GLCCD Makes No Movement, Ignores Outstanding Issues to Present Economic Offer
When Great Lakes Coca-Cola Distribution, Inc. representatives returned to the bargaining table this afternoon, they did so without any responses to Teamsters Local 727’s outstanding proposals. Instead, GLCCD, a subsidiary of Reyes Holdings, ignored the Union’s early morning efforts to advance non-economic negotiations and arrived with an insulting package economic offer that it made clear was all or nothing.
GLCCD’s meager economic offer proposed wage raises of 2% or lower for the vast majority of bargaining unit members. One group that would receive significant wage raises in the first year under the Company’s offer is the sales warehouse general laborers; however, the Company still has not yet responded to the Union’s concerns surrounding live-loading.
Additionally, GLCCD’s attempt to “fix” the mix mode issue with a meager raise would still leave drivers severely underpaid compared to their counterparts at competitor companies. Likewise, the Company made no attempt to address merchandisers transitioning to a daily rate, shift differential raises, training premiums, or any overtime proposals put forth by the Union on the first day of negotiations.
Also included as part of the Company’s take-it-or-leave-it economic offer was a promise to introduce a new PPO health care plan.
GLCCD representatives claimed this package proposal was a substantial offer, “not a low-ball offer,” and that starting at such a high point meant the Company had little wiggle room to make.
“If this is a good proposal, I’d hate to see their low-ball offer,” commented Local 727 bargaining unit member Carl Maxwell.
“If the Company continues to have the ability to alter health care plans whenever they want, these meager wage raises won’t mean much—GLCCD could chip away at workers’ wages by continuing to increase deductibles and premiums,” said John Coli, Jr., Secretary-Treasurer of Local 727. “This proposal makes it clear that GLCCD does not value the contributions of the employees who have made GLCCD the lucrative business it is today.”
The parties are scheduled to continue negotiations on Tuesday, April 9th.
Members with questions should contact Local 727 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.
