Local 727 and Dr Pepper Make Slow Progress on Day 2 of Negotiations
Bargaining over a new Inside Dr Pepper collective bargaining agreement progressed slowly today as the Teamsters Local 727 bargaining committee and representatives of the American Bottling Company met for a second day of negotiations.
The Local 727 bargaining committee kicked off today’s bargaining session by impressing upon Dr Pepper representatives the urgency of members’ concerns regarding current scheduling procedures and resubmitted its proposal to incorporate cross-training language—language which might alleviate some scheduling concerns—into the new contract. While the parties have yet to reach any concrete agreements on modifications to these procedures, Dr Pepper did acknowledge the need to revisit and discuss the cross-training language at greater length. Additionally, the Union bargaining committee talked at great length about the challenges that unreasonable efficiency standards place on pickers in the sales warehouse.
Local 727 also continued to stand firm on its demand for a 3-year contract term, which would align negotiations for the next Inside and Outside CBAs. Likewise, the Union bargaining committee refused to cede ground on its picket/strike line proposal which would allow members to honor any strike/picket line approved by Teamsters Joint Council 25, including strike lines of employees covered by the Outside Dr Pepper contract.
While the parties were able to reach tentative agreements on some minor contract language today, the majority of issues, including all economic proposals, remain to be discussed. The Union’s information request is also outstanding.
“We made some minor progress on the path to an agreement today,” said John Coli, Jr., Secretary-Treasurer of Local 727, “however, now is not the time to grow complacent. We must remain outspoken in our solidarity and continue to present a united front.”
“The Company’s unreasonable proposals are, frankly, unjustifiable. But only through standing together will we have the power to overcome them,” added Coli. “The bargaining committee will continue to fight and, together, we will secure a fair contract.”
The current inside CBA, which covers all Dr Pepper production, maintenance, sanitation, warehouse, and vending service employees, is set to expire on April 30, 2019.
The parties are currently scheduled to resume negotiations on Monday, March 18th.
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
