First Contract at Corporate Coffee
Drivers at Corporate Coffee have won their first union contract. “We joined Local 805 to bring our wages into the middle class,” said driver Vance Stewart, who helped lead the organizing drive.
“You’re driving around New York City lifting 40 and 50 pound packages and five gallon water bottles. Making $26,000 a year in New York is not enough money for that kind of work.”
Under the new contract, drivers won improvement in sales commissions and overtime pay for the first time.
“Our pay should go up by thousands of dollars a year,” Stewart said.
"Negotiations went on for about 13 months. It was a long time coming and we didn’t get everything we wanted but I think we did very well for a first contract.
“We got great support from everyone at Local 805. Whenever we needed anything they were always there for us. They pushed to help us get the best contract possible.”
Alex Bodis
“It feels great to be part of the union. I finally feel that I’ll be able to support my family. I can start to save some many and make some plans for my family.
“Our union contract means we’ll get overtime pay for the first time. Our pay should go up by thousands of dollars a year.
“It feels good to fight for others too, not just to be out for yourself.”
Vance Stewart
