Press Releases
Great Lakes Coca-Cola Unlawfully Lays Off Dozens of Teamsters
Production Workers in Chicago Laid off With No Notice
Press Contact: Maura Drumm Phone: (215) 510-3735 Email: mdrumm@teamster.org
(CHICAGO) — Last week, representatives from Great Lakes Coca-Cola — an affiliate of Reyes Coca-Cola bottling — informed Teamsters Local 727 of their intent to unlawfully and abruptly lay off 35 members from the Alsip facility, without first engaging in the bargaining process. The company gave the union only 10 minutes notice before announcing the layoffs, making it impossible for union representatives to be present.
“Great Lakes Coca-Cola failed to give workers the respect they deserve,” said Jeff Padellaro, Director of the Teamsters Brewery, Bakery, and Soft Drink Conference. “Teamsters demand the company come to the table and negotiate a fair severance deal for the workers that have dedicated their hard work to this company.”
“There are no words to describe how disappointed we are with Great Lakes Coca-Cola,” said John Coli Jr., Secretary-Treasurer of Local 727. “During contract bargaining, company representatives promised they were committed to doing the right thing by their workers. Local 727 will pursue any and all legal avenues to right the injustices done to our members.”
Great Lakes management failed to inform later shifts to not report to work — instead, they blocked entrances with cars and turned employees away.
The union has sent an information request about the company’s decision to lay off members and has demanded bargaining dates. Teamsters are committed to pursuing legal remedies to rectify what Great Lakes Coca-Cola did to their long-term, essential workers.
Teamsters Local 727 represents nearly 10,000 hardworking men and women throughout the Chicago area. For more information, please visit teamsterslocal727.org.