Union Files Grievance Over GLCCD’s New Voice Pick System, Demands Engineers be Called in to Reassess Productivity Standards
Teamsters Local 727 was recently informed that Great Lakes Coca-Cola Distribution, Inc. has introduced a new voice pick system in the Company’s Alsip facility. The new pilot program for this system has added additional steps to the picking process making it more complex and time consuming. Additionally, Local 727 has learned that GLCCD has further complicated pickers’ work by adding new product and a new pick aisle to the warehouse.
In light of the major changes the introduction of this new technology has had on pickers’ workflow, Local 727 has filed a grievance against GLCCD demanding that an engineer be called in to reassess the Company’s productivity and efficiency standards.
“If GLCCD wants to make significant changes to their current picking process, then those changes must be accompanied by changes to the productivity and efficiency standards,” said John Coli, Jr., Secretary-Treasurer of Local 727. “Local 727 will not stand by while our members are held to unfair standards. We demand a professional engineer be hired to evaluate and determine new reasonable standards.”
According to Article 27 of the GLCDD collective bargaining agreement, Local 727 also has “the right to hire an engineer at any time… to examine and audit the efficiencies, productivity and accuracy standards.” Should an employer-hired engineer and a union-hired engineer disagree upon the reasonableness of the Company’s standards, a mutually agreed upon engineer will be jointly hired by the Company and Union to “make a final determination as to the appropriate efficiency, productivity, and accuracy standards.”
“Local 727 will consider all possible options and avenues of securing reasonable productivity and efficiency standards for our hardworking members,” added Coli.
The Union is currently awaiting a response from GLCCD. Local 727 will keep members informed of any updates regarding this grievance.
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.
