Teamsters overwhelmingly ratify Swire/Coca-Cola contracts

800 Teamsters at five Local Unions secured significant benefit improvements and record wage increases

TUKWILA, WA (JUNE 6, 2025) — Hundreds of workers represented by five different Teamsters Locals across Western Washington voted overwhelmingly on Sunday, June 1, to ratify new 3-year contracts with Swire/Coca-Cola, securing record wage increases, pension improvements, seniority protections, and a significant reduction in out-of-pocket medical costs.

United together, the roughly 800 workers represented by Teamster Locals 38, 117, 174, 313, and 589 achieved a decisive victory for workers across all Teamster-represented classifications, including drivers, production workers, merchandisers, mechanics, and sales representatives.

The 33-member union negotiations team worked tirelessly to secure fair terms across seven contracts covering the coalition’s membership.

“Our bargaining committee fought hard in negotiations,” said Samantha Kantak, Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 38 in a statement. “Workers stood in solidarity on shop floors throughout Western Washington. And the end result is a record-breaking contract that once again places Coca-Cola Teamsters on the top of the industry.”

Paul Dascher, Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 117 and one of the lead negotiators for the coalition, underlined the scale of this contract win.

“This outcome represents a major win for our members who stood together and demanded the respect and compensation they deserve,” said Dascher. “These contracts deliver competitive wages, seniority protections, and benefits that will save workers over the long haul. I couldn’t be happier for our members and their families.”

The successful ratification comes after intense negotiations that began in April. Workers voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike on May 10, with negotiations on key issues like seniority rights, family wages, and making improvements to the workers’ health and welfare coverage stalled at the table. A strike by the Teamsters would have effectively shut down production and distribution of all Coca-Cola products to stores across Western Washington.

Per the union, that pivotal vote sent a clear message to the company that workers were prepared to act if fair terms weren’t reached by the May 15 contract expiration. The coalition reached a tentative agreement with management days later.

In a statement from the Teamster coalition, workers praised the significant improvements to working conditions and benefits contained within the new contract.

“Over the last contract, senior people were getting forced to work on the weekend,” said Matias Carreño, a 23-year production worker and Local 117 Shop Steward who served on the union negotiations committee. “Now they have to honor our seniority – everybody’s really happy about that change.”

Nicholas Malysheff, a 5-year driver and Local 38 Shop Steward, highlighted the improved healthcare benefits that were a major concern for workers. “We were clear that we wanted something to change with our current healthcare,” Malysheff said. “For the first time, we were able to get better benefits while significantly decreasing the cost of the medical and putting more money in our pockets.”

The President of Teamsters Joint Council 28, the regional labor organization representing Teamsters across the Pacific Northwest, uplifted the workers’ solidarity and tenacity.

“This victory shows Teamsters can achieve groundbreaking contracts when we stand united and are ready to fight,” said Rick Hicks. “Our members came into these negotiations with clear demands and the determination to back them up. The result is a record agreement that rewards workers for their dedication and sacrifice.”