Teamster Workers from Columbia Distributing Ratify Contract

A group of more than 300 Teamsters Local 174 members working at Columbia Distributing came together this past weekend to ratify a contract. The five-year agreement includes wage and pension increases along with medical benefits.

This contract settlement comes on the heels of a unanimous strike vote that left workers on the brink of a work stoppage. With the strike averted, the contract puts these drivers and warehouse workers among the highest paid in the beverage industry.

“This was a long and complicated negotiation,” said Chris Martin, shop steward and committee member. “Our members have been working nonstop since the pandemic started 15 months ago, and our membership wanted to be rewarded for that. The bargaining committee and membership would like to thank the company for rewarding that hard work.”