Coca-Cola shortage and strike in Metro Vancouver officially over

Aug 12 2017, 3:08 am

Good news, Coke fans!

Your favourite sugar hit will be back on the shelves imminently, after hundreds of striking Coca-Cola workers in BC ratified a new deal with the company.

The 370 workers, all members of the Teamsters Local 213 union, work to deliver, warehouse, produce, and sell Coca-Cola in Coquitlam, Richmond, and Chilliwack.

However, they began striking on July 24, after months of labour negotiations failed – leading to a massive shortage of Coca-Cola around the Lower Mainland.

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In a release, the union’s Business Representative Jim Loyst said an agreement was finally reached after a marathon session with renowned mediator Vince Ready.

“They were generally satisfied with the language we were able to achieve for both our pension and health and welfare benefits,” said Loyst.

“It was important for our members to initiate this job action to protect their hard-earned benefits.”

Meanwhile, a statement from a Coca-Cola spokesperson said the company was pleased that an agreement had been reached.

“The agreement is fair and equitable for our associates and the company, and also supports the changing needs of our customers and our business,” said the statement.

“With this new agreement in place, we are working as quickly as possible to get back to our regular operations.”

Loyst said all of the striking workers are expected to be back on the job by Monday.

“Our members voted in support of the mediated settlement and are happy to be back on the job,” he said.

Jenni SheppardJenni Sheppard

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