Five Local Unions Challenge Pepsi's Illegal
Work Rules, Union Busting
RIDGE
PARK, Ill., April 19,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Five Teamsters local unions in
three states have filed unfair labor practice (ULP) charges against
Pepsi with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) over the
company's anti-worker policies that are illegal under current labor
law.
Teamsters locals across Illinois, Indiana, and Iowa — including Locals 727, 90, 135, 142, and
673 — filed charges against Pepsi's unlawful work rules that
prohibit workers from discussing wages, hours, or other terms or
conditions of employment. The policies also prevent or discourage
workers from forming, joining, or supporting a labor organization,
contacting and/or filing charges with the NLRB, and engaging in
protected concerted activities.
The ULP charges come as Pepsi Teamsters are in negotiations for
new contracts at Local 727 and Local 673 in Illinois and Local 135 in Indiana.
"While Pepsi should be at the bargaining table to reach an
agreement that rewards the hardworking Teamsters who keep
operations moving, the company is subjecting our members to
antiquated and illegal work rules that violate their basic rights,"
said Jeff Padellaro, Director of the
Teamsters Brewery, Bakery, and Soft Drink Conference. "Teamsters
are putting Pepsi on notice that we won't tolerate union busting.
We will take coordinated action against the company until it gets
serious in negotiations."
"Pepsi management has repeatedly said in bargaining that they
have a great relationship with labor and that they 'plan to bargain
in good faith,' but clearly that couldn't be further from the
truth," said John Coli Jr.,
Secretary-Treasurer of Local 727. "Other Teamsters local unions
have partnered with Local 727 to stand up to this corporate bully.
Pepsi management has made one thing crystal clear: they do not
value their union workforce. Whether members vote to strike is up
to the company. Pepsi should stop with the unlawful behavior and
return to the table to give workers what they need."
"This is the largest food and beverage company in North America and it's time they start acting
more responsibly and respectfully," said Dustin Roach, President of Local 135 in
Indianapolis. "Pepsi needs to
address workers' issues at the bargaining table. If they don't, we
will hit the streets."
Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters
represents 1.3 million hardworking people in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto
Rico. Visit Teamster.org for more information. Follow us on
Twitter @Teamsters and "like" us on Facebook at
Facebook.com/teamsters.
Contact:
Kara Deniz, (202) 497-6610
kdeniz@teamster.org
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SOURCE International Brotherhood of Teamsters