Local 688 Welcomes Nearly 400 New Members

Local 688 Secretary-Treasurer Mike Goebel and Local 303 Secretary-Treasurer Ron Meyer first began working together as principal officers in Joint Council 13 two years ago. The more they talked and learned about each other’s local unions, the more they realized how much they had in common.

Two years later, Local 303 and Local 688 members are united as members of Local 688. On Friday, October 13, Teamster Local 303 members voted by a 4-to-1 margin (190 to 45 via mail ballot) to merge with Teamsters Local 688. The merger is effective December 1, 2006.

“We are proud Teamster Local 303 members chose to affiliate with our local union,” Goebel said. “It’s a victory that builds unity and strength at the bargaining table.”

Local 688 currently represents more than 400 soft drink members at Pepsi Americas, Coca-Cola Central States Bottling, Cott Corporation and Dr. Pepper/Seven-Up, Inc. Goebel said it is critical unions combine resources to increase strength at the bargaining table as corporations grow larger and more global. With the merger, Local 688’s total Brewery and Soft Drink Conference membership tops 800 members, one of the largest in the nation.

Ron Meyer said he and the Local 303 Executive Board held frank and open discussions with members about the potential merger, addressing questions and concerns. He said an open communication approach provided the basis for real discussion and education.

“We wanted members to participate and make an educated decision,” Meyer said. “It’s about how we move forward as a labor movement—helping families now and in the future.”

Goebel listed the following guidelines for the merger process:

A merger between Local 303 and Local 688 fits into Local 688’s plan for growth. The Executive Board formed a partnership with the IBT and other unions to gain support in strategic organizing campaigns that improve bargaining strength of current members and expand Local 688’s role in helping families for generations to come.

Unions should not merge for the sake of merging. The decision to merge must rest on one condition: increasing value for members. We believe a merger between Local 303 and Local 688 accomplishes that goal: increasing bargaining power, improving member services and growing in a way that benefits members.

Local 688’s Executive Board does not make flashy promises. We do promise a commitment to continuing putting members first by encouraging member involvement, providing a strong and experienced voice in negotiations, extending top-notch member services to all members and implementing a plan for growth that helps negotiate strong contracts.

Ron Meyer will continue to service the new members as a business representative.