Teamsters Local 25 Calls Dunkin' Donuts CEO Bruce's Bluff

Despite Public Statements to the Contrary, Company Refuses to Reopen Negotiations

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Jul 16, 2010, 08:17 ET

BOSTON, July 16 /PRNewswire/ -- In an effort to resume dialogue immediately with Dunkin' Donuts DCP and reach a collective bargaining agreement, Teamsters Local 25 President Sean M. O'Brien called CEO Kevin Bruce at 5:30 p.m. Eastern to discuss how the two sides could reach a resolution. O'Brien's call was a direct response to many strong comments Bruce had made in a press release earlier today.

In Dunkin' Donuts' press release Bruce was quoted as stating, "Teamsters Local 25 and their negotiators should return to the table" and claimed the company "remained committed to the bargaining process." Bruce went even further, stating, "We call upon Teamsters Local 25 to return to the bargaining table to resolve differences through dialogue, not disruption."

The entire text of Bruce's statements and the company's press release can be found here. (http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dunkin-donuts-supplier-wants-to-keep-negotiating-but-teamsters-call-a-halt-98627414.html)

It is important to note that Bruce has not attended a single one of the 24 negotiation sessions in the 11 months of bargaining between the union and the company. However, in an effort to "resolve differences through dialogue," O'Brien called Bruce. What was his response?

"I prefer not to have these discussions," Bruce stated and abruptly hung up the phone.

"The leadership of Dunkin' Donuts DCP should practice what they preach," O'Brien said following the conversation with Bruce. "We made every effort to resume talks through Dunkin' Donuts CEO Kevin Bruce and consistent with the theme of past negotiations, he and his company are apparently not willing to resume talks."

"I want to be clear – our team at Local 25 is ready to roll-up our sleeves and negotiate a contract in the best interests of our members and their families," O'Brien said. "We have come too far in this process to turn back. Many of the company's proposals would not protect, preserve, and improve working conditions."

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.4 million men and women, most of whom drink coffee, in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.

SOURCE Teamsters Local 25