Union Demands Action as GLCCD Management Ignores Frigid, Unsafe Conditions in Niles Warehouse
Teamsters Local 727 has demanded Great Lakes Coca-Cola Distribution, Inc. take immediate action to remedy unsafe working conditions in the Company’s Niles warehouse.
Two weeks ago, a Union steward alerted GLCCD management to broken curtains that were causing frigid air to enter the warehouse. With the help of Local 727, the matter was quickly escalated to the attention of GLCCD’s human resources department. Despite ample time to repair the broken curtains, GLCCD failed to act and temperatures continued to plummet in the Niles warehouse, reaching 35 degrees on Friday.
Early this morning, a Union steward once again brought his concerns regarding the unsafe temperature in the warehouse to his immediate supervisor’s attention. Rather than taking steps to address the issue, the GLCCD supervisor instead questioned the steward’s clothing choice and insinuated it was the employee’s fault for not wearing more layers.
“Local 727 and a Union steward both immediately alerted GLCCD to the fact that temperatures were dangerously low. GLCCD management should be ashamed of themselves for not immediately remedying the issue,” said John Coli, Jr., Secretary-Treasurer of Local 727. “The company rakes in billions of dollars every year thanks to the hard work of its employees. It’s well past time some of that money be used to protect the health and ensure the safety of workers.”
Local 727 has filed, and is relentlessly pursuing, a grievance over the current unsafe working conditions inside the Niles warehouse. The Union will update members as the situation develops.
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 grievance(s), or as a waiver of any rights, arguments, or defenses under any contract, collective bargaining agreement, or applicable law. The union does not forfeit its right to make any and all supplemental arguments.
