The Teamsters Local 710 Bargaining Committee met again today with representatives at Southern Wine and Spirits to continue negotiations for over six hours. Local 710 members presented on issues pertaining to the use of helpers and continued discussions on yesterday’s topics. The members proposed that helpers be held to a higher standard, and that they go through a more rigorous training program.

In addition to discussions on helpers, both sides reported on many facts requested at yesterday’s session.

Southern Wine and Spirits verbally offered a package deal to be only accepted in full – Local 710 cannot accept some pieces while rejecting others.

Trustee John T. Coli firmly stated that Local 710 will not consider any package offered by the employer until it is presented in writing. As presented, the current package does not address many of the issues that the Local 710 Bargaining Committee presented as most important and is extremely disappointing as verbally stated.

“Our committee was not intimidated or afraid and brought up what was on not only their minds, but the minds of the membership as a whole,” said Coli. “We insist that everything is presented in writing in order to ensure that everything is fully understood and accurately communicated to the members.”

Negotiations will be scheduled once Southern Wine can provide the package offer in writing and the Local 710 Bargaining Committee will have a full day to review and analyze the presented offer. Members will be updated as negotiations progress. Any questions may be directed to any member of the bargaining committee or Business Agent Bernie Sherlock.