Teamsters Strike at Keurig Dr Pepper for Fair Treatment and Benefits

Beverage Workers Strike for Fair Treatment at Ottumwa Keurig Dr Pepper Facility

Press Contact: Drake Custer Phone: (402) 217-1271 Email: dcuster@iowalabor.com

(OTTUMWA, Iowa) — Over 100 workers represented by Teamsters Local 238 have initiated a strike at the Keurig Dr Pepper plant in Ottumwa, demanding improved working conditions. The strike comes in response to unsuccessful contract negotiations with the company, which the workers argue does not reflect their contributions and sacrifices.

Jesse Case, who serves as the Secretary-Treasurer of Local 238, stated, “Teamsters at this company are exhausted from trying to make ends meet while corporate profits soar. When workers feel like they don’t have economic security, then their employer is going to have to pay the price.”

The latest proposal from Keurig Dr Pepper was overwhelmingly rejected by the employees, as they felt it fell short of offering the recognition they deserve. Drake Custer, the Business Agent and principal negotiator for Local 238, added, “Our members have worked hard to make this company successful, and they aren’t asking for anything that’s unreasonable. Keurig Dr Pepper has plenty of money, they can afford to treat their workforce right. This is about justice on the job.”

Picket lines formed at the Ottumwa location on Wednesday morning, and workers are prepared to continue their protest until a more favorable agreement is reached.

Teamsters Local 238 represents a diverse group of workers from various sectors across Iowa. They are part of the larger International Brotherhood of Teamsters, which encompasses 1.3 million members in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico.