Teamsters at Coke Bargain for a Fair Contract

April 20, 2010: Negotiations between the multi-Union coalition of Teamsters Locals and Coke are now well underway. As of April 20, the parties had met five times, with bargaining sessions taking place on April 8, April 13-15, and April 19-20. Bargaining has been has been delayed somewhat due to the company's postponement of dates that were originally scheduled for late January.

In these early sessions, the parties were able to achieve some tentative agreements with respect to non-economic contract language. From the Union’s perspective, one of the key language issues at the table has been the need to preserve bargaining unit work.

All of the discussions thus far have involved language issues. To date, no economic proposals have been discussed.

Union bargaining with Coke is being led by Teamsters Local 117 Secretary-Treasurer, Tracey A. Thompson. Your Bargaining Committee consists of ten rank-and- file members: Erik Wolff (38), Blaine Parks (117), John Beck (117), Joey Mulcahy (117), Russ Kelley (117), Dan Dillon (117), JR Noa (174), Kelly Baldwin (174), Steve Collier (174), and Luke Vaule (174).

Upcoming bargaining with Coke is tentatively scheduled for May 25-27, June 1-4 and for the week of June 7, if needed. Bargaining is also ongoing between the multi-Union coalition of Teamsters Locals and both Pepsi and Safeway beverage.

In order to achieve our goals in bargaining, it’s important that we stand united on the shop floor and support our brothers and sisters at the table. Keep an eye out for ongoing bargaining updates and check in with your Local Union’s website for more information.

Together we can win a fair contract!