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Teamsters at Coca-Cola Ratify Contracts Covering 1,400 Workers
Coca-Cola workers in Southern California have ratified two contracts covering about 1,400 Teamsters that increase wages and pension benefits.
One contract covers bottling and warehouse workers represented by Local 896 in Los Angeles, and the second contract covers warehouse and truck drivers represented by Local 848 in Glendora, Local 952 in Orange and Local 986 in South El Monte.
“In addition to increasing wages and pension benefits during each year of the five-year contract, we were able to develop language with respect to engineered work standards, a productivity standard, which we believe will protect our members against unfairness,” said Patrick Kelly, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 952. “This language is important because this issue affects Coca-Cola workers across the country.”
Workers ratified the contracts on Sunday, April 26 after a long fight. About a month ago, workers overwhelmingly approved a strike-authorization vote. However, the Teamsters Negotiating Committee, chaired by Local 896 Secretary-Treasurer Phil Cooper and Local 952 Business Representative Jeff Sweet, who served as Co-Chairman, were able to address the main issues.
“Overall this is a very good contract,” said Rudy Lopez, a delivery driver at Coca-Cola, who also served on the Negotiating Committee. “It delivers good wages, good benefits and a good retirement.”