Teamsters Local 322 Stands with Stone Brewing Workers in Richmond

Press Contact: Matt Maciejczak (804)321-0356; communications@teamsterslocal322.org

RICHMOND, VA—Teamsters Local 322 has been working closely with the workers at Stone Brewing in Richmond as they advance their efforts to unionize. These dedicated employees, who are essential to the success of one of Virginia’s most popular breweries, are standing together to demand fair wages, better working conditions, and a stronger voice on the job.

Stone Brewing, a prominent name in Richmond’s craft beer scene, has become a staple for both locals and tourists. However, despite the brewery’s success, many workers have faced challenges such as unpredictable schedules, inadequate pay, and job insecurity. The push for unionization at Stone Brewing Richmond is a direct response to these issues, as workers seek to secure a more stable and equitable future.

The union organizing drive at Stone Brewing Richmond has already gained significant traction, with many employees eager to see improvements such as higher wages that keep pace with the cost of living, more predictable work schedules, and enhanced safety measures. In a significant step forward, an overwhelming majority of workers have shown their support for unionizing by participating in the organizing efforts. This strong backing led to the filing of a petition for representation with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), marking a critical milestone in their journey toward securing collective bargaining rights and ensuring that their concerns are addressed.

Recently, in an attempt to address the growing unionization effort, Sapporo-Stone executives descended on Richmond for an ice cream social with the workers. However, many employees view these efforts as inadequate and dismissive of their real concerns. In the words of one worker, “the company has responded poorly” to the union drive. It’s clear that gestures like pizza parties and ice cream socials do not fix the deep-seated issues or the wrongdoings of corporations toward the employees who make their companies successful.

Teamsters Local 322, which represents workers across various industries in the region, has been instrumental in guiding the Stone Brewing employees through their unionization efforts. By joining forces with the Teamsters Local 322, these workers are on the path to transforming Stone Brewing into a unionized brewery in Richmond, VA. When the organizing drive is successful, the workers will have Teamsters Local 322 as their exclusive bargaining agent, ensuring they have a seat at the table when it comes to decisions that affect their livelihoods.

"Stone Brewing workers are the backbone of this brewery," said Brian Peyton, President of Teamsters Local 322. "They’ve helped make Stone Brewing Richmond a top destination in the craft beer world. It’s time they receive the respect, fair pay, and job security they deserve. We’ve been with them every step of the way as they work to unionize and achieve these essential rights."

Stone Brewing Richmond is more than just a brewery; it’s a vital part of the community and culture in Virginia’s capital city. By aligning with Teamsters Local 322, the workers at Stone Brewing are taking a stand not just for themselves, but for the future of the entire craft brewing industry in Virginia. Their efforts represent a commitment to ensuring that the values of fair treatment, respect, and equitable working conditions are upheld across the industry.

"We know that unionizing can be a challenge, but it’s a fight worth having," said Dwayne Johnson, Organizing Director of Teamsters Local 322. "When workers come together and demand change, they have the power to create a better workplace. We’re proud to continue supporting the Stone Brewing employees in Richmond and will do everything in our power to help them become a unionized brewery."

As the unionization effort progresses, Teamsters Local 322 encourages all Stone Brewing workers to learn more about the benefits of union representation. With the ongoing support of Teamsters Local 322, these employees are on the path to becoming a unionized brewery in Richmond, VA, ensuring that their voices are heard and that they receive the fair treatment they deserve.