July 31, 2005 is an important date for almost 600 members of Local 70. All three beverage contracts, Coca-Cola, Pepsi and 7Up, expire on that day. Those members know a lot is at stake and are ready for a battle.

Although the contracts are similar, different issues are unique to each worksite. Subcontracting, PEER, work jurisdiction, economics and the all-encompassing health and welfare stand at the forefront. Local 70 in conjunction with Locals 78, 278, 856 and 896 are anticipating difficult negotiations Bay Area wide and are preparing early.

Negotiations with the beverage companies have already started in Southern California and the Northwest, and the reports are not encouraging. That is why Local 70 has conducted proposal meetings and scheduled negotiations earlier than normal, to avoid a last minute crisis. There hasn't been a beverage strike since 1972 and we will work hard to avoid one in 2005 while being prepared to do whatever it takes to secure a contract that meets our members' needs and expectations.

On Sunday March 13th over 150 Local 70 members that work for Coca-Cola attended a contract proposal meeting at our auditorium.  As always with Local 70 members, expectations are high.  The economic struggle of living in the Bay Area was one of the key issues.  Shop Steward Felix Martinez stated; "It's going to be a touch battle, but together with the IBT, other Locals and the Shop Setwards, I beleive we can achieve a good contract."