November 22, 2001

Teamsters, the Atlanta Labor Council and Jobs with Justice recently hosted a “Vigil for Peace at Coca-Cola” in Atlanta, Georgia. Joined by religious leaders and civil rights activists, workers called on Coke to Stop the Violence in Colombia, and to negotiate an enforceable global agreement that will ensure the rights and safety of all workers who produce, package and distribute Coca-Cola products worldwide.

“Teamster workers in Florida have seen Coke turn its back on workers who face relentless acts of intimidation and retaliation,” said Gary Gibson, a fired shop steward from the Auburndale, Florida Minute Maid plant.

“I remember when Coke was a good place to work,” said David Laughton, Secretary-Treasurer of the Teamsters’ Brewery and Soft Drink Conference. “Coke has a responsibility to ensure the rights and safety of all workers who produce, package and distribute its products worldwide. As the largest Coke union in the world, we will stand by our brothers and sisters in demanding that Coca-Cola Stop the Violence.”

To learn more about the campaign for justice at Coca-Cola, log on to www.cokewatch.com.