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Dayton Business Journal...
Teamsters angry at
Budweiser distributor
by Joe Cogliano, DBJ Senior Reporter
Friday, July 8, 2011
One of the region’s largest beer wholesalers may be facing a strike.
Officials from Teamsters Local Union 957 are accusing Dayton-based
Heidelberg Distributing Co . of breaking of contract negotiations and
implementing a wide range of changes.
The union — which represents delivery drivers and warehouse workers at
Heidelberg — alleges the company wants to force its employees to work
up to seven days a week, eliminate retiree healthcare for longtime
employees and take away employees right to take unpaid leave for family
medical emergencies.
The Teamsters represents more than 100 workers at Heidelberg, said
Varney Richmond, president of Local 957 in Dayton.
“Coca-Cola, Miller and Pepsi are willing to pay their employees the
industry standard for the beverage market and provide them with decent
benefits,” said Richmond, in a statement. “Budweiser’s distributor
needs to stop being greedy and step up to the plate.”
Heidelberg officials could not immediately be reached for comment.
Heidelberg distributes Anheuser-Busch InBev products, such as
Budweiser, as well as a variety of wines and alternative beverages
including Monster Energy Drinks and E. & J. Gallo across Ohio and
Kentucky.
Workers plan to lobby for their cause outside of Saturdays Dayton
Dragons game, a high-profile event as the team sets a U.S. professional
sports record for consecutive home sellouts.
Varney said Teamsters Local Union 957 represents about 4,000 workers in
the Dayton area.
Read it at the Dayton Business Journal
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