Great Lakes Coca-Cola Unlawfully Lays Off Dozens of Teamsters

[Omaha Steve]

https://teamster.org/2025/09/great-lakes-coca-cola-unlawfully-lays-off-dozens-of-teamsters/

Production Workers in Chicago Laid off With No Notice

Press Contact: Maura Drumm Phone: [phone] Email: [e-mail]

(CHICAGO) — Last week, representatives from Great Lakes Coca-Cola — an affiliate of Reyes Coca-Cola bottling — informed Teamsters Local 727 of their intent to unlawfully and abruptly lay off 35 members from the Alsip facility, without first engaging in the bargaining process. The company gave the union only 10 minutes notice before announcing the layoffs, making it impossible for union representatives to be present.

“Great Lakes Coca-Cola failed to give workers the respect they deserve,” said Jeff Padellaro, Director of the Teamsters Brewery, Bakery, and Soft Drink Conference. “Teamsters demand the company come to the table and negotiate a fair severance deal for the workers that have dedicated their hard work to this company.”

“There are no words to describe how disappointed we are with Great Lakes Coca-Cola,” said John Coli Jr., Secretary-Treasurer of Local 727. “During contract bargaining, company representatives promised they were committed to doing the right thing by their workers. Local 727 will pursue any and all legal avenues to right the injustices done to our members.”

Great Lakes management failed to inform later shifts to not report to work — instead, they blocked entrances with cars and turned employees away.

FULL story at link above.

[msongs]

1. bad news, however the press release doesn't say what parts of this are acutally in violation of what laws nt

[kimbutgar]

2. I'd boycott Coke but I don't drink that shit !