TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) – Teamsters have continued their strike to protest what they say is an unfair work practice in Tampa’s breakthrough beverages.
This is part of a statewide work halt that also affects the company’s operations in locations such as Fort Myers, Orlando and Tallahassee.
From early Tuesday morning until afternoon, workers chanted that they were team stars and what they wanted was a fair deal.
“All they really want is fair day work for a fair day pay,” said Brandon Sosnov at Teamsters Local 79.
“I’ve been a company driver for the past 10 years, and all they’ve done is take things out from us. That’s all they’ve done in the past. For years, let’s stop it,” said Uniel Sansirena, a driver for 10 years.
Everyone in the union is on strike to demand higher wages, better benefits and working conditions.
People behind the wheel said they would protest until they got what they deserved.
“They’re laughing at us, and we’re here. As long as we have to go out, we’re fighting for what we deserve. Truck drivers are better for us than they do,” Sansirena said.
Breakthrough is one of the nation’s largest alcoholic beverage wholesalers, operating in 15 states and Canada.
When the driver reached the negotiation table they said they were left disappointed.
“The company removed our last, best and final offer. Essentially, it was just a pay cut. There was no increase in health insurance, no retirement benefits. It was a face slap for these drivers.
Drivers said if the strike continues, the impact will be felt locally and statewide.
8 Alessandra Young on your side asked during the strike what the worst case scenario would be for the consumer if the strike continued.
“This will definitely have a big impact when it comes to customers and businesses. They need products. Obviously, they don’t have the talent to put out the products. All the drivers are out here and no one will move those trucks. “They get a lot of trucks they have to go out and a lot of products they have to go out and a lot of customers waiting for the product, so that’s going to have a big impact.”
The driver said they’ll go on strike as long as it takes them to get the contract they want to see.
8 At your side, you reached for a breakthrough drink for a reaction.
“We respect the rights of our associates, but we are disappointed that North Florida drivers, represented by the international teamstar brotherhood, have launched their strike,” the company wrote in a statement.
“We have a contingency plan to ensure minimal disruption in our business. We want to reach a resolution soon and commit to maintaining an open and transparent dialogue with our unions. We value all our hardworking peers and strive to provide competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits and a positive work environment.
