Security hired by owners of The Beverage Market recently injured a striking employee by throwing him to the ground, also knocking to the ground another employee’s mother, who was visiting the picket line. The Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the complaint.

“The Company acts as if these striking employees are just a bunch of thugs, but the only incident has come from The Beverage Market’s own security team,” said Steve Day, President, Local 175.

Members of Local 175 Demand A Fair Contract

(CHARLESTON, W. Va.) – A group of nearly 50 workers at the Beverage Market in Charleston W. Va., continue to strike over the company’s unfair labor practice (ULP). The drivers, helpers, and warehouse workers overwhelmingly authorized a strike earlier this month. The members of Teamsters Local 175 are fighting for a fair contract.

The parties resumed negotiations on Friday, May 22, 2026, but no real progress was made.  The Company continues to demand concessions and provide zero reasons for its punitive behavior; therefore, the members remain on strike.

A group of nearly 50 workers at the Beverage Market in Charleston W. Va., have been forced to strike over the company’s unfair labor practice (ULP). The drivers, helpers, and warehouse workers overwhelmingly authorized a strike earlier this month. The members of Teamsters Local 175 are fighting for a fair contract, and are on strike as of this afternoon.

“The Beverage Market has been playing games with our members, and they will no longer take it,” said Jeff Padellaro, Director of the Teamsters Brewery, Bakery, and Soft Drink Conference. “These workers make this company the success that it is and deserve a contract that honors their worth. We will continue to support this group and urge the Beverage Market to come to the table and negotiate a fair deal.”

Teamsters Local 175 launched a billboard campaign across several counties in West Virginia to publicize its dispute with The Beverage Market public. The billboards read “Tell Miller: Destroying West Virginia Jobs is Tasteless” (see below)

Additionally, members along with other volunteers will be distributing fliers at the Foam at the Dome event, of which The Beverage Market is one of the sponsors, today in Charleston.

Approximately 50 members of Teamster Local 175 employed by The Beverage Market voted unanimously today to reject the company’s concessionary proposals and authorize a strike. The Contract is currently expired.  

After weeks of bargaining, union members came to the table prepared to negotiate in good faith and reach a fair agreement. Instead, The Beverage Market wants the employees to accept concessions in just about every aspect of their job – including wages, insurance, and retirement.  These concessions are being requested despite specifically stating the business is not in financial hardship. 

Members of the media are invited to attend a critical meeting Sunday, when members of Teamsters Union Local 175 will vote on whether to accept or reject concessions demanded by The Beverage Market, a company that distributes brands such as Miller, Coors, Modelo, and Red Bull, among others.