PEPSICO BEVERAGES NORTH AMERICA: THE GRINCH THAT STOLE CHRISTMAS
(CHICAGO)-Right before the holidays began, legal representation for PepsiCo Beverages North America[PEP] (PepsiCo) sent an email
to Teamsters Local 727 informing the Union of their unlawful intent to close the 51st Street facility effective immediately. This was at approximately the same time they were informing their employees at the 51st street facility – without Union representation and in violation of the WARN Act and National Labor Relations Act. Almost 1OO Teamster members were told they were laid off, effective immediately, and given trash bags to gather their belongings. PepsiCo management had police on the premises to escort members out of the building. Although no no notice was given to the Union or employees in advance, the Chicago Police Depa1tment was given notice of the closure approximately a week beforehand.
Teamsters Local 727 immediately sent a full and comprehensive infom1ation request and filed several unfair labor practice charges over the company’s unlawful closing of the facility. Additionally, over the last month, the Union has filed a WARN lawsuit and members have filed a class action lawsuit over violations of the Illinois Wage Payment Collection Act. The Union has asked Region 13of the Na1iom1l Labor Relations Board 10 expedite processing of, he charges which remain pending at the Region.
Twelve hours before the parties were scheduled to meet today, outside counsel for the company sent an untimely response to the Union’s information request – more than a month after the request was sent. Adding insult to injury, much of the information requested was still not provided. The company’s letter staled that they would provide information about things like volume and capacity – the reason they alleged they closed the facility- only if the Union agreed to an overly burdensome non-disclosure agreement which would prohibit the Union from providing the information to bargaining unit employees. Not only does the company want the Union, its officers, and staff to sign an NOA that would not allow the Union to publish or discuss the infom1ation provided, they also want members to sign the same.
“It’s clear that Pepsi has something to hide,” said John Coli, Teamsters Local 727 Sec-re1ary-Treasurer. “we have bargained dozens of agreements with Pepsi, including agreements over the creation and elimination of new classifications. Each and every time, the company has come prepared with graphs and data about volume, and never once has the Union been asked to sign an NDA. This is clearly retaliation for our Teamsters Local 727 members voting to strike in April and showing their Union strength. Chicago is a Union town. and l would encourage everyone 10 buy Dr Pepper or Coca Cola products this holiday season.”
Teamsters Local 727 represents nearly 10,000 hardworking men and women throughout the Chicago area.
Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represent 1.4 million hardworking men and women throughout the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico.
CONTACT: Caleen Carter-Patton
Nothing in this article should be read as the union’s waiver of any legal argument, position or grievance(s), or as a waiver of any rights, arguments, or defenses under any contract, collective bargaining agreement, or applicable law. The union does not forfeit its right to make any and all supplemental arguments.
Category: Pepsi, Union News
