National Labor Relations Board blocks union vote at Coca-Cola Enterprises, citing accusations against bottler

The National Labor Relations Board is investigating allegations of unfair labor practices by Atlanta-based bottler Coca-Cola Enterprises. The Teamsters union, which represents about 15,000 workers involved in the production and distribution of Coke, on June 2 accused the company of unfair labor practices in the run-up to a planned union organizing vote at several Atlanta-area Coca-Cola Enterprises facilities. The federal agency canceled the election, which was originally schedule for June 10, until the issues raised by the charges could be resolved.

In a flier to workers, Atlanta-based Teamsters Local 728 said "threats, surveillance, intimidation and discrimination" prevented Atlanta-area CCE workers from having a free and fair election. Coca-Cola Enterprises responded in a statement: "Our hope is for our employees to be permitted to participate in the election as soon as possible." The company said it is cooperating fully with the NLRB during the investigation.