Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Workers at The Beverage Market remain on the picket line nearly 100 days after going on strike, with union representatives saying little progress has been made toward reaching a new labor agreement.
Forty-nine employees have been on strike since May 12, seeking better pay, health care, retirement benefits and working conditions.
Union representatives said none of the striking employees have taken another job or crossed the picket line during the nearly three-month strike.
“Those employees are the union. Those members are the union,” Teamsters Local 175 treasurer, secretary and attorney Luke Farley said. “That’s what it is all about. They’ve made the decision to stand up against this corporate greed and not go backwards.”
Teamsters Local 175 president Steve Day said the union has made multiple attempts to negotiate with owners Theresa and Martin Johnson. According to Day, the owners have not personally attended negotiation meetings, which he said have involved attorneys or mediators.
“We’ve had a mediator twice, and they’re not backing off of anything,” Day said. “It’s become clear to us that they just don’t want an agreement.”
Attempts to reach The Beverage Market for comment have been unsuccessful.
Union representatives allege there have been confrontations involving people working at the business and those on the picket line. According to representatives, one striking worker was struck by a vehicle and another was shoved. The circumstances surrounding those incidents and whether any charges were filed could not immediately be independently verified.
Day said the incidents have added to tensions surrounding the strike.
“It’s just a constant state of disrespect for these employees,” he said.
Farley criticized the owners for what the union views as proposed concessions from workers and their absence from negotiations.
“For them to try to take from working people, it’s just gross,” Farley said. “To not even come to the table and explain why they need these things.”
The strike remains ongoing as workers and union representatives continue to seek an agreement with the company.
FULL STORY: wchstv.com/news/local/the-beverage-market-strike-nears-100-days-as-49-workers-seek-better-pay-and-benefits
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Workers at The Beverage Market remain on the picket line nearly 100 days after going on strike, with union representatives saying little progress has been made toward reaching a new labor agreement.
Forty-nine employees have been on strike since May 12, seeking better pay, health care, retirement benefits and working conditions.
Union representatives said none of the striking employees have taken another job or crossed the picket line during the nearly three-month strike.
“Those employees are the union. Those members are the union,” Teamsters Local 175 treasurer, secretary and attorney Luke Farley said. “That’s what it is all about. They’ve made the decision to stand up against this corporate greed and not go backwards.”
Teamsters Local 175 president Steve Day said the union has made multiple attempts to negotiate with owners Theresa and Martin Johnson. According to Day, the owners have not personally attended negotiation meetings, which he said have involved attorneys or mediators.
“We’ve had a mediator twice, and they’re not backing off of anything,” Day said. “It’s become clear to us that they just don’t want an agreement.”
Attempts to reach The Beverage Market for comment have been unsuccessful.
Union representatives allege there have been confrontations involving people working at the business and those on the picket line. According to representatives, one striking worker was struck by a vehicle and another was shoved. The circumstances surrounding those incidents and whether any charges were filed could not immediately be independently verified.
Day said the incidents have added to tensions surrounding the strike.
“It’s just a constant state of disrespect for these employees,” he said.
Farley criticized the owners for what the union views as proposed concessions from workers and their absence from negotiations.
“For them to try to take from working people, it’s just gross,” Farley said. “To not even come to the table and explain why they need these things.”
The strike remains ongoing as workers and union representatives continue to seek an agreement with the company.
FULL STORY: wchstv.com/news/local/the-beverage-market-strike-nears-100-days-as-49-workers-seek-better-pay-and-benefits
_________________________________________
Follow WCHS on social media:
Facebook: facebook.com/eyewitnessnewscharleston
Twitter: twitter.com/wchs8fox11
Instagram: instagram.com/wchs8fox11
For the latest local and national news, visit our website: wchstv.com
Sign up for our newsletter: wchstv.com/sign-up
