Union Requests Injunctive Relief Against Dr Pepper at NLRB

Teamsters Local 727 learned last weekend that the American Bottling Company, a Keurig Dr Pepper subsidiary, had allegedly begun using third-party non-union employees to transport, load, and unload Dr Pepper products from its Northlake production facility to a warehouse in Tinley Park.  On Monday, Local 727 confronted the company and filed an unfair labor practice charge with Region 13 of the National Labor Relation Board over this unilateral change and apparent retaliation.  To date, Dr Pepper has not denied these charges.

Yesterday, Local 727 requested that the NLRB pursue injunctive relief under 10(j) of the National Labor Relations Act to enjoin Dr Pepper from continuing its actions, which clearly violate the parties’ collective bargaining agreement and which the Union strongly believes violates federal labor law.  As a result of the Union’s request, the NLRB will expedite its investigation into the ULP charges.  Should the Labor Board find in the Union’s favor, Dr Pepper may be barred from using non-union workers to perform bargaining unit work and may be forced to halt its stock piling of products in Tinley Park.

Local 727 has also sent written notice to Dr Pepper informing the Company that its actions are a direct violation of the wage, pension, and dues articles of the Company’s two collective bargaining agreements.  The Union has demanded that Dr Pepper cease its actions and make whole all affected employees.  The Union also made clear that if the Company does not halt its actions and remedy this clear contract violation within 10 days, the CBA gives the Union “the right to strike and to picket, until such violations are corrected…”

“This Union will not stand for such a flagrant violation of the contract and federal law.  We see this as clear retaliation against Union members,” said John Coli, Jr., Secretary-Treasurer of Local 727.  “Playing games like this is no way to reach an agreement.”

Members with questions should contact 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 additional grievance. The union does not forfeit its right to make any and all supplemental arguments.

Category: BEVERAGE