Teamsters Union Strikes Molson Coors

TL/DR -

Members of Teamsters Local 997 at Molson Coors in Fort Worth, Texas, went on strike due to unsatisfactory pay and an unwillingness from the company to reach a fair agreement. The strike has halted production at the only brewery servicing the Western region of the United States with major Molson Coors products. This comes following the company's announcement of record profits and a $2 billion stock buyback for shareholders, while offering less than a $1 per hour wage increase for the majority of Teamsters members.

Beer Giant Reports Record Profits, Offers Workers Minimal Wage Increase

Members of Teamsters Local 997 at Molson Coors in Fort Worth, Texas, were compelled to strike today over the company's poor pay offer and refusal to strike a fair deal with employees. Workers walked off the job after the company failed to agree on a new three-year contract that recognizes the 420 employees involved in the production, packaging, and warehousing of the company's beer and beverage brands.

The strike halts production at the only brewery that supplies the entire Western United States with major Molson Coors products.

Molson Coors presented unsatisfactory and regressive contract proposals, including a less than $1 per hour wage increase for most Teamsters members. Local 997 is asking for pay raises that reflect inflation over the term of the expired contract and the elimination of two-tiered health care and retirement benefits.

The union recorded several unfair labor practice charges with the National Labor Relations Board due to the company’s bad faith bargaining.

"Molson Coors is neglecting the welfare of its workers while the profits continue to escalate," said Sean M. O’Brien, Teamsters General President. "This disregard for workers must end. The Teamsters will continue to fight for their rights on the streets until our members receive their deserved recognition."

Molson Coors recently announced that the company’s 2023 earnings were its highest in nearly two decades. In the fourth quarter, the company spent over $50 million on advertising and reported a profit growth equivalent to six years’ worth. In October, the company announced a $2 billion stock buyback for its shareholders.

"Molson Coors has triggered this strike action by undervaluing the Teamsters who manage the beer production and brewery operations. Our members are prepared to withhold their labor until they receive a contract with fair pay and decent workplace conditions," said Jeff Padellaro, Director of the Teamsters Brewery, Bakery, and Soft Drink Conference.

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters has increased strike benefits to $1,000 per week for Local 997 members in Fort Worth fighting for a new Molson Coors contract.

Rank-and-file Teamsters produce Coors Light, Topo Chico, Simply, Pabst, and Yuengling, among other Molson Coors beverage brands.

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, established in 1903, represents 1.3 million industrious individuals across the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. For more information, visit Teamster.org. Follow us on Twitter @Teamsters and “like” us on Facebook.com/teamsters.

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