Bar fight: Dispute between beverage distributor and union leads some Omaha bars to stop offering popular beers

Source: Flatwater Free Press

Since Feb. 2, unionized workers at the beverage distributor Premier-Midwest Beer & Beverage have been on strike after contract negotiations with the company stalled.

By Emma Croteau June 11

Rich Slobotski used to have Miller Lite, Pabst Blue Ribbon, Glacial Till Cider and Samuel Adams on tap at his Omaha bar. Now, he doesn’t sell any of them.

Thirsty customers at The Underwood Bar have frequently asked Slobotski when their favorite beers and ciders will be back behind the counter. But the bar is one of a handful of local spots that are purposefully choosing not to carry some of their biggest sellers.

The reason? They are supporting union workers who are on strike after the company they work for was bought out and the new owners demanded contract changes.

Since Feb. 2, unionized workers at the beverage distributor Premier-Midwest Beer & Beverage, previously known as Premier-Midwest Beverage, have been on strike after contract negotiations with the company stalled. Premier was bought three years ago by Texas-based Glazer’s Beer and Beverage, but the union contract did not come up for renewal until January of this year.


Striking Premier-Midwest Beer & Beverage workers walk the picket line on Monday outside the company's west Omaha distribution center. Photo by Lily Smith/Flatwater Free Press

Read more: https://flatwaterfreepress.org/bar-fight-dispute-between-beverage-distributor-and-union-leads-some-omaha-bars-to-stop-offering-popular-beers/