Massachusetts Pepsi Workers Win Gains (7/1/09)

(left to right) Local 513 members Mark McLean, John Bruce, Scott Strachan, Rich MacNeil, and Mike McCourt work at Pepsi in Canton, Massachusetts.

The 111 RWDSU Local 513 members employed at the Pepsi distribution center in Canton, Massachusetts, ratified a new four year contract on June 18. The new contract contains significant hourly wage increases, increases the pension benefits, and keeps health care benefits intact.

Wages will increase $1.90 per hour over the life of the pact, and commission rates will increase anywhere from 2.5 to 4.5 percent every year depending on classification and sales.

“The negotiating committee did a great job. We got nice raises, and most importantly, health care and retirement benefits held steady without any cost increases to us,” said Rich Hamilton, a driver who has worked at the facility since 1992.

According to Mike McCourt, a loader who has been with Pepsi Canton since 2005, the contract is especially good considering the current economic climate.
“With the economy going the way it is, this contract is very fair,” McCourt pointed out.

RWDSU New England Joint Board President Tina Buonaugurio credits the strong new agreement to the solidarity of the Pepsi workers.

“Negotiations are always tough, and the company was pushing for givebacks including two vacations days they wanted back. But everyone at the facility stuck together and supported the negotiating committee, and we came out with a good agreement,” Buonaugurio said.