Local 727 Pepsi Bargaining Committee Continues Preparations
The Teamsters Local 727 Pepsi Bargaining Committee came together again March 9 as preparations for the upcoming contract negotiations with Pepsi management continue.
The Local 727 Bargaining Committee — composed of newly-elected Pepsi stewards, union representatives and attorneys — spent the day going line-by-line through the union’s draft proposal, which is based on member demands gathered by the union during site visits and a demands meeting on Feb. 7.
The Pepsi stewards from each location had the opportunity to voice concerns and provide important feedback in order to arrive at a complete, comprehensive contract proposal that best reflects the membership’s wishes. This also is the first time that members from all four locations will be in the same room during contract negotiations.
“By having our members from each location come together, it helps to unify the membership and make this bargaining unit even stronger,” said John T. Coli, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 727. “If we want to be successful, we have to communicate openly and stand together with one voice — and that’s just what this Bargaining Committee will do.”
The Local 727 Bargaining Committee will meet again on March 17 to finalize bargaining preparations.
The Local 727 Bargaining Committee is scheduled to begin contract negotiations with Pepsi management on March 22, with additional meetings set for March 24, April 18, April 20, April 22 and April 28. The current contracts covering more than 600 workers at four locations expire at midnight on April 28.
Meet Your Business Representative: Vincent Blanco
Vincent Blanco began working as a business representative for Teamsters Local 727 in January 2016. Born in New Orleans and raised in San Diego, Vincent graduated from San Diego State University with bachelor’s degrees in political science and sociology. He earned his Juris Doctor from Loyola University-Chicago School of Law. Vincent has a scope of experience encompassing contract negotiations, arbitration and collective bargaining, and he previously worked for Procopio, Cory, Hargreaves & Savitch, one of California’s largest business law firms.
Vincent spent the last two months training with Local 727’s experienced representatives and attorneys. Starting March 14, he will be representing Pepsi, Coca-Cola Refreshments and Great Lakes Coca-Cola Distribution members.
Contact Vincent at (847) 696-7500 or [email protected].
Have You Signed Up for Email Updates?
Teamsters Local 727 will continue to provide timely updates throughout contract negotiations via email blasts and our website, TeamstersLocal727.org. To receive updates directly in your inbox, visit tinyurl.com/PepsiTeamsters or contact Communications Director Maggie Jenkins at [email protected].
Visit TeamstersLocal727.org to stay up-to-date on all of the latest union news.
