A strike by delivery drivers at Manhattan Beer and Beverage Distributors has disrupted the region’s largest beer distributor for a second consecutive day on Wednesday, causing significant supply shortages at local stores, bars, and restaurants.
The strike involves unionized drivers who have walked off the job at Manhattan Beer’s depots across multiple locations, including Rockland and Suffolk counties, Queens, and the Bronx. The dispute centers around pension benefits and other unresolved issues.
The 600 striking drivers are responsible for delivering a wide variety of products to over 15,000 businesses across the five boroughs and 10 suburban counties in New York. With no deliveries since the strike began, local businesses are already feeling the pinch.
At Spectators Sports Pub in New Rochelle, co-owners Gary Torigian and Steve Morris expressed concerns over dwindling supplies, particularly as the weekend approaches. “We’re running out of product,” said Torigian. “It’s definitely a pain in the side right now. We really hope they can settle this quickly,” added Morris.
Beverage Mart in Eastchester is facing similar challenges. Manager Sal Hernandez noted that popular brands like Coors Light, Heineken, and Miller Lite are already in short supply after only two days of no deliveries. “We placed our orders, and they didn’t show up,” he said. “We’re already starting to feel it.”
As the Cinco de Mayo holiday approaches, concerns are growing about having enough beer to meet demand, with some businesses considering alternatives.
While larger distributors like Manhattan Beer are at a standstill, smaller competitors such as Oak Beverage are still fulfilling orders, gaining a competitive edge during the disruption.
In response, Manhattan Beer issued a letter to its customers, outlining a contingency plan and efforts to resolve the strike. The distributor also emphasized that it had presented a favorable new contract proposal to the union and urged them to put the offer to a vote in hopes of reaching an agreement soon.
You Might Be Interested In:
