Local 727, Reyes Reach Tentative Agreement on All Non-Economics, Trade Initial Economic Proposals

Teamsters Local 727 and Reyes/Great Lakes Coca-Cola drew ever closer to reaching a final tentative agreement by resolving all non-economic proposals during contract negotiations on Tuesday, Nov. 17.

Following joint resolution of non-economic issues on the table, the Local 727 Bargaining Committee and Reyes management shifted focus to economic proposals. Both sides traded initial economic offers for wages, benefits, holidays, vacations and sick time before the end-of-day on Tuesday.

The union and the company reached tentative agreement on all non-economics, including:
• Improved grievance procedure and just cause disciplinary protections for all, including part-timers
• Volunteer sheets for overtime and protection from unnecessary mandatory overtime postings
• Semi-annual bids for merchandisers in February and August
• The right of workers to not cross GLCCD picket lines sanctioned by Teamsters Joint Council 25
• $100 allowances per member for safety shoes
• Consecutive day workweeks for merchandisers
• Part-timers will get preference for full-time jobs before outsiders
• Preservation of weekly payroll
• Successful denial of many regressive proposals put forth by Reyes management

“Following extraordinarily productive negotiations today, the Local 727 Bargaining Committee is very optimistic that we’ll be able to finalize a complete tentative agreement to recommend to the membership soon,” said John T. Coli, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 727. “Throughout bargaining on non-economic issues, the union has kept its focus on securing rights and language our members can be proud of. Not only has the Bargaining Committee accomplished that, we’ve taken another big step to getting a contract that’s stronger than any other agreement Reyes’ workers have ever had before.”

After the union distributed its economic proposals, rank-and-file members of the Bargaining Committee spoke personally and passionately about the need for and the effects of equitable economic increases.

“The members at Reyes give our blood, sweat and tears to the company,” said member Bernard Choice. “We’re looking for raises that recognize that.”

“The kind of increases that members want will really foster the team atmosphere we’re looking for at Reyes. It’ll mean fewer call-offs and be better for everyone involved,” added member Michelle Grych.

As negotiations progressed on Tuesday, Local 727 representatives and supporters from the statewide affiliates of Joint Council 25 rallied with Reyes members in Niles and Alsip. Many members wore their red Teamster T-shirts to work and joined together with other Teamsters outside for refreshments.

Reyes bargaining will resume on Thursday, Nov. 19.

If anyone has questions, contact Aisha Hurston at (847) 696-7500 or [email protected].

Category: BEVERAGE, Union News