The union said in a news release that Heidelberg wants to do away with health care coverage for retirees and is forcing employees to accept a contract that’s “substandard” when compared with contracts with other beer and soft drink distributors.
The dispute could lead to a strike, the union also said. The statement did not address whether a strike was imminent.
Heidelberg Distributing delivers Anheuser-Busch, Samuel Adams, Stella Artois, Mike’s Hard Lemonade and other products, including wines, to retailers in the Dayton area. The company has about 200 Dayton employees.
Varney Richmond, president of Local 957, could not be reached for comment Monday morning. Messages were also left for Vail Miller Jr., chief executive of Heidelberg’s Anheuser-Busch division.
Heidelberg was founded in Dayton in 1938. The company has operations in Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Toledo, northern Kentucky and elsewhere. The company serves 14 counties in southwest Ohio.
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2390 or tgnau@DaytonDailyNews.com.
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