Teamsters Strike at Breakthru Beverage Over Unfair Labor Practices

Strike Action in St. Louis as Workers Protest Unfair Practices

In a significant move, over 100 employees, including drivers and warehouse staff at Breakthru Beverage's St. Louis facility, have initiated a strike against the company's alleged unfair labor practices. These workers, part of Teamster Locals 600 and 688, demand that Breakthru Beverage engage in fair contract negotiations, devoid of illegal regressive proposals and surface bargaining tactics.

"This company has been dragging their feet and refusing to put a fair agreement on the table," stated Jeff Padellaro, Director of the Teamsters Brewery, Bakery, and Soft Drink Conference. "Our members don’t want to strike, but Breakthru has given them no choice. Teamsters nationwide are on alert and ready to support their brothers and sisters in St. Louis and Cicero."

The contention between the union and management centers on the company's insistence that workers waive their right to honor a Teamsters picket line. This demand is mirrored in negotiations at Breakthru's Cicero, Illinois location and remains a significant sticking point with the union steadfast in its refusal to concede this critical protection.

"Our members are united because they know their worth," expressed Chris Tongay, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 688. "These workers show up every single day and help drive this company’s success. They deserve fair wages, strong protections, and a contract that reflects the standards Teamsters have fought to build. We will support our members for as long as it takes."

Further emphasizing the union's resolve, John Kelting, President of Local 600, remarked, "It is clear management at Breakthru realizes how strong Teamsters solidarity is at facilities around the country. They are trying everything to delay negotiations and get workers to agree to waive their legal rights. We will remain on the picket line until management agrees to a fair deal."

Having organized in September 2025, Local 600 drivers are particularly focused on securing a fair inaugural contract. Travis Radetic, chief shop steward and a receiving clerk, underscored the collective effort by stating, “We're standing shoulder to shoulder for a strong agreement. A strong deal is nothing without picket line protection to defend members. We are demanding the company give us what we deserve.”

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, established in 1903, represents over 1.3 million workers in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. To learn more, visit Teamster.org. Follow the organization on X at @Teamsters and on Facebook at Facebook.com/teamsters.