Beer and wine strike: Workers at Esber Beverage in Canton strike over wages, healthcare

CANTON, Ohio - About 18 drivers and warehouse workers are on strike against Esber Beverage which distributes beer and wine in Canton area.

The striking workers are part of Teamsters Local 92 who deliver wine all over the state of Ohio. They also deliver Miller Lite beer products to many stores in Stark, Carroll and Tuscarawas counties.

The workers are striking over wages, pension and health care issues for a second day. They rejected a contract offer last October.

Dale Shaffer, recording secretary for Teamsters Local 92, said wages and health care plans are not up to beverage industry standards.

Shaffer said if the strike continues, consumers could see a shortage of some Miller Lite products in local stores around Thanksgiving.

"The stores are trying to get their display on the shelves. We want to get back to work to fill the shelves up. Right now, we know they do have customers coming to the (Esber) location to pick up their own beer instead of our drivers delivering it," Shaffer said.

However, union leaders were optimistic on Tuesday afternoon that that strike could be resolved within a few days.

Messages to the company have not been returned.