Teamsters Inform Seahawks Fans About Coke's Plans to Slash Jobs, Health Care

SEATTLE, Aug. 21 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Coke employees from six Teamsters Locals across Western Washington spent their day off on Saturday, August 21, informing Seahawks fans of Coke's irresponsible business practices, which are resulting in the elimination of good, local jobs and the decimation of health care protections for employees and Coke retirees.  Coca-Cola is the "official soft drink partner" of the Seahawks and Qwest field.

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"My wife has had MS for years and recently had a stroke.  When I took early retirement, it was to take care of her.  I'm on a fixed income and taking away my medical will have a devastating impact on me and my family," said Gerald Anderson, a 30-year retiree, who worked as a forklift driver at the Coke facility in Bellevue.

Coca-Cola Enterprises (CCE), the world's largest marketer, producer, and distributor of Coke products, announced plans in July 2010 to shut down three facilities in economically-distressed communities like Grays Harbor and Whatcom Counties.  Coke is also proposing the elimination of health care coverage for Coke retirees and wants its current employees to pay an 800% increase in their share of the cost of their health care premiums. Coca-Cola recently won back the concessions contract at the Qwest field.

In a letter from the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) to the CEOs of Coca-Cola and Coca-Cola Enterprises, Executive Director of the NFLPA, DeMaurice F. Smith, expressed his organization's strong support of Coke employees and urged the Company to negotiate a "just and equitable" contract that "maintains Coke's promise to retirees."      

Negotiations between Coke and a coalition of six Teamsters Local Unions called Washington Teamsters United have been underway since April, but the company refused to bargain with the Union for over 10 weeks, and then began an aggressive campaign of unfair labor practices.  As a result of the company's inflexibility and refusal to bargain in good faith, negotiations have stalled over the health care issue.  

In 2009, the Coca-Cola Co.'s revenues were over $30 billion. The Coca-Cola Co. employs 92,800 worldwide. CCE's revenues were over $21 billion. CCE employs 70,000 worldwide.

Washington Teamsters United, which includes Teamsters Local Unions 38, 117, 174, 252, 313, and 589, represents approximately 500 Coke employees at four Western Washington area locations.

SOURCE Washington Teamsters United