Molson Coors and the 420 workers at its Fort Worth brewery have concluded a strike that lasted three months by ratifying a new three-year contract. The contract, which includes wage increases and an enhanced benefits package for both current workers and retirees, addresses the main grievances that led to the strike back in mid-February. Although the specific details of the deal have not been disclosed, it is clear that the agreement represents a significant victory for the workers, who are represented by Teamsters Local 997.
Jeff Padellaro, director of the Teamsters brewery, bakery, and soft drink conference, expressed pride in the union members for their resilience. “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,” Padellaro stated. This sentiment underscores the determination and unity of the workers throughout the strike.
Despite the plant’s shutdown during the strike, Molson Coors managed to keep the supply of its products steady, a testament to their contingency planning. For the company, resolving the strike and returning to normal operations at the Fort Worth plant is a crucial step. Adam Collins, Molson Coors’ chief communications officer, noted, “We are pleased to have reached a three-year agreement with Teamsters Local 997 in Fort Worth. 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.” This statement highlights the company’s commitment to maintaining strong relations with its workforce and ensuring uninterrupted production.
Throughout the strike, union members maintained a persistent presence outside the brewery at 7001 South Freeway, picketing daily for the duration of the three months. Rick Miedema, a worker at the plant and union leader, mentioned that only one worker crossed the picket line during this period, demonstrating the solidarity among the strikers. The union had also threatened litigation against Molson Coors and forced the company to consider hiring replacement workers at $25.98 per hour with a $200 weekly attendance bonus, a move that added pressure on the company to settle the dispute.
In addition to local actions, the union launched a nationwide boycott of Molson Coors products during high-profile events like the Final Four in Dallas. They also encouraged other strikes at Molson Coors’ facilities in Trenton, Ohio, and Albany, Georgia. These strategic moves aimed to amplify the impact of the Fort Worth strike and bring additional pressure on the company.
Union representatives had previously turned down contract offers that included minimal wage increases, such as one offer in March that promised a 99-cent raise over three years. Despite the financial strain, many strikers were able to sustain themselves with the help of a robust union fund, which representatives indicated could support them for more than a year if necessary. This financial backing was crucial in maintaining the strike and ensuring that the workers could hold out for a better deal.
The workers’ frustration was fueled by the fact that 2023 had been an extremely successful year for Molson Coors, with the company reporting an annual revenue of $11.7 billion, a 9.4% increase from 2022. This financial success made the workers’ demands for fair compensation and benefits even more pressing.
The resolution of the strike is particularly important for Molson Coors due to the strategic significance of the Fort Worth brewery. This facility is responsible for producing and distributing some of the company’s most popular products, including Coors Light, Topo Chico hard seltzer, and Simply juices. The brewery had also recently received a $65 million investment in 2022, underscoring its importance to Molson Coors’ operations.
In summary, the end of the strike at the Fort Worth brewery marks a significant milestone for both Molson Coors and its workers. The new contract promises to improve working conditions and compensation, reflecting the contributions and demands of the workers. For Molson Coors, resolving the strike allows the company to resume full operations at a critical facility and continue to meet the demands of its customers.