95% of Pepsi's Teamsters Local 727 Members Authorize Strike
Editorial StaffThe Facts -
- Pepsi Teamsters have voted to authorize a strike over wage and health care issues.
- Pepsi is accused of not committing to wage increases and health care protections.
- Unfair labor practice charges have been filed against Pepsi by several Teamsters locals.
Pepsi Teamsters Call for Fair Pay and Health Coverage
Contact: Caleen Carter-Patton - Phone: (847) 696-7500
Teamsters Local 727 members at PepsiCo Beverages North America have overwhelmingly voted to authorize a strike, with 95% in favor.
The decisive vote permits the Teamsters committee to initiate a strike if Pepsi's management fails to agree on satisfactory terms for the 800 Teamsters involved in Pepsi's production, warehousing, and distribution. The incumbent three-year agreement concludes on April 28.
"Pepsi’s management has shown they don’t appreciate the union workers who have driven their success. To avoid a strike, Pepsi must negotiate in good faith and offer a contract that acknowledges the efforts of these hardworking Teamsters. If Pepsi persists in stalling and not proposing a substantial contract offer soon, our members have demonstrated they’re readily prepared to strike,” declared John T. Coli Jr., Local 727's Secretary-Treasurer.
Despite months of negotiation, Pepsi's executives have not committed to significant wage hikes and health coverage for the Teamsters, who contributed to Pepsi's $91 billion earnings in 2023.
Pepsi's industry rivals, Keurig Dr. Pepper and Reyes Coca-Cola, invest substantially more in worker health benefits. Pepsi declined to contribute to a union health fund in the latest negotiation, leaving Pepsi Teamsters' health care unprotected.
Coli Jr. stated, "Pepsi Teamsters, during the pandemic, made sacrifices to ensure uninterrupted delivery of Pepsi products. Yet, Pepsi aims to reduce their health care and pay below the industry standard set by the Teamsters. We insist that Pepsi present a contract that treats our members equitably. If a strike happens, Pepsi’s management will only have themselves to blame."
Local 727 has lodged unfair labor practice charges with the National Labor Relations Board's Region 13 over Pepsi's reluctance to share information, direct dealing, and maintenance of illicit work regulations, with additional charges forthcoming.
Besides Local 727, Pepsi Teamsters from Local 673 in Illinois and Local 135 in Indianapolis are negotiating fresh contracts.
Teamsters Local 727 represents almost 10,000 dedicated workers in the Chicago area.
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