On Wednesday, Teamsters announced that members in Florida won their strike, officially ratifying a first contract for higher wages and union protections.
FLORIDA, USA — Exactly 400 days of holding the line with strikes across the state, Teamsters union members in Florida have secured their first contract with Breakthru Beverage.
On Wednesday, Teamsters announced that its members in Florida won their strike, officially ratifying a first contract it says will protect and reward drivers.
Breakthru Beverage Group describes itself as a leading North American wholesaler of wine, spirits, and other beverages, employing more than 10,000 people. In Florida, its multiple distribution facilities employ over 160 Teamsters members, including in Jacksonville. They took to the lines after alleging unfair labor practices by the company.
One of Jacksonville’s Teamsters unions, Local 947, took part in the strike.
“This is a classic case of corporate bullying,” said Phil Valera, a Local 947 member and Breakthru driver, during the strike this summer. “Breakthru doesn’t want to reward employees in Florida with the benefits, retirement security, and wages we’ve rightfully earned. The time for drivers to stand strong against this company and its greed is now. We deserve better. We deserve a fair contract.”
The contract ratified Wednesday, according to teamsters, delivers large wage increases, improved paid leave, key union protections and a guaranteed 40-hour work week.
“Breakthru Beverage picked a fight with the wrong union,” said Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien. “For 400 days, these drivers stood on the line, every single day, and never once backed down. The company tried every dirty trick to divide our members, but they didn’t flinch. They didn’t give in. And today, they’ve won. Let this be a warning: if you try to test the resolve of Teamsters, you will always fail.”
First Coast News reached out to Breakthru Beverage Group for a statement on the deal, but has not yet heard back.
“Winning this strong Teamsters contract is about security, respect, and knowing our hard work truly matters,” said Yuniel Sancillena, a 10-year driver at Breakthru Beverage and member of Local 79. “This victory shows the power of standing together as one union. This is only the beginning!”
Jacksonville is home to two Teamsters unions: Local 512 and Local 947. Teamsters recently successfully negotiated to expedite air-conditioned truck roll-out for Florida UPS delivery drivers and a new collective bargaining agreement for delivery drivers with Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits.