Solidarity on the Line: The Breakthru Beverage Strikes

In this episode, Leslie speaks with Jeff Padellaro, Director of the Teamsters Brewery, Bakery, and Soft Drink Conference, about ongoing strikes involving Teamsters workers at Breakthru Beverage in Illinois and Missouri.Jeff has been a Teamster for nearly 40 years.He explains why drivers and warehouse workers walked off the job, accusing the company of unfair labor practices and attempting to weaken critical union protections — including workers’ rights to honor Teamsters picket lines. He discusses why those protections matter not just in these disputes, but for the broader strength and solidarity of organized labor.The conversation also examines the challenges facing newly organized workers in St. Louis who are fighting for a fair first contract, as well as what the union describes as bad-faith bargaining tactics by management.Throughout the interview, Jeff reflects on nearly four decades as a Teamster and discusses the growing willingness of workers across the country to stand together and push back against corporate pressure.It’s a candid conversation about labor rights, solidarity, and why these strikes matter far beyond one company.Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.3 million hardworking people in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. Visit Teamster.org for more information. Follow them on X @Teamsters and on Facebook at Facebook.com/Teamsters.