Dr Pepper Insults Union and Outrageously Refuses to Make Any Movement

At 2:09 p.m., after nearly a 2-hour caucus, Dr Pepper representatives called the Teamsters Local 727 bargaining committee back to the negotiating table and proceeded to read what appeared to be a prewritten statement that listed all of the alleged reasons why the Union’s 100% employer-fund health care, which includes 90-10 coverage, isn’t good for members.  Local 727 was quick to tell the Company that its claims were wildly inaccurate.  A Local 727 Benefit Funds representative will now be joining the parties’ next bargaining session on Friday, April 12, to provide a presentation on the Union’s health care proposal.

Outrageously, the Company then resubmitted all of its previous proposals from this morning with no changes.  Local 727 explained that it would not negotiate against itself and ended today’s collective bargaining session shortly thereafter.

“We demand Dr Pepper cease the insulting proposals and unprofessional waste of time, and begin bargaining in good faith,” said John Coli, Jr., Secretary-Treasurer of Local 727.  “If Dr Pepper wants to reach an agreement any time soon they must return to the bargaining table prepared to listen to their employees’ concerns.”

Moments after today’s bargaining session ended, Local 727 filed an unfair labor practice charge over Dr Pepper’s unilateral changes to health care which the Union was informed of today.  The charge is now pending with Region 13 of the National Labor Relations Board.

Members with questions should contact Business Representative Caleen Carter-Patton at (847) 696-7500 or [email protected].

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