Strike by Lower Mainland Coca-Cola workers affecting some supplies
'They're frustrated with their employer being a large employer that obviously makes a lot of money'
Lower Mainland Coca-Cola workers have walked off the job following the collapse of contract talks.
Teamsters Union Local 213 says workers have been on strike since Monday after the two sides failed to reach agreement on improving the language on benefits in the collective agreement.
Lower Mainland Coca Cola employees served 72 hour strike notice today...get your favourites stocked up!
—@Roomrhasit"We were looking for language in regards to our health and welfare and monetary security in order to keep those benefits more secure and guaranteed within our collective agreement," said Jim Loyst, the Teamsters' business representative.
Loyst represents the 370 workers on strike who are responsible for the production, distribution and sales of Coca-Cola products in Richmond, Coquitlam, Chilliwack and the Sunshine Coast.
He says after 17 meetings between union and management, workers are extremely disappointed.
"The workers are very obviously ... they're frustrated with their employer, being a large employer that obviously makes a lot of money, that these main core issues that we're trying to get addressed within our collective agreement, that they feel that's something that the employer obviously can afford."
The strike is affecting some Coca-Cola supplies in the Lower Mainland.
The Safeway at New Westminster Station has posted a notice in its soft drink aisle apologizing for being out of Coke products.
Coca-Cola is not the only product distributed or manufactured by the workers. Other products include Diet Coke, Sprite, Coke Zero, Canada Dry, A&W, Avion Water, Minute Maid and Monster products.
Loyst says he isn't aware of a supply shortage, and if there is, he says supplies would likely be brought in from Calgary's production facility.
Coca-Cola Canada says it is committed to maintaining its supply.
"We hope the union respects our obligation to continue to meet our customer needs during the strike, which at this time is our primary focus. Comprehensive contingency planning has been underway for months to address this possibility and we are continuing to service our customers."