YOUNGSTOWN Coca-Cola workers OK 4-year contract

The union said its retiree health benefit plan will set a precedent for other Coca-Cola worker contracts.
By CYNTHIA VINARSKY
VINDICATOR BUSINESS WRITER
YOUNGSTOWN -- Hourly workers at the Coca-Cola Bottling Co. of Northern Ohio will get to keep their health insurance benefits to age 65, even if they retire earlier, under a new four-year contract ratified over the weekend.
Chris Colello, president of Teamsters Local 377, said the 60 union-represented Coca-Cola employees also won pay increases of 4 percent each year and the right to retire early with full pension benefits.
Health-care benefits for retirees was the main sticking point and the workers had authorized a strike over the issue Friday.
Under the new pact, workers who retire early can retain their employee health benefits until age 65 when Medicare benefits kick in. They will continue to pay $6.50 per week, he said, an employee contribution already paid by active workers.
"This contract was about being able to retire with dignity," he said, adding that workers were determined not to be "a burden" on their country or their families.
Setting a precedent
Colello said the addition of health benefits will set a precedent for other Teamster-represented employee groups at Coca-Cola plants around the country.
He said the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents several other Coke worker groups.
The union ratified the agreement by a 41-5 vote less than two hours before their previous, three-year contract was set to expire at midnight Friday.
The early retirement clause will allow a worker with at least 10 years of service who is 591/2 years old of age or older to retire with a full pension. Prior contracts reduced the pension benefits if a worker retired before age 65.
vinarsky@vindy.com