USA: Union for workers at Brewing Co. requests bankruptcy judge

The union for workers at Pittsburgh Brewing Company want a federal bankruptcy judge to appoint a forensic accountant to examine the brewery's books. KDKA reported June 20.

The brewery, which makes Iron City Beer, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection late last year and is now seeking contract concessions as part of its reorganization plan.

The union signed a five-year contract with the brewery just last year, and union officials say the lack of financial information makes it hard for investors to decide whether to pump money into the brewery. Brewery officials say there are no problems with their financial records, they just don't want to make them public and say it costs too much money to provide investors with audited financial statements.

U.S. Bankruptcy Judge M. Bruce McCullough will hold a hearing July 18th on the union's request to have him appoint an accountant in the case.

20 June, 2006