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  Beer-Distributor Employees To Receive More Than $100,000 April 8, 2005 Leaders from Local 701 in North Brunswick, New Jersey have won two beer drivers’ jobs back, along with more than $100,000 in back wages and benefits. “The company tried to split hairs by challenging the intent of the language in the contract, but we refused to let them get away with it,” said John Devereaux, Local 701 Business Agent. “Now these drivers will receive the back wages and benefits they deserve.” The drivers at Shore Point Distributors in Freehold, New Jersey, a Coors Light distributor, were convicted of driving while intoxicated in separate incidents in 2004. The union and the company had negotiated language in the contract that allowed first-time offenders to work in the warehouse for six months, the period that first-time offenders have their licenses suspended. However, the state law recently changed to seven-month suspensions, while the contract specified six months. Because of the discrepancy in the contract language, the company fired the workers, instead of allowing them to work in the warehouse. Local 701 won the case in arbitration, involving one of the drivers, but the company challenged that decision. The case then proceeded to a local court, and the second driver’s grievance was subsequently added to the court case. Earlier this week, the court ruled in the union’s favor involving both drivers. One driver will receive 13 months of back wages and benefits, and the second driver will receive five months of back wages and benefits. The total amount will exceed $100,000. “We have since changed the language in the contract so this injustice doesn’t happen again,” said Ernie Soehl, President of Local 701. “In cases like this, we will not stop fighting for our members.” |
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