DS Services of America d/b/a Hinckley Springs Abruptly Announces Future Closure of Harlem Chicago Facility and Hides From Union
Yesterday evening legal representatives for the newly merged Primo Brands (the parent company of DS Services of America Inc. d/b/a Hinckley Springs) sent an email and letter to Teamsters Local 727 informing the Union of their intention to close the sole remaining union production facility at 6055 South Harlem Avenue in Chicago. The email came from the union busting firm of Jackson Lewis and followed an earlier email that day from Bryce Bernards, the newly promoted Vice President & Associate General Counsel for Primo Brands, Inc. According to his letter, the closure is “presently scheduled” for the week of May 12, 2025, and water production will be “undertaken at another operation of BlueTriton Brands, Inc.”
Upon notice of this, representatives from Local 727 immediately responded and demanded to bargain. The Union also reminded the Company of the Union’s long outstanding demand to bargain over any material changes, and have notice of the same, stemming from the BlueTriton merger. Previously, Company representatives maintained numerous times in writing that there would be no material changes resulting from the merger but the recent unlawful RSR Sams Club changes, along with this closure announcement, proves otherwise.
In its responses to the announced closure, the Union also demanded to be present for any and all meetings the Company intended to hold with bargaining unit employees regarding the closure. In response, the Company refused to provide the Union with any dates and times for the scheduled meetings and instead unlawfully maintained that the Union was not “entitled to be present for the employee meetings.” The Union believes the recent actions of the Company are unlawful and will be filing unfair labor practice charges later today.
If you are asked to attend a meeting the Union recommends you take the following action:
- Confirm that the meeting is regarding the closure.
- Ask whether the Union was sent notice of the date and time of the meeting.
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• Ask if you will be disciplined if you refuse to attend the meeting without your Union representative present
- Demand to have your Business Agent, Nicholas Micaletti present for the meeting.
- Ask the Company if you can record the meeting.
“While disappointing, I cannot say I am surprised by the way DS is choosing to handle this given the retention of Jackson Lewis, a notoriously anti-union firm. Treating longtime employees like this and hiding from the Union is disgusting and DS should be ashamed of itself,” said John Coli, Jr., Secretary-Treasurer of Local 727. “The Union will fight and do everything in its power to ensure that these employees are taken care of per the Union contract and the law.”
The Union will update membership as the situation progresses.
Members with questions should reach out to Business Agent Nicholas Micaletti at (847) 696-7500.
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: Union News
