Keurig Dr Pepper Wastes More Money on Outside Counsel to Reject Union’s Request to Bargain

On February 6, Teamsters Local 727 wrote a third letter to the American Bottling Company, a Keurig Dr Pepper subsidiary, demanding the Company comply with the National Labor Relations Board’s recent Order and bargain with the Union over a first contract for Northlake salesmen.  Keurig Dr Pepper chose to hire an outside attorney in order to respond to the Union with a letter of its own rejecting the Union’s request.

“Keurig Dr Pepper has once again chosen to spend money on outside attorneys rather than their hardworking employees, all to write a letter that effectively states the Company is hoping to deprive its workers of their right to union representation,” said John Coli, Jr., Secretary-Treasurer of Local 727.  “The Company is only delaying the inevitable.  I urge Keurig Dr Pepper, cease wasting money stonewalling and begin listening to your employees.”

Since Northlake-based Sales Service Representatives (SSRs) and Account Managers (AMs) voted to join Local 727 in July 2019, the NLRB has not only certified the Union as the unit’s sole collective bargaining representative but has also sided with Local 727 repeatedly when Keurig Dr Pepper has attempted to object or overturn the Labor Board’s decisions.  Despite their long losing streak, Keurig Dr Pepper has once again attempted to avoid sitting down with the Union at the bargaining table by appealing the NLRB’s recent Summary Order.

Though the Company has attempted multiple times to deny their workers the right to union representation, Keurig Dr Pepper has suddenly begun switching salesmen’s schedules during weeks with a Union holiday.

“Management clearly sees the writing on the wall.  If they’re going to start following agreed upon union holiday procedures then they should cease denying their members their full union rights,” added Coli.

Secretary-Treasurer Coli responded to Keurig Dr Pepper’s outside attorney’s letter yesterday.

“As I am sure you also know, Keurig Dr Pepper’s appeal will almost certainly be denied as the law on this issue clearly supports the Union’s position, as further evidenced by the countless decisions in favor of the Union…” wrote Coli.  “The Company should be embarrassed and ashamed at its fruitless efforts which only delay the inevitable Union victory which is bound to come.”

Members with questions should contact Lead 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 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: BEVERAGE