The Boston Beer Co has said it met its duty after a trade union filed unfair labour practice charges against the Samuel Adams brand owner in the US.
Trade union Teamsters Local 1199 made the accusation that the company is “refusing to bargain in good faith”, according to a statement. The union added that Boston Beer is stalling negotiations as new members are looking to receive “the same schedule of raises and working conditions that their co-workers already have”.
However, when contacted by Global Drinks Intel today, Boston beer said: “We held 16 bargaining sessions with the union over a several-month period that involved much back and forth.
“We’ve met with them whenever they requested to bargain, and we’re confident we’ve met our duty to bargain in good faith.”
Local 1199 president Randy Verst said: “Boston Beer Co is dragging its feet, and Teamsters won’t tolerate it. These workers are responsible for the success of these brands. This company owes them the simple respect of meeting for contract negotiations.”
Earlier this week, Boston Beer posted a positive sales performance in the fourth quarter, which resulted in its full-year sales edging up to 0.2% growth. The Q4 showing was credited primarily to the implementation of price increases, while on a volumes basis, positives for the Twisted Tea, Sun Cruiser and Hard Mountain Dew brands were offset by declines for its Truly hard seltzer flagship.
