Teamsters Union Expands Strike to Breakthru Beverage Facilities in Multiple States

Teamsters Extend Strike Across Breakthru Beverage Locations

In a significant escalation of their ongoing labor unrest, Teamsters members at Breakthru Beverage have expanded their unfair labor practice (ULP) strike to include operations in Kansas City, Missouri, and Champaign, Illinois. Initially initiated in Cicero, Illinois, and St. Louis, the decision to extend the picket lines underscores the solidarity among union workers fighting against perceived injustices within the company’s labor practices.

The strike involves over 215 drivers and warehouse workers who are standing firmly against what they claim to be numerous violations of labor rights by Breakthru Beverage. Teamsters locals 600, 688, and 710 are uniting to demand that management engage in negotiations for a fair contract, which they believe is being undermined by regressive proposals and unilateral changes to the established working conditions.

Sean M. O’Brien, General President of the Teamsters Union, has expressed strong disapproval of Breakthru's tactics. “Breakthru Beverage has been illegally trying to diminish our members’ power at the bargaining table,” he stated. O’Brien highlighted the significance of honoring picket lines, a right guaranteed to the Teamsters, indicating that management’s actions aim to weaken the union’s strength during negotiations.

Despite facing pressure, Teamsters in Kansas City and Champaign have asserted their legal rights by refusing to cross the picket lines set up by their union brothers and sisters. This display of solidarity is crucial in maintaining their negotiating position as they push back against management’s intimidation tactics. “Our members are not intimidated. They know their rights and are here to protect them,