Teamsters Stand Firm as Coca-Cola Consolidated Strike Enters Second Week
Coca-Cola Consolidated is facing a labor dispute after workers at its Indiana facility went on strike over unfair wages and insurance plans. According to Teamsters Local 135, around 50 drivers and merchandisers were forced to strike after the company failed to bargain in good faith.
The union demands that management be willing to negotiate and develop a fair contract. Local 135 president Dustin Roach says the strike kicked off on September 1, and grievances include unfair wages compared to competitors, 'abysmal' insurance plans, and the refusal to bargain.
Coca-Cola Consolidated and the union haven't spoken since the strike began. Roach says they'll shut down every Coca-Cola Consolidated location across the country if needed, and they have no plans of stopping until they come to an agreement that meets their needs.