3 days ago
Dozens of Breakthru Beverage truck drivers go on strike in Tampa and across the state
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Teamsters went on strike to protest what they said are unfair labor practices at Breakthru Beverage's in Tampa.
It's a part of a statewide work stoppage that will also impact the company's operations in places like Fort Myers, Orlando and Tallahassee.
From early Tuesday morning through the afternoon, workers were chanting that they are Teamsters and what they want is a fair contract.
'All they really want is a fair day's work for a fair day's pay,' said Brandon Sosnoff, with Teamsters Local 79.
'I've been a driver for the company for the past 10 years, and all they've done is just take stuff from us. That's all they've done in the past. Many, many years, and it's time for us to put a stop on it,' said Yuniel Sancillena, who has been a driver for a decade.
Everyone at the union is on strike to demand higher wages as well as better benefits and working conditions.
Those behind the wheel said they will protest until they get what they deserve.
'They're laughing at us, and we're going to continue out here, as long as it takes, as long as we've got to be out for, we're going to be out here fighting for what we deserve. Truck drivers deserve better than what they do to us,' Sancillena said.
Breakthru is one of the largest alcohol beverage wholesalers in the country, operating in 15 states and Canada.
When the drivers got to the negotiating table, they said they were left disappointed.
'The company dropped their last, best, and final offer on us. Essentially, it was just a wage cut. Not increasing health insurance, no retirement benefits. It was just a slap in the face to these drivers, and they said we've got to hit the streets,' Sosnoff said.
The drivers said if the strike continues, ramifications will be felt locally and throughout the state.
8 On Your Side's Alessandra Young asked those on strike what the worst-case scenario might be for consumers if the strike continues.
'This is definitely going to be a huge impact when it comes to customers and businesses, they are going to need the product. Obviously, they don't have the manpower to get the product out. Every single driver is going to be out here, no one is going in to move those trucks, unless we get a better contract, and they're going to feel it,' Sancillena said. 'It is going to have a huge impact, because they got a lot of trucks that have got to go out and a lot of products that have to go out and there are many customers that will be waiting on product.'
The drivers said they will be out on strike for as long as it takes for them to get the contract they want to see.
8 On Your Side reached out to Breakthru Beverage for a response.
'While we respect the rights of our associates, we are disappointed that our Northern Florida drivers, represented by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, have initiated a strike,' the company wrote in a statement.
'We have contingency plans in place to ensure minimal disruption to the business. We hope to reach a resolution soon and are committed to maintaining an open and transparent dialog with the union. We value all our hard-working associates and always strive to provide them with competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and a positive work environment,' Breakthru wrote.
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