06/07/2026 15:30 - Economia
On July 6, 2026, the company Express Beer, a crucial third-party distributor for Cervecería y Maltería Quilmes (one of Argentina's largest beverage companies), announced its closure, leaving 220 workers without jobs. This decision triggered a strong reaction from the Truckers Union (Sindicato de Camioneros), which declared a state of alert and mobilization to protect the jobs.
The union, led by prominent Argentine labor leaders Hugo and Pablo Moyano, is demanding the proper payment of severance packages, as well as unpaid salaries and the mid-year bonus (known locally as 'aguinaldo'). Among the dismissed workers is Jerónimo Moyano (27 years old), Hugo Moyano's youngest son, who had served as the company's union delegate since 2023 and holds the position of Interior Union Secretary for the National Federation of Truck Drivers. The owner of Express Beer is Juan Aguilar, an executive of FAETYL, the sector's business chamber.
The closure of Express Beer reflects a challenging moment for the beverage industry in Argentina. After a sharp drop in consumption in 2024 and a slight 2% recovery in 2025, the sector is experiencing stagnation in 2026. Express Beer had a significant presence, operating in 10 provinces and 30 cities across the country, giving the layoffs national implications.
Other precedents in the sector include the closure of Beer Market in early 2026, which left more than 300 workers in a similar situation, highlighting the industry's need for adaptation.
In light of this situation, other distribution companies working with Quilmes products—such as On Line, Río de las Vueltas, Special Truck, Levon, and TDU—have expressed their solidarity with the affected workers. Negotiations are expected to progress positively to find solutions that benefit the involved families and maintain the stability of goods transportation.
Despite this complex scenario, the union has recently achieved significant victories. They recently signed an agreement with Coca-Cola and Quilmes that will benefit more than 2,500 workers in the Waters and Soft Drinks branch. This agreement includes attendance bonuses and the formalization of employees with up to 12 years of seniority, a long-standing union demand.
Furthermore, labor judge Herman Mendel ordered the suspension of certain articles of Law 27.802 (Labor Modernization Law) that affected the so-called 'union fund' (caja sindical). This ruling protects valuable benefits for workers, such as burial insurance, widow subsidies, health coverage, and professional training programs.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
