More Progress Made in Pepsi Negotiations; Subcommittee’s Work Results in Tentative Agreements
The Teamsters Local 727 Bargaining Committee and Pepsi management continued to make progress during contract negotiations on April 20, reaching tentative agreements on key issues such as rest periods, personal cell phone use and weekly guarantees.
“I’m pleased with the movement we’re making so far,” said John T. Coli, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 727. “It’s a slow process, but we are heading in the right direction.”
Following the April 18 negotiation meeting, a subcommittee of Bargaining Committee members, union representatives and Pepsi management met long into the night to continue working on proposed language for a unified contract. The subcommittee is working to clean up language as both sides move toward merging four existing contracts into one.
“Because of the subcommittee, whatever miscommunication there was, it has been resolved, and we’re seeing progress,” said MEM steward Phil Lewandowski, a Bargaining Committee member. “We have four corners of the puzzle, now we just need to fill in the middle.”
As a result of the subcommittee’s hard work, the union and Pepsi were able to agree to unified contract language on the following provisions, which will apply to all members:
DOWNLOAD APRIL 20 TENTATIVE AGREEMENTS
(NOTE: All economic portions of the language are still open for bargaining as well as other non-economic clauses where noted.)
- Weekly guarantee
- Holiday pay eligibility
- Birthday leave
- Jury pay
- Medical leaves
- Cash sales and charge accounts
“Creating one contract with the clearest, most concise language is tedious, but it’s going to pay off for years and years to come,” Coli said. “Every change we make is another step toward rebuilding a stronger contract.”
Additionally, the Local 727 Bargaining Committee — which also includes members and representatives of Teamsters Local 673 — and Pepsi management reached agreements on:
- Rest periods and overtime: Overtime rest period provisions also will apply to longer scheduled shifts.
- Cell phones: No employee shall be required to use his/her personal telephone for work-related business
The subcommittee met again April 20 after negotiations ended to continue working on proposed language for a unified contract while specifically addressing the hours of work clause.
Negotiations are scheduled to resume Friday, April 22, with the last meeting date set for Thursday, April 28 — the day the current contract expires.
“We still have work to do, but this local union is ready, willing and able to stand behind the membership, and we will support them no matter what,” Coli said.
Local 727 will continue to update members throughout the negotiation process. If you have questions, contact your Local 727 business representative:
• Vincent Blanco (35th, 51st, Elk Grove Village): (847)-696-7500 or [email protected]
• Mike DeGard (Kankakee): (847) 696-7500 or [email protected]
