Breakthru Beverage Employees Across Florida Go on Strike
TAMPA — More than 160 Teamsters drivers employed by Breakthru Beverage have launched a statewide strike across Florida, citing unfair labor practices and stalled contract negotiations. The work stoppage, which began June 3, is impacting operations in Tampa, Fort Myers, Jacksonville, Orlando, Pensacola, and Tallahassee.
The union accuses Breakthru of illegally terminating employees who supported union activity and refusing to negotiate in good faith over key issues, including wages, health care, and retirement benefits. The strike follows bargaining sessions held in Tampa last week and a strike authorization vote by union members.
“Breakthru is refusing to bargain in good faith and is failing to give our members what they have rightfully earned: industry-leading wages, Teamsters health care, and secure retirement benefits,” said Jeff Padellaro, Director of the Teamsters Brewery, Bakery, and Soft Drink Conference. “This company created this work stoppage and must own it.”
Breakthru Beverage has publicly responded to the strike, suggesting it will rely on scab labor until the strike ends. “We have contingency plans in place to ensure minimal disruption to the business. We hope to reach a resolution soon and are committed to maintaining an open and transparent dialog with the union,” the company said in a statement.
In addition to wage and benefit concerns, union members criticized Breakthru’s spending on anti-union efforts. According to the Teamsters, the company spent nearly $400,000 on union-busting consultants last year. “That money can be spent on the people who make this company profitable,” said Arte Hoffman, a member of Teamsters Local 385 on strike in Orlando.
Breakthru Beverage is among Florida’s largest distributors of wine and spirits. The current contract dispute affects drivers at five different locations. Union leaders say they will remain on strike until a fair agreement is reached. As of Friday, no new bargaining sessions had been publicly announced.
