More than 100 Teamsters have initiated a strike at Keurig Dr Pepper in Ottumwa, Iowa. These members, part of Teamsters Local 238, have begun their protest following unsuccessful negotiations with the company for a new contract. Their demands include fair treatment, better healthcare benefits, and respect in the workplace.
Jesse Case, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 238, expressed the frustration of the workers: “Teamsters at this company are exhausted from trying to make ends meet while corporate profits soar.” He further stated, “When workers feel like they don’t have economic security, then their employer is going to have to pay the price.”
The strike follows the rejection of the company’s latest contract offer, which was deemed insufficient by the workers. Drake Custer, Business Agent and lead negotiator for Local 238, emphasized the fairness of their demands: “Our members have worked hard to make this company successful, and they aren’t asking for anything that’s unreasonable.” He added, “Keurig Dr Pepper has plenty of money, they can afford to treat their workforce right. This is about justice on the job.”
The workers commenced their picketing on Wednesday morning and intend to continue the strike until the company presents a satisfactory proposal.
Teamsters Local 238 includes various workers from different professions and industries across Iowa. They are part of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, a major organization representing 1.3 million workers in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico.
