US brewer Molson Coors said it has reached a three-year agreement with striking workers at its Texas production facility, potentially ending months of industrial action.
The workers at Molson Coors’s Texas plant have been on strike since February, when negotiations stalled. The 420 Teamster members of Local 997 sought pay increases and improved retirement benefits.
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“We are pleased to have reached a three-year agreement with Teamsters Local 997 in Fort Worth,” a Molson Coors spokesperson told Just Drinks.
“The contract is fair and equitable to our valued team members and to our Fort Worth operations, ensuring we continue to brew, package and ship the very best beers and beverages for our customers.”
The Teamsters union initially put out at statement announcing the three-year deal but has since removed it from its social channels.
Teamster brewery director Jeff Padellaro said, in a now taken down social media post: “Our members never gave up, they pushed back on this company until they got a fair contract that recognizes their contributions. Teamsters don’t back down from a fight and we will always fight for what we deserve.”
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By GlobalDataBoth the main teamster Office and Local 997 have been contacted for comment by Just Drinks.
Workers at the Fort Wort plant make, package and warehouse the company’s beer and beverage brands including Coors Light, Topo Chico, Simply, Pabst and Yuengling.
Local 997 said the company offered “less than a $1 per hour wage increase for the majority of Teamsters members”, resulting in the vote to strike at the plant.
Potential disruption to Molson Coors’ operation in Texas was minimised by a contingency plan that brought staff in from other facilities.
The US brewing giant also noted in February that it had five other breweries it could shift production to if required. For flavoured beverages made at the plant, such as Topo Chico, the group said there was room to increase capacity through contract brewing.
