Record wage increases, enhanced benefits for 800 Teamsters at five Local Unions
(TUKWILA, WA) – Members of a coalition of five Teamsters Local Unions across Western Washington voted overwhelmingly on Sunday, June 1, to ratify new 3-year contracts with Swire/Coca-Cola, securing record wage increases, pension improvements, seniority protections, and a significant reduction in out-of-pocket medical costs.
The coalition, representing approximately 800 Swire/Coca-Cola employees at Locals 38, 117, 174, 313, and 589, achieved a decisive victory for workers across all Teamster-represented classifications, including drivers, production workers, merchandisers, mechanics, and sales representatives.
“This outcome represents a major win for our members who stood together and demanded the respect and compensation they deserve,” said Paul Dascher, Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 117 and one of the lead negotiators for the coalition. “These contracts deliver competitive wages, seniority protections, and benefits that will save workers over the long haul. I couldn’t be happier for our members and their families.”
The successful ratification comes after intense negotiations that began in April and followed a powerful show of solidarity when coalition members voted by a 99% margin on May 10 to authorize a strike. That pivotal vote sent a clear message to the company that workers were prepared to act if fair terms weren’t reached by the May 15 contract expiration.
The ratified agreements directly address priorities raised by workers throughout the bargaining process. Matias Carreño, a 23-year production worker and Local 117 Shop Steward who served on the union negotiations committee, emphasized the language improvements. “Over the last contract, senior people were getting forced to work on the weekend. Now they have to honor our seniority – everybody’s really happy about that change,” Carreño said.
Nicholas Malysheff, a 5-year driver and Local 38 Shop Steward, highlighted the improved healthcare benefits that were a major concern for workers. “We were clear that we wanted something to change with our current healthcare,” Malysheff said. “For the first time, we were able to get better benefits while significantly decreasing the cost of the medical and putting more money in our pockets.”
The settlement represents a significant achievement for the 33-member union negotiations team that worked to secure fair terms across seven contracts covering the coalition’s membership. “Our bargaining committee fought hard in negotiations,” said Samantha Kantak, Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 38. “Workers stood in solidarity on shop floors throughout Western Washington. And the end result is a record-breaking contract that once again places Coca-Cola Teamsters on the top of the industry.”
Rick Hicks, President of Joint Council 28, the regional labor organization representing Teamsters across the Pacific Northwest, praised workers for their fortitude. “This victory shows Teamsters can achieve groundbreaking contracts when we stand united and are ready to fight. Our members came into these negotiations with clear demands and the determination to back them up. The result is a record agreement that rewards workers for their dedication and sacrifice,” Hicks said.