Machine repair workers conducted a strike outside the premises of Miller Brewing Co. in Milwaukee last Thursday after their union voted against a new contract advocated by Molson Coors, the parent company of Miller.
Approximately 40 members walked out from the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers. This happened following their rejection of a final offer that Molson Coors made relating to their new contract. The group was concerned about wage negotiations and certain alterations that the company proposed. Many workers believed that such changes could put their work-life balance at risk.
Expressing displeasure with the proposed changes, union chair Chris Mecha, himself a machine repairman, pointed out that the proposed modifications could make it difficult for workers to plan vacations. The new regulations proposed by Molson Coors allegedly encroach upon their vacation allotments by setting controls on preferred dates. This could render several periods ineligible for vacations in the eyes of mechanists.
It is important to note that Molson Coors had a workforce of 1,290 individuals operating in Wisconsin in 2020. Mecha highlighted that his team used to consist of over 40 individuals earlier; a number which has since shrunk by approximately half.
According to Mecha, retiring employees are not replaced by the company, leading to a significant reduction in the workforce. The remaining members have stepped up to ensure the smooth functioning of the company.
Mecha and the union hoped that the new contract could increase the hourly wages of workers and attract fresh talent. Besides being competitive with skilled job opportunities provided by other local companies like General Electric and Wisconsin Harley-Davidson, Teamsters and other unions showed support by providing water and sandwiches to the picketers.
The workers also voiced their discontent regarding the contract negotiation process. Many expressed the desire for a fair wage negotiation and wished for the relationship between the company and its workforce to return to its previously cordial state.
In the midst of this strike, company-wide meetings emphasized the importance of striking a healthy balance between work and personal life. However, the workers insisted that their group has been overlooked on matters related to work-life balance.
The company has also been seeking to hire contractors in order to keep the machines running in the absence of the striking mechanists. One worker, who was concerned that the new contract could force overtime and disrupt plans with his family, stated that he would continue to strike “as long as it takes.”
In an official statement, Molson Coors opined that their offer was competitive. Adam Collins, the chief communications officer for Molson Coors, stated that their offer exceeded local market rates for similar unionized roles. The company is hopeful for a resolution that benefits all parties.
Miller Brewing Co. has enjoyed a long-standing relationship with Milwaukee, having been a part of the city for over 160 years. Despite the controversy, it is clear that the operations of the company are of great importance to the local economy and the situation underscores the significance of dialogues between employers and employees to ensure a work environment that is conducive to both parties.
