Coke chief in union talks
Coca-Cola chief executive Muhtar Kent yesterday sought to ease concerns by the Teamsters union that the company’s acquisition of the North American operations of Coca-Cola Enterprises would result in fewer jobs. Even before the deal’s expected closure in the fourth quarter, fears have been raised by news that Coke Enterprises will test a programme to deliver drinks to 7-Eleven stores in Southern California using Costco Wholesale as an intermediary.
At Coca-Cola’s annual shareholder meeting yesterday, Kent stressed that the test is one of many being explored in an ongoing effort to find the best method for individual markets. Teamsters members handed out fliers and held placards outside the meeting.