Local 727 Steps in to Reimburse COBRA Costs Paid by Sick Families During ULP Strike

Teamsters Local 727 and representatives of the American Bottling Company, a subsidiary of Dr Pepper Snapple Group, Inc. that is set to merge with Keurig Green Mountain, Inc. this month, met for mediation last Thursday in the hopes of reaching a fair collective bargaining agreement and return to work agreement for more than 150 drivers who had been engaged in an Unfair Labor Practice Strike since May 22, 2018.

In the early hours of Friday morning, after more than twenty straight hours of mediation, the Company held up negotiations when it shockingly refused to reimburse the healthcare costs of approximately six employees who purchased COBRA coverage as a result of Dr Pepper’s refusal to pay for health insurance during the ULP strike.

In order to preserve the hard-fought agreements and support the Union members whose families desperately needed medical care during the ULP strike, Local 727 stepped up and agreed to reimburse all members who paid for COBRA coverage.

“Dr Pepper’s refusal to reimburse COBRA expenses for its employees was a terrible and heartless business decision that almost derailed negotiations entirely,” said John Coli, Jr., Secretary-Treasurer of Local 727. “These members were forced to the ULP strike line by Dr Pepper’s own actions and they shouldn’t be punished for having the bravery they exhibited. While Dr Pepper management behaves like sore losers, this Local is more than happy to do the right thing and help care for our members and their families,” added Coli. “The Union will always take care of its own and will not be deterred by greedy employers.”

Please note, any member who elected and paid for COBRA coverage must provide proof of payment to Local 727 Business Agent Caleen Carter-Patton in order to receive reimbursement.

Any member with additional questions can contact Caleen 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 grievance. The union does not forfeit its right to make any and all supplemental arguments.

Category: BEVERAGE