Lexington Keurig, Dr Pepper truck drivers on strike over wages, cameras in cabs
Workers at a Lexington plant that distributes Keurig and Dr Pepper products are on strike, asking for better wages and a chance to have a Pepsi without getting written up.
Eleven members of Lexington’s Teamsters Local 651 walked out on Feb. 27 after negotiations with the American Bottling Co.’s KDRP plant stalemated.
Union vice president Joe B. Lance, lead negotiator, said that the drivers began negotiations with a distributor for Keurig Dr Pepper Snapple 7up on Feb. 7 on a new collective bargaining agreement before their existing one expired.
A federal mediator was brought in in an attempt to bring together the sides on wages, insurance and other issues, including cameras in the truck cabs. Lance said drivers have been told that they could be disciplined for using a Bluetooth headset or for eating or drinking in their cabs, especially if they drink a competitor’s product.
“If you’re driving for Dr Pepper Snapple and you drink a Pepsi, for instance,” Lance said.
But Lance said that negotiations broke down and the drivers had no choice but to strike at the 2268 Danforth Dr. plant.
“We’re fighting for area-standard wages for commercial drivers, who get paid $20-$30 an hour,” Lance said. The company’s offer was more than $5 below that, he said.
Christopher Lopez, lead negotiator for the company, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
