Machinists Strike Continues at Miller Brewery, Other Unions Show Support

MILWAUKEE, Wis (Civic Media) — Union members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) continued their strike today at Miller Brewing Co., demanding a fair labor agreement from Molson Coors Beverage Company.

About 40 union members began picketing Wednesday after rejecting the company’s final offer. The IAM said that the proposal “fails to keep up with inflation” and does not match wages of other trades at Molson Coors or benchmarks.

Support for the striking workers has emerged from various labor organizations. “The Wisconsin labor movement proudly stands in solidarity with our brothers and sisters of Machinists Union Local 66 and 510 on strike at Molson Coors Beverage Company for a fair and just contract,” said Stephanie Bloomingdale, President of the Wisconsin AFL-CIO. 

The National Air Traffic Controllers Association also expressed support, saying on social media that union solidarity is key to securing better conditions for all workers.

Molson Coors released a statement yesterday.  “We’ve made a competitive offer that exceeds local-market rates for similar unionized roles and we’re hopeful for a resolution that benefits everyone. In the meantime, we don’t expect an impact to the availability of our products at retail,” Molson Coors’ Chief Communications Officer Adam Collins said.

In Milwaukee’s Miller Valley, the strike hasn’t affected scheduled brewery tours or impeded traffic on State St.