Local 727 Continues to Make Slow but Steady Progress in Negotiations with Dr Pepper
Teamsters Local 727 and the American Bottling Company, a subsidiary of Keurig Dr Pepper, reconvened negotiations for a new successor Inside collective bargaining agreement earlier today. The day’s discussions centered on outstanding non-economic issues, including scheduling, cross-training opportunities, and the workweek.
Today, the Company spoke at length about how good business currently is, claiming repeatedly that “volume is up.” In order to seize on this booming economy, Dr Pepper has proposed production be expanded into Sundays. In turn, members of the Local 727 bargaining committee made it clear that, while pleased to hear their hard work is allowing the Company to flourish, they expect to be recognized for their contributions.
“Our members are the lifeblood of this soda giant. Without the hard work of these men and women, Dr Pepper wouldn’t be the profitable company it is today,” said John Coli, Jr., Secretary-Treasurer of Local 727. “After hearing how high volume currently is and how well Dr Pepper is doing overall, we expect the Company’s economic proposals will be in-line with this growth.”
As it did during the parties’ last bargaining session, the Union bargaining committee presented a united front today and held firm on its demands for a 3-year agreement and contract language that would allow workers to honor picket/strike lines.
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 will resume negotiations tomorrow, Tuesday, March 19th.
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
