Union Stands United with Soda Members in Light of Cook County Beverage Tax
On August 2, 2017, the Cook County Sweetened Beverage Tax Ordinance went into effect. As a result of this tax and the burden it places on businesses, hundreds of good paying jobs in Cook County are now at risk.
“Many of our members have 20 or 30 years of seniority at these bottling companies, servicing thousands of businesses,” said John Coli, Jr., Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 727. “You see them delivering at your local Jewel, your favorite restaurant or at Cubs and White Sox games. Despite this onerous new tax, we are committed to protecting the rights and benefits our hard-working soda industry members have earned and deserve.”
The Union has been standing up for beverage industry workers since 2015, when Local 727 welcomed 1,800 soft drink industry workers into the Union upon their transfer from Local 710. The Union also negotiated and secured strong contracts for hundreds of Coca-Cola and Pepsi members over the past year.
At present, Local 727 represents more than 3,000 beverage industry workers throughout Cook County. These include workers at Pepsi, Coca-Cola Refreshments, Great Lakes Coca-Cola Distribution, Dr. Pepper Snapple and Home Juice.
“The Union stood strongly opposed to the beverage tax but now that it’s the law in Cook County, we will do everything we can to protect our members’ livelihoods,” Coli said. “We want members to know that by continuing to consume your favorite soda, juice or sports drink you’re helping support your Local 727 union brothers and sisters.”
You also can show your support for repealing the tax by joining the Can the Tax coalition.
Category: BEVERAGE
