Teamsters Issue Warning to Heidelberg Distributing

Labor Unrest at Giant Beer and Wine Distributor Could Leave Ohio Dry

DAYTON, Ohio, July 25, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --  More than 300 delivery drivers and warehouse workers employed by Heidelberg Distributing throughout Ohio put up informational pickets at key distribution facilities around the state today to warn the company and the public of labor problems that could cut off Ohio's supply to beer and wine products during the busy summer season.

(Logo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100127/IBTLOGO )

"The last thing we want is a strike, but Heidelberg management just continues to back our members into a corner," said Varney Richmond, President of Teamsters Local 957. The Local represents more than 100 delivery drivers and warehouse workers at Heidelberg's Dayton-area distribution center, which distributes Anheuser Busch products including Budweiser.

Heidelberg Distributing is the 16th-largest beer wholesaler in the United States with sales of $206 million last year, according to Beverage World. The protest comes after a busy week of informational hand billing at the Dayton Air Show and the launch of several "Tell Budweiser: Destroying Ohio Jobs is Tasteless" billboards in Dayton.

"Heidelberg is trying to walk away from its obligation to provide health care to retirees and force employees to accept a substandard contract compared to Coke, Pepsi and Miller distributors in the area," Richmond said. "Our members have shown a willingness to take on cost-saving measures when management has pointed to legitimate issues. However, in this case the company cannot justify its changes."

The escalating conflict at the Dayton facility could extend to other collective bargaining agreements that cover more than 300 Heidelberg employees at four Ohio distribution centers, creating the possibility for a widespread labor dispute in Ohio.

"Despite enormous profits and sales, management is seeking drastic cuts from these workers," said Greg Nowak, Teamsters International Representative for the union's Beverage Conference. "If Heidelberg wants to wage war on workers, the company is going to have to answer to all of its employees and the communities that support its business."

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.4 million hardworking men and women in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Visit www.Teamster.org for more information.

SOURCE Teamsters Local 957