Fort Wayne Coca-Cola Workers Reach Agreement After 40-Day Strike
Coca-Cola employees in Fort Wayne, Indiana, have secured a new labor agreement after a six-week strike, bringing a resolution to a dispute that highlighted growing labor tensions within the beverage manufacturing sector.
The strike, initiated by Teamsters Local 414 on March 11, involved approximately 150 workers at the Fort Wayne Coca-Cola distribution facility, operated by American Bottling Company, a subsidiary of Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP). Workers on the picket line cited concerns over wage disparities, insurance benefits, and what they described as unfair labor practices, ultimately prompting the work stoppage.
According to the union, the newly ratified four-year agreement includes meaningful wage increases, improvements to healthcare coverage, and stronger job protections. Specific financial details were not disclosed, but the union characterized the settlement as a significant win for workers. The deal also addresses concerns around cost-of-living adjustments and scheduling practices, which had been among key friction points during negotiations.
An American Bottling Company spokesperson confirmed the deal and expressed appreciation for the resolution, stating the company is “pleased to have reached a fair agreement.” Production and distribution operations at the Fort Wayne facility are expected to resume at full capacity immediately.
The strike had ripple effects across the local supply chain, leading to delays and disruptions in the availability of Coca-Cola products in the area. Local retailers and foodservice operators reported intermittent product shortages during the work stoppage, underscoring the supply chain sensitivity of direct-store-delivery (DSD) models common in beverage distribution.
Labor actions have become more visible across the U.S. food and beverage landscape over the past year, as inflationary pressures collide with a tight labor market. Wage compression and rising healthcare costs have driven many front-line workers to push for more equitable contract terms. The settlement in Fort Wayne is likely to attract attention from other unionized beverage facilities preparing for contract talks in 2024.
As labor dynamics continue to evolve, beverage manufacturers may face increased scrutiny over workforce practices and contract negotiations—factors that could influence sourcing, logistics, and retail availability within the broader FMCG ecosystem.