Looks like beer could become a scarce commodity in the days ahead. No one's sounding the alarm just yet, but rumors abound of a Teamsters strike against some of the region’s biggest beer distributors. And it could come as soon Saturday, June 14.

Beer-truck delivery drivers, as well as warehouse workers and salespeople in the employ of distributors like Origlio Beverage, Muller, Inc., and Penn Beer Distributors, Inc., who are all represented by Local 830, are currently in labor limbo as the clock winds down on their current contract. It expires at midnight on June 14. A spokesperson for the union told Drink Philly that Dan Grace, Secretary Treasurer of Local 830, is currently negotiating a new contract and unavailable for comment. Should those talks break down though, a strike seems inevitable.

Multiple bar owners we spoke with said they’ve received letters warning of a possible work stoppage. Some said they were feeling a little uneasy, and worrying about dwindling inventories, while others told us they began stockpiling suds when they first heard a strike could be coming. None felt comfortable about talking about it on the record.

One non-union distributor rep we spoke with on condition of anonymity, because he was not authorized to speak to the media, said it was unlikely it would come down to a strike. “I think they'll get it worked out,” he told us. “There’s just too much money to lose if they don’t.”

UPDATE: Thankfully a major beer crisis was averted. Dan Grace, Secretary Treasurer of Local 830 told Drink Philly a contract was settled, and ratified on Sunday, June 15. “Everyone’s back in business for four more years,” he said.

Photo: Flickr user daquellamanera