Despite Coca-Cola’s Regressive Proposals, Union Works to Fix Overtime Issues in Negotiations

As Coca-Cola management continued to drag its feet, the Teamsters Local 727 Bargaining Committee worked to tackle major non-economic issues during contract negotiations on Wednesday, November 4.

The union revisited its proposal to clarify overtime assignments and ensure Coca-Cola effectively communicates with workers when posting mandatory overtime. The Teamsters’ proposal also establishes and guarantees 40-hour workweek schedules.

Company representatives returned to the bargaining table on Wednesday offering sluggish movement to existing regressive proposals. Management wants Teamster members to stomach fewer bidding rights, reduced vacation scheduling opportunities and work schedules that would extend straight-time requirements.

Local 727’s offer to narrow the focus during bargaining to reach agreement on non-economic issues like overtime was met with resistance from Coca-Cola.

“Resolving the overtime issue and other key non-economics would improve overall efficiency and reduce call-offs, but evidently Coca-Cola isn’t interested in such matters,” said John Coli Jr., President of Local 727. “Today, our Committee distributed a renewed and responsible proposal to fix a broken system for overtime assignments. Resolving these larger issues is critical to reaching an agreement soon. But in order to get there, we need Coca-Cola management to actually start doing their jobs.”

Coca-Cola previously rejected the union’s initial overtime proposals distributed on October 29. The Bargaining Committee is awaiting response regarding its latest offer.

Coca-Cola has failed to respond completely to any of the union’s reasonable requests for information. Additionally, management today suggested a new schedule for 48-hour workweeks, limiting overtime in favor of even longer straight-time. The union promptly rejected the offer.

On Tuesday, November 17, Coca-Cola members are strongly encouraged to wear their new red Local 727 shirts. Shirts are still currently being distributed. Anyone who hasn’t received a shirt by November 13 should contact Aisha Hurston at (847) 696-7500 or by email at [email protected].

Local 727 is now applying to the Teamsters International for strike assistance benefits. The union isn’t hesitating to make necessary preparations in the event Coca-Cola forces a strike. Bargaining will continue November 5.

Category: BEVERAGE, Union News