New York City, April 15, 2025 — A strike by approximately 600 beer delivery workers has disrupted supplies across New York City and its suburbs, leaving thousands of bars, restaurants, and retail outlets without their usual shipments of popular brands. The workers, employed by Manhattan Beer & Beverage Distributors (MBBD), walked off the job on Tuesday after their contract expired at midnight. The strike centers on disputes over pension plans and working conditions.
The striking employees, represented by the Laundry, Distribution, and Food Service Joint Board Workers United/SEIU (LDFS Union), initiated picket lines at MBBD facilities across the city, including the company’s headquarters in the Bronx and locations in Ridgewood, Queens, Wyandanch, and Suffern. The workers allege that MBBD engaged in unfair labor practices, including bypassing the union in attempts to shift employees from their current pension plan to a 401(k) plan.
“We have our voice, our union to talk for us. I don’t understand why they’re coming to us individually trying to do this divide and conquer tactic,” said George Perez, a union member involved in the strike.
The National Labor Relations Board is currently investigating the claims.
In addition to pension concerns, workers are demanding better conditions, including additional help on delivery trucks. The workers emphasize that their jobs, often carried out in harsh weather conditions, are physically demanding.
“Their job is not easy. Rain, snow, sleet—they are there. That is why they deserve to have something secure when they retire, not a 401(k), which fluctuates and may not even be there when they need it,” said Stanford Dempster, a union representative.
MBBD, one of the largest beer distributors in the region, delivers to thousands of bars and retail outlets, including being the exclusive distributor for popular beer brands such as Corona, Modelo, and Heineken. The strike comes at a particularly critical time, with Cinco de Mayo fast approaching, a time when demand for beer is typically high.
Jose Felipe, owner of New Rochelle Farms, a retail outlet that relies heavily on MBBD, expressed concern over the strike’s impact. “Manhattan Beer is one of our major suppliers, and this will hurt our business, especially with Modelo and Corona. We usually start stocking up for Cinco de Mayo next week, and now we’re stuck,” Felipe said.
Joe Gonzalez Jr., a striking delivery worker, voiced frustration with MBBD’s tactics. “We’ve helped this company grow. We deserve fair wages, real retirement security, and respect. This behavior is unacceptable,” Gonzalez said.
The company, led by president Simon Bergson, has disputed the union’s claims, arguing that the union bypassed a potential resolution by calling the strike before allowing its members to vote on a new contract offer.
“A small committee of union members decided to proceed with this strike without putting our offer to a vote. We’ve made a compelling offer after several weeks of negotiations,” Bergson said. “Our doors remain open, and we are working to resolve this quickly.”
Despite the company’s position, the strike has already resulted in halted deliveries, leaving businesses across the region facing potential shortages as they prepare for one of their busiest seasons of the year.
The outcome of the labor dispute remains uncertain as both sides continue negotiations. Meanwhile, bars, restaurants, and retailers are left to grapple with the immediate consequences of the strike.
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