Union Continues Fight Against Coca-Cola’s Unjust Health Insurance Costs
Local 727 Filing Case for Arbitration Because Company Violated Contract
Teamsters Local 727 is taking its fight against Coca-Cola Refreshments to the next level because the company refuses to admit wrongdoing after charging employees higher insurance premiums than those explicitly set forth in the new collective bargaining agreement.
During a grievance hearing with Coca-Cola Refreshments management on March 30, the company maintained its position that it was not in violation of the collective bargaining agreement. The union is filing the case for arbitration.
“We spent countless hours discussing health insurance during contract negotiations as it was one of the most important issues for our members,” said John Coli Jr., President of Local 727. “Management’s blatant disregard for the contract is also a blatant disregard for its employees.”
The union is demanding that the company pay for any difference in employee premiums above the contractually agreed upon rates.
After initial confusion over health insurance, the deadline for benefits enrollment was extended until March 29. Further investigation from the union revealed that Coca-Cola Refreshments was violating Article 22 of the collective bargaining agreement, which sets employee health insurance contribution rates for 2016.
Most members at Coca-Cola Refreshments’ Alsip facility have already been charged a higher premium, and many of them had enrolled for health insurance over the phone and were never informed of the difference in cost.
“Our members were shocked and upset to see higher bills and charges than what are plainly stated in the CBA,” Coli said. “The company’s actions are deplorable, and the union will continue fighting until justice is served.”
Coca-Cola members who have questions can contact Local 727 business representative Vincent Blanco at (847) 696-7500 or [email protected].
Teamsters Local 727 represents nearly 10,000 hardworking men and women throughout the Greater Chicago area, including 319 Coca-Cola Refreshments workers in Niles and Alsip.
Nothing in this article should be read as the union’s waiver of any legal argument, position or additional grievance. The union does not forfeit its right to make any and all supplemental arguments.
Category: BEVERAGE
