This 4th of July, you may have to watch the fireworks without a brand-name beer companion if a beer distributors labor dispute isn’t resolved.
That could keep some beer brands from reaching eight counties in the region, including Delaware County, writes Michael Tanenbaum for Philly Voice.
Teamster Local 830, representing the region’s three biggest beer distributors, voted Sunday to strike. That decision could limit supplies to area restaurants and beer sellers.
A proposed contract for workers from beer distributors Penn Beer, Origlio Beverage and Muller Inc. was rejected 308 to 40. If a settlement isn’t reached, this would be the first time Local 830 has gone on strike.
Affected areas are Philadelphia, Delaware, Chester, Montgomery, Bucks, Berks, Lehigh and Northampton counties.
Penn Beer distributes brands that include Budweiser, Natural Light, Michelob and Busch. Origlio distributes Corona, Coors, Blue Moon, Alagash, Heineken and Guinness, among others. Muller’s brands include Miller Lite, Yards and Pabst Blue Ribbon.
“The hardworking members of Teamsters Local 830 have had enough,” said the union’s Secretary-Treasurer Daniel H. Grace. “The last contract proposal put forth by the Delaware Valley Importers Distribution Association was, quite frankly, insulting. Twelve-hour shifts for five or six consecutive days. That’s excessive.”
Read more at Philly Voice about a possible 4th of July beer shortage.