In a significant victory for labor rights, over 30 sales representatives at the Pepsi facility located in Stonecrest, Georgia have officially joined Teamsters Local 528. This collective effort marks a bold step towards securing fair wages, stronger workplace protections, and respect within their working environment.
The decision was announced on May 6, 2026, highlighting a growing movement among workers at Pepsi facilities in Georgia seeking better working conditions. Notable sentiments were expressed by Jeff Padellaro, the Director of the Teamsters Brewery, Bakery, and Soft Drink Conference, who stated, "We are proud to welcome these new members to the Teamsters. This win follows a series of successful organizing efforts at Pepsi facilities, and these workers deserve more than what they currently receive."
The journey to unionization began when the employees proactively marched on their employer to voice their intentions of forming a union. In response to their proactive stance, the company attempted to intervene by requesting a year to implement improvements. However, the workers, well aware of the importance of steadfastness in their quest for change, were not swayed by the company's proposal.
“Trusting the company seemed impossible,” shared Alfred Kitchens, a seasoned sales representative with 29 years in the industry. “We knew we had to unite as a team and highlight the benefits of union representation. The moment we voted to unionize and win, we felt an incredible sense of accomplishment. We are now a family poised to negotiate a strong Teamster contract.”
Moving forward, Local 528 is committed to supporting these workers as they negotiate their first contract with Pepsi. Donnie Newell, a Business Agent with Local 528, remarked on the determination displayed by the workers, stating, "This steadfast group remained focused on their goals, displaying unwavering resolve to join the Teamsters. With the current momentum, we anticipate great strides as they negotiate for fair membership contracts."
Local 528 represents thousands of workers across Georgia and has been instrumental in various labor negotiations across the state. This success not only signals a powerful union presence in Georgia’s beverage industry but also underscores the inspiration that collective action can foster among workers.
As labor rights movements continue to gain traction, the successful unionization of the Pepsi workers in Stonecrest serves as a testament to the power of solidarity within the workforce. This development not only benefits the employees at the Stonecrest facility but also sends a strong message of hope and encouragement to workers across various industries embroiled in similar struggles. The future appears promising for those advocating for labor rights, particularly within industries dominated by large corporations struggling with employee satisfaction and fair treatment. To learn more about Teamsters Local 528 and ongoing efforts across the state, please visit
teamsterslocal528.org.