July 6 turned out to be Independence Day for twelve employees at Coca-Cola Enterprises (CCE). These twelve service techs who fix the vending machines from Salinas to Alameda County voted in an NLRB election 11 to 1 to become Local 70 members.

“It was an overwhelming victory to finish off a unique campaign;” said Business Agent Lou Marchetti. These workers already make $22.00 to $26.00 an hour, have technical skills and do their jobs well. First what attracted them to Local 70 was a chance to get the Teamster pension versus the company plan, and they saw our ability to fix a serious health and welfare problem in last years contract negotiations for the over 300 members we already represent at CCE. Secondly, it took an NLRB decision for Local 70 to win representation of such a geographically diverse unit. Local 70 attorney David Rosenfeld who presented the case before the NLRB Board said; It's a precedent setting decision that will enable the Union to pursue these type of workers who sometimes fall through the cracks.”

Coke Union City Shop Steward Felix Martinez, who donated his own time and was a tremendous help during the campaign noted; “Four years ago we organized the vending department. This group of service techs were the last piece to make all the Coke workers in Local 70's jurisdiction union. We are probably the only place in the nation that can say that.”

All in all it was a credit to these workers who stayed committed during an intense anti-union campaign by the company. We would like to thank and congratulate them for their resolve.