Tensions rising and negotiations falling flat as WV beer distributor strike enters fourth week

Source: West Virginia Watch

By: Caity Coyne
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June 3, 2026 5:55 am

Negotiations are stalling and tensions escalating as employees for The Beverage Market, in Charleston, West Virginia, are entering the fourth week of their strike.

The employees — nearly 50 drivers, warehouse workers and more who are all represented by Teamsters Local 175 — have been manning picket lines 24/7 since declaring the strike on May 12.

Luke Farley, secretary-treasurer for Teamsters Local 175, said Monday that after months of negotiations with the owners of The Beverage Market, the union now held little hope that a contract agreement that is satisfactory to all parties will be reached.

Negotiations restarted for the workers’ contracts on May 24.


Workers from The Beverage Market, who are represented by Teamsters Local 175, stand on the picket line outside the company’s facility near Sissonville. About 50 employees have been on strike since May 12 as they await a fair contract from the company’s owners. (Courtesy Teamsters Local 175)

Read more: https://westvirginiawatch.com/2026/06/03/tensions-rising-and-negotiations-falling-flat-as-wv-beer-distributor-strike-enters-fourth-week/