Members of Teamsters Local 896 at Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP) in Victorville, California, have initiated a strike due to alleged unfair labor practices. The dispute involves over 150 workers seeking improved wages, enhanced pension plans, and the recovery of an unpaid arbitration award.
Phil Cooper, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 896, stated: “KDP was ordered to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars last year after it unlawfully attempted to end its sick time policy, but these members still haven’t seen a dime. That is a blatant violation of federal law, and we will be out here every day, 24 hours a day, until KDP pays its workers what they are legally owed.”
The situation has arisen amid ongoing contract negotiations between KDP and Local 896. A recent offer from the company was rejected by union members who deemed the proposed increases in pay and pension benefits insufficient.
Adan Soto, a forklift operator lead at KDP and member of Local 896, expressed his concerns: “We have given everything to this company — our time, our health, our labor. Instead of respect, the company stole our sick time and we’re still fighting for the wages we deserve. A good contract would mean stability for my family and dignity for all of us who keep this place running. That’s why we’re on strike.”
This strike follows a successful action by Teamsters at another KDP location in Ottumwa, Iowa. There, workers secured significant wage increases and more affordable health care coverage.
Teamsters Local 896 has been advocating for working-class families in Southern California for over 75 years.
