Virginia Beverage Workers Choose Teamsters Representation

(ELKTON, Va.) – Over 400 workers at the Molson Coors facility in the Shenandoah Valley have voted to join Teamsters Local 29. The packaging, warehouse, brewing, interplant distribution, utilities, and maintenance workers organized for increased wages, improved benefits, and a voice on the job.

“These workers remained determined and refused to let management’s union-busting tactics stand in the way of organizing,” said Jeff Padellaro, Director of the Teamsters Brewery, Bakery, and Soft Drink Conference. “We are proud to welcome these new members and we are ready to support them as they prepare to negotiate a fair first contract.”

“This vote is a proud moment for the workers at Molson Coors and the beginning of a positive new chapter,” said Jeff Vaughan, Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 29. “The members voted for structure, clear standards, and a seat at the table. Our goal is to negotiate a comprehensive contract that delivers for these members and their families.”

The workers overcame an aggressive union-busting campaign by Molson Coors. The company spread false information regarding status quo bargaining and purposefully conflated dues and DRIVE contributions in an effort to discourage workers from unionizing. Despite the campaign, workers remained united and voted to join the Teamsters.

“We are proud to have fought back against management’s efforts and successfully organize with the Teamsters,” said Cole Lam, a nine-year Molson Coors packaging bottle line tech and member of Local 29. “We’re excited about the opportunity to negotiate better health coverage and establish a defined roadmap for professional growth.” Teamsters Local 29 represents the hardworking and deserving men and women in the dairy, small package, warehouse, and freight trades in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. For more information, visit teamsters29.org.

(WASHINGTON) – A group of 110 workers at Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits in South Carolina have joined the Teamsters via the card check process.

The Class A drivers, Class B drivers, driver leads, non-CDL drivers, yard hostlers, warehouse associates, warehouse custodians, and warehouse associate leads will be represented by Local 509.

“These workers have seen what their brothers and sisters at Southern Glazer’s facilities across the country have gained through their Teamsters representation and knew they deserved the same,” said Jeff Padellaro, Director of the Teamsters Brewery, Bakery, and Soft Drink Conference. “We are ready to work with this group to negotiate a strong first contract that honors their hard work.”

With the addition of this facility, the Teamsters have organized over 5,000 Southern Glazer’s workers nationwide. Under the card check process, Southern Glazer’s workers in South Carolina chose Teamsters representation by signing authorization cards.

“This victory shows what’s possible when workers make their voices heard and show the power of standing together,” said Brian Clardy, President of Local 509. “We are proud to welcome these new members into our union and look forward to building a stronger future alongside them.”

“Management told us for years that we were the best from a production standpoint, but we never saw the real benefits from it,” said Lyrone Harrison, a warehouse worker and member of Local 509. “We were underpaid and taken advantage of, and something had to be done about it. We are proud to be Teamsters and are ready to fight for a better future.”

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.3 million hardworking people in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. Visit Teamster.org for more information. Follow us on X @Teamsters and on Facebook at Facebook.com/teamsters.