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11/1/2021
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Sen. Bell stands with Teamsters in strike against Johnson Brothers Distribution
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 STATE HOUSE – Sen. Samuel W. Bell (D-Dist. 5, Providence) recently stood in solidarity with striking Teamsters drivers against Johnson Brothers Distribution, a beer, wine and spirits distributor in North Kingstown. The union drivers have been on strike since May 26.
Johnson Brothers is the exclusive distributer of Gallo Wines products in Rhode Island.
“This is another classic example of corporate greed exploiting the hard work and dedication of their employees who want nothing more than to provide for their families with living wages and fair benefits. The unfair business practices and bad faith negotiating utilized by Johnson Brothers is simply unacceptable and I urge the residents of Rhode Island to stand up against this bullying behavior by boycotting Gallo Wines products. Simply put, the costs being forced upon these workers is too high a price to pay for wine,” said Senator Bell.
The striking workers, who are members of Teamsters Local 251, say the company has refused to negotiate in good faith since their vote to unionize in September 2020. The Teamsters have filed 25 unfair labor practice charges with the National Labor Relations Board, saying Johnson Brothers has violated the National Labor Relations Act by bargaining in bad faith and committing discrimination and other illegal acts. The company reportedly terminated the workers’ health care when the strike began, in the midst of a global pandemic.
For more information, contact:
Andrew Caruolo, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401)222-6124
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