Even as a brutal heat wave rages on this week, the striking workers at St. Louis’ BreakThru Beverage show no sign of stopping.
The strike at one of St. Louis’ largest wholesale alcohol distributorships is nearing its ninth week, with more than 100 workers participating. A large inflatable Scabby the Rat and an assortment of lawn chairs and tents have become a regular sight in front of the company’s distribution center on Southwest Avenue. Workers are seeking to keep clauses in their contract that allow them to strike on their premises and honor picket lines. They say the company wants to take away those provisions in future contracts and allege unfair labor practices.
Striking workers come from two locals associated with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Local 688 and Local 600. Local 688 represents warehouse workers, while local 600, formed this past September, is representing the drivers, who are negotiating their first contract with the firm…