Beer delivery drivers in the Bronx, Queens and upstate New York went on strike Tuesday in a labor impasse that could leave New Yorkers thirsty.
Trouble could be brewing for thousands of suds-loving New Yorkers, restaurants, and bars as hundreds of unionized delivery workers from Manhattan Beer and Beverage Distributors began picketing on April 15. While demonstrations could be seen outside several locations across the state, the main picket occurred outside the distributor’s headquarters at 955 East 149th St. in Hunts Point.
The workers say they are striking in protest of what they call unfair labor practices, adding that the company has been violating federal labor law by attempting to individually convince them to allow them to opt out of their pension fund.
“The company tried to take our pensions from us and we don’t want that; we want our pensions. You have many people here that they’ve been working hard for many years here, they deserve their pensions,” Matin Canturino told amNewYork from the picket line. “The company has not been negotiating in good faith, because they’ve been talking with drivers here, you know, about things that they’re supposed to talk to us in negotiations.”
According to employees, the company headquarters operates more than 350 delivery trucks and more than 1 million square feet of warehouse facilities with distribution rights to an estimated 300 brands of beer and other beverages. Despite the large number of employees, workers say they are working dangerously overworked conditions.
“People who drink in the city, they don’t see what it takes to get that beer into the places that we do — a lot of unsafe conditions. Sometimes we go out with kegs that weigh about 160 pounds, and they want us to go out solo. We’re not complaining about the work, because we know what we are supposed to do, but when they try to send somebody without a helper, I feel like that’s not safe,” Manuel Maldonado said. “People come here and they get hurt like it’s nothing.”
Workers marched on the sidewalk, chanting outside the facility where trucks could be seen parked, unmoving. Holding signs, they cheered and erupted with applause as passing drivers honked in support.
While passersby showed solidarity with the strikers’ cause, not all New Yorkers may feel the same way when their alcoholic beverage of choice is not delivered. Still, workers say they are in it for the long haul.
“We’re the backbone of Manhattan Beer and Beverage. We’ve helped it succeed. We deserve real retirement security, fair wages, and respect on the job. We’re angry that they have been trying to sidestep our union and our bargaining committee on the critical issue of our pensions,” Joe Gonzalez Jr. said.
amNewYork reached out to Manhattan Beer and Beverage for comment, and is awaiting a response.
