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USA: Union workers responsible for shipping Miller beer from Milwaukee to Lincoln and to retailers in the Lincoln area went on strike Tuesday morning, December 28, but their boss said deliveries would continue, Lincoln Journal Star mentioned on December 29, 2004.

Milan Knezovich, owner of K&Z Distributing, 6301 N. 60th. St., said his management staff has taken over the routes. The National Labor Relations Board recognized the bargaining unit in June, said Teamsters Local 554 Vice President Danny Avelyn.

The union represents 23 employees in positions ranging from tap cleaners to delivery and over-the-road drivers, Avelyn said. Employees have been instructed not to talk to reporters, he said.

The strike comes after the sides could not agree on an initial contract for the workers, who seek job security and recognition of seniority, Avelyn said. Bill Harding, an attorney for K&Z, says contract language sought by the union doesn't fit management's idea of job security. The union has asked that a provision be put into the contract that says no employee will be terminated without just cause."The company doesn't disagree with the concept," Harding said, but rather chooses not to have that language in the Lincoln K&Z employees' contract.

While the length of the pact hasn't been finalized, Harding said, the sides have been talking about "something along the lines of a three-year agreement, which is common for any industry." Knezovich said K&Z has made an offer to the union and is still waiting for a response. He said the company plans to go ahead with a scheduled Jan. 10 meeting with the union and a federal mediator.

The mediator, Ron Morrison of Omaha, said he did not yet know what his role in the negotiations would be. Harding said K&Z is looking for a contract that's fair for both parties and calls for pay and benefits similar to that earned by other workers in the area doing similar jobs. "I'm surprised the union didn't address any economic issues," Harding said, adding that those are usually the most important ones. "Bill's entitled to his opinion," Avelyn said, declining further comment on economic topics discussed with the company.

The Lincoln K&Z plant ships beverages throughout the Lincoln and Crete areas, Avelyn said. Both sides last sat at the bargaining table Dec. 10. The strike was authorized earlier this month and was launched at 4 a.m. Tuesday. Avelyn said bargaining employees followed trucks to delivery locations and picketed at those sites.


29 December, 2004