Local 727 Stands in Solidarity with Local 991 as they Reconvene Negotiations Following a ULP Strike Against Coca-Cola
Teamsters Local 727 is proud to stand with our Teamster Brothers and Sisters of Local 991.
According to a recent statement released by Local 991 Secretary-Treasurer Jim Gookins, 275 members of Local 991 walked off the job on Thursday, August 9th to protest the behavior of their employer, Coca-Cola Bottling Company United, Inc., during negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement. Gookins emphasized that the Company’s continued bad faith bargaining forced the members of Local 991 to take a stand to protect their livelihoods.
After 11 days on the ULP strike line, Local 991 announced yesterday that members would be suspending the strike and returning to work while negotiations continue.
“Local 727 members understand the strength that comes from loyalty and unity. In our own recent fights against corporate greed, the support of our communities and fellow union members has been essential to our successes,” said John Coli, Jr., Secretary-Treasurer of Local 727. “Our Union is proud to support our Teamster Brothers and Sisters of Local 991 in their pursuit for fair treatment and respect.”
In December 2015, 319 Local 727-represented production, warehouse workers, and transport drivers employed by Coca-Cola Refreshments stood together for nearly a month to demand fair treatment from their employer. After 27 days on the ULP picket line, Local 727 succeeded in securing a CBA that provided members with an enhanced healthcare plan, annual wage increases, and improved retirement benefits.
More recently, Local 727 drivers working for the American Bottling Company, a subsidiary of Dr Pepper Snapple Group, Inc. that has merged with Keurig Green Mountain, Inc., won a 40-day ULP strike launched to protest the Company’s unfair labor practices. Together, with support from the community, local representatives, and fellow union members, Local 727’s solidarity and perseverance were rewarded when the Company agreed to a new CBA that nearly doubles the Pension, provides drivers with an unprecedented average wage increase of over 14% over the life of the agreement, and increases paid sick days.
“Local 727 knows firsthand the importance of standing united while fighting a major soda corporation for respect and fair treatment,” added Secretary-Treasurer Coli. “We are proud to stand with the members of Local 991 as they fight for their families and dignity.”
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: Union News
