Local 330 Representatives Successfully Settle Grievance, Protect Seniority

A relief driver with Great Lake Coca-Cola Distribution recently secured $2,000 in back pay after Teamsters Local 330 fought to protect his seniority rights at work.

Local 330 member Emanuel Lopez was unlawfully sent home last year while awaiting additional relief work at Coca-Cola’s distribution facility in St. Charles, Ill. Other relief drivers, including those with less seniority than Lopez, were offered merchandising work during the same period, despite Lopez being kept off the job for several days.

After filing a grievance for missed work and lost wages on the member’s behalf, Local 330 representatives were forced to demand arbitration with Great Lakes Coca-Cola. The company ultimately agreed to settle the charge, providing Lopez with $2,000 in back pay while preserving his seniority status.

“After years of hard labor and commitment, Brother Lopez had every right to keep working and deserved to be made whole following the company’s actions,” said Dominic Romanazzi, President of Local 330. “Teamsters Local 330 follows through with every grievance, every time to ensure our members are represented to the fullest. Local 330 is entering negotiations with Coca-Cola in the near future and we will work to further improve seniority language to strengthen collective bargaining rights for all members.”

Teamsters Local 330 is an affiliate of Teamsters Joint Council 25, America’s premier labor union for Chicago, Illinois and northwest Indiana.