More than 100 members of Teamsters Local 238 at Keurig Dr Pepper in
Ottumwa went on strike today after rejecting the company’s most recent contract offer. The
workers, who produce and distribute some of America’s most popular beverages, say they are
striking to demand fair treatment, secure benefits, and basic dignity and respect on the job.
“Under normal circumstances, this offer would have been ratified,” said Jesse Case,
Principal Officer of Teamsters Local 238. “But workers are exhausted from trying to make
ends meet while corporate profits soar in America. People’s 401(k)s tanking in the past
couple of weeks is also a factor — and when workers feel like they don’t have security,
then their employer isn’t going to have security.”
According to the union, some employees haven’t had a day off in over two months, and workers
feel the company has been taking advantage of them for years. The offer was rejected by an
overwhelming majority who saw it as a failure to recognize their contributions and sacrifices.
“Our members have worked hard to make this company successful,” said Drake Custer,
Business Agent and lead negotiator for Teamsters Local 238. “They aren’t asking for
anything unreasonable — just to be treated fairly, with dignity and respect. Keurig Dr
Pepper has the money. They can afford to treat their workforce right. This is about justice
on the job.”
Workers began picketing outside the Ottumwa facility in the late morning and say they will
remain on strike until the company comes to the table with a serious offer.
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Teamsters Local 238 represents a wide range of workers, professions, and industries across
Iowa. They are affiliated with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, which represents 1.3
million workers across the country.
