Workers from Teamsters Local 175 at The Beverage Market in Charleston, West Virginia, launched an unfair labor practice strike on May 12, 2026. 49 drivers, helpers, and warehouse staff are striking at the regional beer distributor for major brands like MillerCoors, Modelo, Corona, and Sam Adams, which serves roughly 30 counties and nearly 2,000 retail/hospitality accounts.

1. Massive proposed increases to healthcare costs (reported between 700% and 900%).

2. Significant cuts to retirement contributions and slashed paid time off (PTO).

Union accusations of "surface bargaining" and bad-faith negotiations by company ownership (Marty and Theresa Johnson), who union representatives note have introduced over 100 contract proposals while failing to attend federal mediation sessions personally.

The strike has lasted for over 19 weeks (spanning past 100+ days into September/October 2026). Not a single striking worker has crossed the picket line or quit.

To read more on the strike and follow two reporters as they spent a day in Charleston on the picket line and joined the workers in ambulatory picketing, follow the link below:

Local 175 Strike