Teamsters Local 727 Achieves Protections Against “New Technology” for Outside Bargaining Unit Members
Shortly before the coronavirus pandemic began, Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP) management contacted the Union about Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs). The Company informed Union representatives that, with no notice to the Union, they had installed ELDs inside distribution members’ trucks. According to KDP management, ELDs are required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and record date, time, location, engine hours, vehicle miles, and identification information for the driver, authenticated user, vehicle, and motor carrier. Ordinarily, the Company would inform the Union of their intent to install and implement the new technology, and the Union would demand to bargain over the unilateral change.
Because Keurig Dr Pepper unilaterally and unlawfully implemented the new technology with no notice to the Union or opportunity to bargain, Union representatives immediately filed a grievance and sent a comprehensive information request to the Company. To settle the grievance, Keurig Dr Pepper agreed that the ELDs and any information it recorded would not be used to discipline bargaining unit members. The Union and Keurig Dr Pepper negotiated a “Letter of Agreement” that not only states that “the parties agree that the Company will not use, consider or rely upon the ELDs or information obtained from them to discipline bargaining unit members,” but goes on to say that if the Company wants to install any additional driver technology, they must first give notice to the Union and bargain with the Union before installation or implementation.
“I’m not a fan of KDP’s do now and ask for forgiveness later attitude, but I’m glad that the Company did the smart thing and agreed that the new technology will not be used for discipline. However, the bigger victory for our outside bargaining unit members is that they can’t pull a stunt like this again. If Keurig Dr Pepper wants to use any technology in our drivers’ trucks, they have to bargain with us first,” said John Coli Jr, Teamsters Local 727 Secretary-Treasurer. “The only thing KDP management should be worried about with our bargaining unit members right now is if they are safe, healthy, and happy. These members have continued to risk their health, and the health of their loved ones, to be of service to our communities in the Chicagoland area. While we are glad that KDP negotiated fairly over the ELDs, the same cannot be said for our first session over hazard pay. I hope KDP brings this same ‘let’s get stuff done’ attitude to the table for our next session, instead of overpriced attorneys.”
Members with questions should contact Business Representative Caleen Carter-Patton at (847) 696-7500 or [email protected].
Category: BEVERAGE
