Teamsters authorize strike at Coca-Cola distributor

Five Teamsters Locals in Western WA representing hundreds of production and distribution workers are preparing to strike

TUKWILA, WA (May 13, 2025) — Teamsters at Swire, a producer and distributor of Coca-Cola, have voted by a 99% margin to authorize a strike. The workers, represented by a coalition of Teamster locals — Local 38, Local 117, Local 174, Local 313, and Local 589 — held votes at their respective union halls on Saturday. The workers’ contracts expire on May 15, and a strike could begin as early as Thursday.

In all, the coalition represents approximately 800 Swire/Coca-Cola employees, including drivers, production workers, merchandisers, mechanics, and sales representatives.

In a release, the coalition called the decisive vote a “strong message that workers are prepared to strike if they can’t reach an agreement with the company by the time their contracts expire.” The locals note that a strike by the Teamsters would effectively shut down production and distribution of all Coca-Cola products to stores across Western Washington.

Teamsters pose for a photo after voting to authorize a strike. Photo: Teamsters Local 117

“We’ve been consistent with Coke from the start. We need to see a fair contract offer by the time our contracts expire, otherwise there will be a problem,” said Paul Dascher, Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 117 and one of the lead negotiators for the coalition. “Our members work hard and understand the value they bring to this company. This vote shows we won’t hesitate to take action if Coke tries to drag out the bargaining process or force us into accepting a substandard proposal.”

Negotiations between the union coalition and the company began on April 21, and the parties have spent two full weeks at the bargaining table. At issue are seniority rights, good working conditions, and core economics, top demands of the workers. And the coalition is demanding that workers receive family-supporting wages, retirement security, and affordable health care — essentials in jobs that take a heavy toll on workers’ bodies.

“My body is breaking down with this job,” said Chad Dumlao, a 17-year driver and Local 117 Shop Steward who serves on the union bargaining committee. “I work in downtown Seattle in a little 12 by 8 truck. I’m climbing up and down, into bays, grabbing stuff all the time. I’ve already had one hip replaced, and I’ve got to have the other hip done and eventually both knees. We sacrifice a lot and do our part – now the company needs to do theirs.”

In negotiations, the workers have been pushing the company to recognize the sacrifices they make coming to work, and invest in the benefits needed to keep them healthy and whole. Current health benefits aren’t cutting it.

“My co-workers and I have faced health struggles,” said Tyson Baker, a Local 38 Shop Steward on the union committee and 15-year production worker. “When we seek our medications, we often encounter denial or are told to jump through hoops to find alternative ways to obtain them, especially since Swire began using its new pharmacy benefits manager, Smith RX. Swire needs to significantly improve its health and welfare benefits for its employees.”

The parties are back at the bargaining table on Tuesday with another session scheduled Wednesday, with the Teamsters coalition bargaining team working have to try to reach an agreement before contracts expire on Thursday.

“Swire has become infamous for nickel-and-diming our members at every contract negotiations, and the members have had enough,” said Rick Hicks, President of Teamters Joint Council 28. “This vote should serve as a warning to Swire to bring something meaningful to the bargaining table, because if that does not happen, our members will shut Swire down.”