Hassle might be brewing as beer supply drivers in NYC went on strike on April 15, 2025.
Photograph by Dean Moses
Beer supply drivers within the Bronx, Queens and upstate New York went on strike Tuesday in a labor deadlock that might go away New Yorkers thirsty.
Hassle might be brewing for 1000’s of suds-loving New Yorkers, eating places, and bars as a whole lot of unionized supply employees from Manhattan Beer and Beverage Distributors started picketing on April 15. Whereas demonstrations might be seen outdoors a number of areas throughout the state, the principle picket occurred outdoors the distributor’s headquarters at 955 East 149th St. in Hunts Level.
The employees say they’re hanging in protest of what they name unfair labor practices, including that the corporate has been violating federal labor regulation by trying to individually persuade them to permit them to choose out of their pension fund.
Photograph by Dean Moses 
Photograph by Dean Moses
“The company tried to take our pensions from us and we don’t want that; we want our pensions. You have many people here that they’ve been working hard for many years here, they deserve their pensions,” Matin Canturino informed New York News from the picket line. “The company has not been negotiating in good faith, because they’ve been talking with drivers here, you know, about things that they’re supposed to talk to us in negotiations.”
In keeping with staff, the corporate headquarters operates greater than 350 supply vehicles and greater than 1 million sq. ft of warehouse amenities with distribution rights to an estimated 300 manufacturers of beer and different drinks. Regardless of the massive variety of staff, employees say they’re working dangerously overworked situations.
Photograph by Dean Moses 
Photograph by Dean Moses 
Photograph by Dean Moses
“People who drink in the city, they don’t see what it takes to get that beer into the places that we do — a lot of unsafe conditions. Sometimes we go out with kegs that weigh about 160 pounds, and they want us to go out solo. We’re not complaining about the work, because we know what we are supposed to do, but when they try to send somebody without a helper, I feel like that’s not safe,” Manuel Maldonado mentioned. “People come here and they get hurt like it’s nothing.”
Employees marched on the sidewalk, chanting outdoors the power the place vehicles might be seen parked, unmoving. Holding indicators, they cheered and erupted with applause as passing drivers honked in assist.
Whereas passersby confirmed solidarity with the strikers’ trigger, not all New Yorkers could really feel the identical method when their alcoholic beverage of selection is just not delivered. Nonetheless, employees say they’re in it for the lengthy haul.
“We’re the backbone of Manhattan Beer and Beverage. We’ve helped it succeed. We deserve real retirement security, fair wages, and respect on the job. We’re angry that they have been trying to sidestep our union and our bargaining committee on the critical issue of our pensions,” Joe Gonzalez Jr. mentioned.
New York News reached out to Manhattan Beer and Beverage for remark, and is awaiting a response.
Photograph by Dean Moses 
Photograph by Dean Moses
