Teamsters General Secretary-Treasurer Fred Zuckerman and workers from across the U.S. called on Molson Coors to negotiate a fair contract and end the ongoing strike in Fort Worth, Texas, at the brewing company’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) held today in Golden, Colorado.
“Molson Coors brags to shareholders about an ‘incredible year of growth’ but you know who make this company successful—the workers!” Zuckerman said. “We’re here today to remind them of that. We’re here to demand that Molson Coors delivers a fair contract for 420 Teamsters in Fort Worth.”
Members of Local 997 began their strike on February 17, due to the company’s failure to agree on an employee compensation plan that includes a fair share of the company’s profits. The workers are demanding pay raises, improved retirement benefits, and the maintenance of their health care.
Jeff Padellaro, Director of the Teamsters Brewery, Bakery, and Soft Drink Conference said, “Molson Coors is doing better than ever thanks to its frontline workers. In the last two years, the CEO-to-worker pay ratio exploded at the expense of hardworking Teamsters. We stand with Texas Teamsters in their fight for justice and won’t stop fighting until our members’ demands are met.”
Since the start of the strike, Molson Coors CEO Gavin D. Hattersley has earned $2.9 million. Additionally, the Coors family have collectively cleared over $100 million in dividends since the last contract agreement. The company, however, has offered workers a pay rise of only 99 cents an hour.
Before the AGM, Teamsters leaders and members rallied outside the headquarters in Golden, Colorado, to protest the company’s treatment of labor relations, and to insist that Molson Coors address workers’ grievances and come back to the negotiation table.
Richard “Kiki” Gonzales, a 15-year Molson Coors worker from Fort Worth, who attended the rally said, “Molson Coors’ actions speak volumes about their priorities. This company cares more about profits than the livelihoods of Texas workers and their families. Our hard work and dedication deserve respect! We deserve a fair deal from this company that reflects our worth in Fort Worth. Until then, my co-workers and I will continue to hold the strike line 24/7!”
Source: Press Release