(ATLANTA) – More than 100 Pepsi-Cola drivers at facilities in Atlanta and Lithonia, Georgia, have voted unanimously to authorize a strike. The members of Teamsters Local 528 organized in January 2026 for respect on the job, a unified voice, and wage and benefit improvements.
“Pepsi has been dragging their feet since the beginning and refusing to put serious offers on the table,” said Jeff Padellaro, Director of the Teamsters Brewery, Bakery, and Soft Drink Conference. “Our members are ready to strike, and if management doesn’t come back to the table ready to negotiate, they will be forced to head to the picket line.”
“The company has been trying to union bust since before this group even organized,” said Donnie Newell, President of Local 528. “They’ve continued their efforts by repeatedly offering workers insulting proposals that include no raise in the first few years of the contract. This is unacceptable.”
The workers have had enough, and Local 528 has filed unfair labor practice charges against Pepsi-Cola management over their failure to bargain in good faith.
“We work hard every day on behalf of Pepsi-Cola and want to be treated fairly,” said Javon Kersey, a Pepsi-Cola driver and member of Local 528. “It’s time for management to stop dragging their feet and to negotiate a fair contract. We don’t want to strike, but the company is leaving us with no other option.”
Local 528 represents thousands of working men and women throughout the state of Georgia. For more information, please visit teamsterslocal528.org.
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