Local 727 Successful in Dismissing Temporary Restraining Order, Dr Pepper Remains Bitter After Union ULP Strike Victory
Teamsters Local 727 obtained yet another victory earlier today over the American Bottling Company, a subsidiary of Keurig Dr Pepper Inc., when the outstanding Temporary Restraining Order and injunction lawsuit against the Union were dismissed with prejudice over the Company’s objections.
Still bitter from Local 727’s victories throughout the Unfair Labor Practice strike, the Company has delayed in fulfilling its obligations under the return-to-work agreement, including in the withdrawal of the TRO and injunction lawsuit. A Cook County Circuit Court judge was not taken in by Dr Pepper’s procrastination and dismissed the case with prejudice, thereby definitively closing the issue.
In addition to withdrawing the TRO and lawsuit, Dr Pepper also agreed to inspect and clean all vehicles prior to drivers returning to work. On July 2nd when the more than 150 employees arrived prepared to work, they discovered filthy vehicles and inoperable trucks. The Company is over two weeks late in fulfilling this term of the agreement.
The agreement that returned ULP striking drivers to work earlier this month also stipulated the Company send a notice to employees stating its promise to obey federal Labor Law. According to the agreement, Dr Pepper is to pledge to respect the rights of employees and refrain from threatening, intimidating, or otherwise preventing employees from exercising those rights. Only today did that notice arrive, two-sentences long and unsigned.
Unlike Dr Pepper, Local 727 is meeting each of its own obligations under the return-to-work agreement in a prompt and timely manner.
“Dr Pepper’s stalling is a clear sign the Company remains bitter over the Union’s clear victory during the ULP strike,” said John Coli, Jr., Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 727. “Corporate management needs to brush off their bruised egos and begin acting like professionals.”
“Local 727 and Dr Pepper came to these agreements together,” added Secretary-Treasurer Coli. “We expect the Company to uphold its end of the bargain and fulfill its contractual obligations.”
Nothing in this article should be read as the union’s waiver of any legal argument, position or grievance. The union does not forfeit its right to make any and all supplemental arguments.
Category: BEVERAGE
