Sixty-one warehouse workers from Teamsters Local 688 in Saint Louis are striking against Breakthru Beverage Missouri (formerly Major Brands), citing a failure by the company to negotiate over so-called "boiler plate" contract issues.
"We've had labor contracts going with them for years and years and never had a problem. When Breakthru bought Major Brands suddenly everything that we do is an issue for them," says Local 688 executive officer Chris Tongay.
Tongay tells KMOX the company is trying to change common union standards involving things like dues payment and the honoring of other picket lines. He says his members are also not happy about wages and the rejection of a union-based health care plan.
Tongay says local 710 in suburban Chicago is striking over some of the same issues voiced by workers here in Saint Louis.
---------------------------------------------
This story has been updated to add this statement from a Breakthru spokesperson:
While we respect the rights of our associates, we are disappointed that our Missouri warehouse associates, represented by Teamsters Local 688, and our drivers, represented by Teamsters Local 600, have initiated a strike.
Breakthru has been engaged in ongoing, good-faith negotiations with both groups, including first-contract discussions with our drivers. Despite progress, we have not reached a comprehensive agreement. Following our most recent discussions, Teamsters Local 688 ended negotiations with key issues still unresolved, and Teamsters Local 600 has not re-engaged since April 13.
Our proposal reflects the full extent of what we believe we can responsibly commit to while protecting the long-term stability of our organization and our associates. A key issue remains contract language related to picket lines. We are seeking a shared commitment to stability during the life of the agreement to help prevent mid-contract disruptions that negatively impact our associates, customers, suppliers, and business. We believe this type of mutual commitment is fundamental to a productive and respectful partnership.
We have contingency plans in place to help ensure minimal disruption to our Missouri operations. We remain committed to reaching a resolution as soon as possible and to maintaining an open, transparent dialogue with the unions. We value all of our associates and continue to strive to provide competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and a positive, stable work environment.
Teamsters Local 688
