Fort Worth Weekly Classifieds // April 10-16, 2024

Walking Brews

The local Teamsters striking at Molson Coors are still waiting for an equitable agreement.

STORY AND PHOTOS BY MADISON SIMMONS

From his spot in the picket line, John Thomas paused to take in his employer’s large space in his family’s history — and his psyche.

“When I was a small kid,” he said, “my dad worked here, starting in 1976. I remember being a kid and wanting to work here. Now, I don’t even want my kids to come here.”

A member of Teamsters Local 997, Thomas is one of hundreds of employees of Molson Coors fighting to keep their health insurance plan, equalize the pension program, and earn higher wages. The Teamsters’ strike against the brewing giant in South Fort Worth started on February 17, and the strikers say it won’t end until an agreement is reached.

In 2023, Molson Coors achieved six years’ worth of profit growth, and many employees are wondering when any of those monies will trickle down.

Thomas, a shipping clerk and lead administrator on the company’s emergency response team, has been a part of negotiations between the Teamsters and the corporation. The most recent round took place in two separate conference rooms at a nearby hotel. Negotiations stretched over two days. Molson Coors offered the Teamsters a nickel above the initial 99-cent hourly raise over the course of three years.

Thomas said, “They brought nothing to the table. We made them an offer and had to wait over 24 hours. It was disrespectful.”

In an email, Adam Collins, chief communications officer for Molson Coors, said, “We remain committed to reaching a fair agreement and have offered highly competitive wages and benefits off an already strong base.”

Several strikers said they did not feel the wages in their specialties reflected area market standards. Many also pointed to the recent contract that Anheuser-Busch agreed to after negotiations with its 5,000 Teamsters at plants across the country.

“We should get what they did,” said local Teamster Tommy Herr, adding that Molson Coors has “never shown us that level of respect.”

The AB contract includes wage increases of $8 an hour over five years, equal health-care coverage for all employees, and more vacation weeks.

Herr works as an electrician in the brewhouse and walked the picket line last Friday night. The Teamsters take six-hour shifts to

“Thanks to Miller,” the company before Molson Coors took over, “my family has gotten to see a nice life,” said 65-year-old Vincent Hernandez, who over the past 33 years has taken his family on vacations and put his kids through college on his salary. He plans to retire next year, after his wife turns 65. “I’m striking for the rights of the future. We have not really gained. We have lost. I’m all for [the strike], even though I’m about to be out.”

ensure people are covering the entrances and exits around the clock. They spend most of that time walking in front of each station, taking breaks to shelter and socialize under tents set with coolers and snacks.

On Sunday morning, Glenn Ashworth walked the loop in front of the northernmost entrance in a flame-orange Molson Coors long-sleeved shirt, leaning on a matching cane with every step. Ashworth does not use a cane at work or at home, he said, but the hours walking outside the brewery aggravate a hip replacement and recent muscle tear. The 64-year-old mechanic will retire next year. A self-described “workaholic,” Ashworth has considered the six-hour shifts on the picket line an introduction to retirement, but he feels eager to get back to his regular job: fixing machines.

“We’re going back in,” he said. “It’s going to be hell when we go back in. I’m sure half of [the pumps] are leaking by now.”

About a third of a mile south down the service road, another worker nearing retirement picketed, carrying a sign reading, “Don’t Drink Molson Coors.” Vincent Hernandez could have already settled into retirement, but the 65-year-old plans to wait until next year, as his 64-year-old wife uses his health insurance plan.

Working “16 hours a day nearly seven days a week” for 33 years allowed him to “get ahead,” he said. Newer employees are not as well compensated and will have to work more years than he has to earn the same benefits, he said. “I want them to have what I had.” l

In the past, 62-year-old electrician Jim Cox has been part of the hiring process and said that, by his estimation, Molson Coors does not have competitive enough pay to afford electricians with experience. He’s been with the company for 14 years.

“I’m just an average Joe trying to provide for my family,” said Mike Hernandez, who raises his four kids and 2-year-old granddaughter off his Molson Coors salary. He said he has enjoyed his seven years working the supply chain in the warehouse, but he claims the company continues to erode pay and benefits. As line captain, Hernandez spent last Friday night overseeing the Teamsters picketing at the entrances and exits of the Molson Coors facility in South Fort Worth.

slap

face. It was unbelievable. I

to them.”

Along with Mauqea King (right), Tommy Herr, who has been with Molson Coors for 15 years, recalled hearing about the brewer’s good reputation while working as an electrician at the Comanche Peak Nuclear Power Plant in the 1980s. “But every contract, [Molson Coors bosses] just reduce, reduce,” he said. King nodded. “Oh, man.” The most recent offer was “a

in the

thought we meant more

Erica Johnson took a break from cooking pork chops and mac ’n’ cheese for her fellow strikers on Sunday morning to say, “We shouldn’t still be out here.” It was Day 51. Johnson works in packaging and has been with the company for 17 years.

Last Friday night, Teamsters picketed in front of one of the entrances to the facility. They legally have 90 seconds to block the road before allowing vehicles to enter.

a decrease

“We have a good community and are a good team,” said Monica Hernandez of her job as a packaging operator on the bottle line at Molson Coors. She has worked for the company for 13 years.

“My opinion is we’re looking at company profit over company labor,” said Darren Maxey, who has worked in packaging at the company for a decade. “I’m anxious to get back inside.”

Roger Sheriff has spent five years driving a forklift at Molson Coors. Both his wife and his young son have had open-heart surgery. He said the new contract featured fewer health insurance benefits. “I worked real hard to get this job for this [health] insurance, and now they’re attempting to take it from us.”

continued on page 7

The Teamsters track the trucks coming to and from the facility and report

in activity compared to pre-strike operating conditions.

Blessing of the Vines - April 13 th 10:30AM - 11AM

New Vintage Wineries & Galleries Trail - April 13 th 11AM - 6PM

The Teamsters work in six-hour shifts to

clock.

Most of the 420 Teamsters members have spent nearly two months picketing outside of the facility. The strike began February 17, after the company offered a 99-cent hourly raise over the course of three years. Since then and after weeks of negotiation, the company has offered an additional 5-cent hourly raise.

John and Nadia Thomas have a combined 38 years working at Molson Coors. John has been part of the team negotiating a new contract with the company. “When people laugh and say we make enough money, well, they don’t see what we do for that money,” including 16-hour shifts with allegedly no air[-]conditioning during the summer and no heat in the winter.

continued on page 9

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(From left to right) Jacob Grafa, Nick Longworth, and Roger Sheriff have been with Molson Coors for about five years and described tough working conditions, from long hours to a lack of air[-]conditioning during the summer. All three are earning for their young families.

ensure picketers are at the facility around the

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Each month you’ll find something different—from performances, artist talks, and unique tours to art making, music, and films.

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Discover the riveting tales behind the renowned robberies, perplexing forgeries, and thrilling heists that have punctuated American art history.

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“It’s all out of whack,” said Roberto Hernandez, right, of benefits and pay at Molson Coors. “We are not appreciated for our skilled trade.” Hernandez has worked as a utilities technician for 11 years at the company. Craig Ringer agrees. “We can’t get people because [Molson Coors does not] pay enough, so we’re always short-staffed.” Ringer has worked as a Molson Coors electrician for 17 years.

Many Teamsters take issue with a tier system that Molson Coors introduced. Discrepancies in pay and vacation time between new hires and employees with seniority causes division among the staff, the strikers say.

Nick Longworth has worked at the company as a forklift operator for one year. He began as a temp worker and describes working 30-plus days without a day off. “The hell they make us go through just to get hired on. … I thought I was coming here to find the career I could retire on.”

Despite being one year away from retirement, 64-year-old Glenn Ashworth decided to strike with his co[-]workers. “I’m a second-generation Teamster, and you don’t break the picket line.”

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The International Brotherhood of Teamsters formed in 1903. Of the 420 members of the Teamsters Local 997 of the Fort Worth Molson Coors plant, the vast majority chose to strike rather than accept a new contract that initially featured a 99-cent hourly raise over three years.

The Amon Carter has three upcoming events worth exploring this week.

The best events in North Texas this week.

At 5pm, the Amon Carter Museum of American Art (3501 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, 817-738-1933) hosts an evening of cocktails, conversations, and live music. The theme of this month’s Second Thursdays at the Carter is Mysteries & Motives. Pick up your complimentary drink in the atrium and head to the Lounge to discuss famous forgeries, heists, and robberies throughout American art history 5pm-8pm. Seating for the talk is first come, first served. RSVP for free at CarterMuseum.com.

The Jazz Wine Train at Grapevine Vintage Railroad (705 S Main St, Grapevine, 817-410-3185) rides from 6pm to 9:30pm on three Fridays in April — today, the 19th, and 26th. Go for a leisurely ride while enjoying live jazz, assorted hors d’oeuvres, dessert, and a souvenir wine glass with tastings from six local vino purveyors. Tickets are $65 per person or $395 for a table of four at GVRR.com.

At 6:30pm at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden (3220 Botanic Garden Blvd, Fort Worth, 817-463-4160), local folk-pop singer-songwriter Simone Nicole performs at

After Hours in the Garden. Tickets are $25 at FWBG.org and include one adult beverage and light bites. For more info, visit SimoneNicole.com or Facebook.com/ SimoneNicoleMusic.

From 10am to 11:30am, families with children of all ages on the autism spectrum are invited to Sensory Explorations: Flowers at the Amon Carter Museum of American Art (3501 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, 817738-1933), where they will discover and make artwork. Then, on Thu, Apr 18, from

explore artwork and engage in hands-on art activities. Both events are free.

Today is also Open Streets, where Near Southside celebrates its community spirit with an all-day six-hour event. West Magnolia Avenue from 8th Avenue to Hemphill Street will be closed to cars and reopened for cyclists, dog walkers, face painters, skateboarders, and more to bike, dance, play, and socialize from noon to 6pm. There will be artisan markets, a roll zone (for bikes, boards, scooters, and skates), and a stroll zone (for children’s activities). This free family- and pet-friendly event even includes free parking at the garage at

WIN

A one hour beer or wine tasting event is a great compliment to your visit to Scarborough Renaissance Festival ! Each weekend has a different theme and variety of beer or wine. Book your tasting event today - before they sell out! (Tasting tickets are in addtion to admission tickets. Must be 21+ to participate or attend a tasting event).

Courtesy Amon Carter Museum of American Art

Families with children on the autism spectrum are invited to the Amon Carter for Sensory Explorations: Flowers on Saturday.

Courtesy Amon Carter Museum of American Art

Courtesy OpenStreetsFortWorth.org

CLASSIFIEDS

N&D continued from page 13

Later, One-Eyed Monsters perform at the Boiled Owl Tavern (909 W Magnolia Av, Fort Worth, 817-920-9616), with the Infamists and Cryowitch at 7:30pm. There is no cover.

The Wings Over Cowtown Air Show is at the Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base (1510 Chenault Av, Fort Worth, 817-377-3276). Gates open at 9am, the show starts at 11am, and then the Blue Angels close out the day with a performance 3pm-4pm. General admission and parking passes are free at WingsOverCowotown.com.

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Monday 15

I’m not trying to harsh your mellow, but don’t forget that today is #TaxDay. Don’t worry. United Way of Tarrant County is here to help if you need it. At its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance

(VITA) free tax centers, you can sit down with a certified volunteer who will help you review your documents, complete your tax forms, understand what you may owe — and ideally get the largest refund possible. You can also enroll in financial education and coaching or develop skills for the workforce. For info on who qualifies and where to go, visit UnitedWayTarrant.org/get-help/ tax-preparation.

Arlington Parks & Rec wants to add members to its #NaturallyFun team this summer. Today and Thursday, Apr 18, stop by the East Library & Recreation Center (1817 New York Av, Arlington, 817-275-1351) for a drop-in interview 4pm-6pm. To apply, you can also send a resume to Milly.Gomez@ArlingtonTX. gov or visit Forms.ArlingtonTX.gov/forms/ seasonalapplication.

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The Blue Angels headline the Wings Over Cowtown Air Show Sat-Sun. Courtesy U.S. Navy Blue Angels

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