'Enough is enough': Nearly 300 workers walk off the job at Calgary Coca-Cola bottling plant

Coca-Cola employees go out on strike for job security Hundreds of Coca-Cola employees went on strike Monday for job security. Bill Macfarlane reports.

CALGARY — The union representing 268 workers at the Coca-Cola Refreshments plant in northeast Calgary confirmed the employees were engaged in strike action Monday in an effort to protect their positions.

According to Teamsters Local Union 987, the strike is in response to job security concerns regarding the use of third-party contractors and may result in beverage delivery delays to stores and restaurants.

The union said 94 per cent of the employees voted in favour of strike action on March 4.

"These workers have dedicated themselves to keeping product moving to Albertans during a difficult time," said Brock Penner, a business agent with Teamsters 987. "Over the past year, these workers were deemed an essential service and have been there for Albertans. Now it’s time that Albertans stand with them as they fight for job security during uncertain times.

"Coca-Cola employees simply want to do their jobs with some level of predictability from their employer."

Warehouse, production, distribution and equipment service staff participated in the strike that began at 9 a.m.

According to Penner, the company was unwilling to add language to the collective agreement regarding job security.

"That's when the membership said we're no longer OK with seeing drivers come in and take some of our loads while other employees — Coke drivers, dedicated employees for a number of years here —  are sitting at home without work," explained Penner.

"We have 260 plus families that their livelihood is affected by this strike. This is not something that anybody takes lightly. Not something that they wanted to do, but they realized they had no choice but to take that stand and say enough is enough."

According to Teamsters 987, negotiations began in September 2020 and the previous agreement expired in October 2020.

LOADED WITH COCA-COLA PRODUCTS

Buses with what appeared to be non-union replacement labour were brought in through the afternoon after long delays. Tractor trailers were also prevented from leaving for several hours. Employees on the picket line said the trucks were loaded with Coca Cola products set for delivery.

Brock Penner, Teamsters Local 987 said members just want to hear a simple message from the beverage giant:

"As long as we have equipment, as long as you have skills and ability to do the work, we will provide you with that work," he said. "The company is saying that's way too restrictive."

"It has nothing to do with money, it's all about job protection and to make sure that they can take care of their family."

"We have a number of drivers, that have had a number of years of service in," said Penner. He says one member has more than 12 years with the company. "And yet we have third party carriers that are coming in and transporting product."

Coca Cola Canada called it "an unnecessary and unfortunate situation," adding the company offered pay raises and "other improved working conditions" but says it needs to meet the needs of its business in difficult times.

The complete statement is below.

COCA COLA STATEMENT:

“After months of negotiations and several mediation sessions, we are disappointed that the union representing employees at our Calgary facility has chosen to stop negotiating and go on strike. This is an unnecessary and unfortunate situation.

"We did reach agreement with the union twice, however neither of those agreements was ratified by the union’s membership. It is important to note is that we did not seek any concessions during collective bargaining. We have put forth a proposal that provides long-term stability, offers wage increases, and other improved working conditions, while still meeting the needs of our business in these extraordinary times.

"We’re committed to the collective bargaining process and are prepared to return to the bargaining table to reach a resolution as soon as possible.

"I’m sure you can appreciate, any further details of the negotiation are confidential.”