Union Wins Strike Against the American Bottling Company, Drivers Returned to Work Today
For forty days, Teamsters Local 727 drivers employed by the American Bottling Company, a subsidiary of Dr Pepper Snapple Group, Inc. that is set to merge with Keurig Green Mountain, Inc. this month, have stood together in protest of the Company’s threats, attempts at intimidation, and unwillingness to bargain in good faith with the Union. After a twenty-hour mediation session last Thursday, the drivers’ solidarity and perseverance was rewarded when the Company acquiesced to the Union’s demands to treat employees with fairness and respect.
“I am extremely proud of our members for remaining united throughout this challenging negotiation process,” said John Coli, Jr., Secretary-Treasurer of Local 727. “When we stand as one, we cannot be ignored.”
Overwhelmingly ratified on Sunday, July 1, 2018, the new collective bargaining agreement for Dr Pepper drivers includes:
- An average wage increase of over 14% over the life of the agreement
- Reductions in tobacco premiums from the Company’s Last, Best, and Final Offer
- Elimination of the LBFO language which gave management the ability to unilaterally alter the healthcare plan
- An increase in paid sick days
- Nearly doubling the Pension
- Full retroactivity
“Thank you to all those in the community, our local representatives, and fellow Teamsters, that supported the Union in this long and hard-fought victory,” said Coli. “This new contract is a prime example of what can be accomplished when we stand together behind the Union.”
Nothing in this article should be read as the union’s waiver of any legal argument, position or grievance. The union does not forfeit its right to make any and all supplemental arguments.
Category: BEVERAGE
