teamsters Local 830 membership attests to the great gains we’ve realized in this new four-year agreement,” said Daniel Grace, secretary-treasurer of Teamsters Local 830, in the statement.
The striking workers hold positions in the beverage industry from warehouse personnel to delivery drivers.
Staff writers Kasturi Pananjady and Jenn Ladd contributed to this article.