Coca-Cola Bottling Plant Struck by Workers.

More than 3,000 workers, including drivers, warehouse/production workers, and sales/marketing personnel for Liberty Coca-Cola, the largest soft drink bottler and distributor in the area, have gone on strike. The workers, represented by the Teamsters Local 830, cited objections to a recently proposed contract as the reason for the strike.

What Sparked the Strike?

Daniel Grace, the union’s secretary-treasurer, said that Liberty Coca-Cola had been treating the union and its members with disdain from the beginning of the negotiations on the new contract. The two sides could not agree on compensation, with a fair benefits package for the workers also being an issue. In response to the company’s last proposal, Grace said, “Their last contract proposal was insulting.” According to the union, the workers overwhelmingly rejected the last offer and unanimously opted for the strike.

Liberty Coca-Cola’s Statement

The soft drink manufacturer issued a statement in which it claimed to have offered the highest wage increases in its history to the 400 union members. Additionally, Liberty Coca-Cola offered a “generous health and welfare benefits package.” However, Grace said at a press conference, “It’s one thing to say their wage is generous, we understand that, but it’s not what you need to stay up in today’s inflationary times.”

The Strike Continues

The union picketed outside Liberty Coca-Cola’s Philadelphia plant, located on East Erie Avenue in North Philadelphia, and throughout other locations until a settlement was reached. The soft drink company had a contingency plan in place to deliver its products to customers and consumers throughout the region. The two sides continued to work together to reach a mutually acceptable agreement.

Developing News Story

As of writing, the situation remains fluid, and the story will be updated as new information becomes available.