Union Resubmits Proposals, Seeks Strong Comprehensive Agreement With Great Lakes Coca-Cola

Bargaining continued for a third day on Monday, November 2, as the Teamsters Local 727 Bargaining Committee resubmitted its non-economic proposals to Great Lake Coca-Cola Distribution management.

Although GLCCD representatives have not yet offered any substantive movement on initial proposals, the union is making significant organizational progress throughout negotiations. The company is proposing two separate, yet nearly identical agreements for Teamster route drivers and bulk drivers and for warehouse workers at facilities in Chicago and Alsip.

The union is recommending merging the bargaining units to negotiate one strong, fair contract for all members. On Monday, the Bargaining Committee analyzed company proposals and organized all outstanding provisions to maintain its focus on reaching a single agreement.

Based on input and communications with members, the Committee’s resubmitted proposals include:
• Removal of temporary employee classifications
• Daily bidding rights for drivers’ routes
• Daily overtime, time-and-a-half after 40 hours and double-time for Sundays and holidays
• Additional vacation time, holidays and sick days
• Expanded medical and bereavement leave

During negotiations on November 2, rank-and-file members of the Bargaining Committee spoke candidly about work conditions, scheduling and ongoing issues regarding voluntary and mandatory overtime.

“The Bargaining Committee stepped up to really challenge Great Lake Coca-Cola to make sure they respect overtime and Department of Transportation work rules,” said John T. Coli, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 727. “As we’ve resubmitted initial proposals, our dialogue with GLCCD management has improved. The company appears much more willing to listen to the union and consider our proposals, which means we’re one step closer to negotiating one agreement that honors the hard work our members perform daily.”

The Local 727 Bargaining Committee is composed of newly elected union stewards from each job classification, union officers and representatives and experienced attorneys. The Bargaining Committee is awaiting responses from management on current proposals and will soon be finalizing the union’s economic proposals for wages and benefits.

Six full days of negotiations remain. The Local 727 Bargaining Committee will return to the table on November 6. “The union is entirely optimistic that we will conclude bargaining with a strong contract to recommend to the membership,” Coli added.

Members should be on the lookout for new red Teamster T-shirts. If you have questions, or if you do not receive a shirt, contact your Local 727 business representative, Aisha Hurston, at (847) 696-7500 or [email protected]. Stay up-to-date on all of the latest union news online at TeamstersLocal727.org and sign up to receive weekly email blasts.

Category: BEVERAGE, Union News