Local 727 Achieves Huge Win on Day One of Contract Negotiations with GLCCD

| February 21, 2019

The Teamsters Local 727 bargaining committee and representatives of Great Lakes Coca-Cola Distribution, Inc., a subsidiary of Reyes Holdings, have opened negotiations for new collective bargaining agreements covering inside and outside workers, as well as GLCCD employees currently working under the former Coca-Cola Refreshments contract.  Bargaining began today at the Oakbrook Hilton Resort as a result of GLCCD management’s refusal to conduct negotiations anywhere but a hotel.

Before negotiations for new successor agreements got under way, GLCCD presented a proposal that would resolve Local 727’s outstanding sick day grievances and unfair labor practice charges to the full Union bargaining committee.  Highlights of GLCCD’s proposal include: (1) a provision which would align the CCR attendance policy with the current GLCCD attendance policy; and (2) five paid sick days for all GLCCD employees.

A presentation of the full proposal will take place this Sunday, February 24th at 9 A.M. in the Local 727 Meeting Hall, located at 1300 W. Higgins Rd. in Park Ridge.  A vote will take place from 9:30 A.M. – 10:30 A.M. to determine whether the Union will accept GLCCD’s proposal.  Votes will be counted promptly at 10:30 A.M..  The Local 727 bargaining committee recommends you vote “YES” to accepting the proposal, pending GLCCD producing a finalized version of the attendance policy it is proposing will go into effect.

Following the Company’s presentation, the parties turned their attention to negotiating new inside and outside CBAs.

The Local 727 bargaining committee presented GLCCD with a complete and comprehensive contract proposal.  The Union’s proposal includes a single contract for all bargaining unit members, inclusion of GLCCD workers in the Teamsters Local 727 Health and Welfare Fund, fair scheduling procedures, and language that limits management’s ability to alter drivers’ routes.  Additionally, Local 727 presented the Company with a comprehensive information request.

Local 727 scored its first victory during today’s bargaining session when GLCCD agreed to the Union’s goal of one collective bargaining agreement for all bargaining unit members.

“While we have a lot of hard work ahead of us and many difficult topics left to cover, we had a huge win today.  With one contract and a unified bargaining unit, our Union will be stronger than ever before,” said John Coli, Jr., Secretary-Treasurer of Local 727.  “The Union bargaining committee is eager to return to negotiations and continue fighting for our members.  We look forward to maintaining this momentum and reaching a fair agreement in a timely manner.”

GLCCD also presented the bargaining committee with its own initial proposals for each CBA; however, the Company’s proposal did not touch upon economic conditions.

All proposals will be revisited and discussed when the parties reconvene negotiations on Monday, March 4th.

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.

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Category: BEVERAGE, Coca-Cola

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