Strike by Lower Mainland Coca-Cola workers affecting some supplies

Lower Mainland Coca-Cola workers have walked off the job following the collapse of contract talks.

Teamsters Union Local213 says workers have been on strike since Monday after the two sides failed to reach agreement on improving the language on benefits in the collective agreement.

"We were looking for language in regards to our health and welfare and monetary security in order to keep those benefits more secure and guaranteed within our collective agreement," said Jim Loyst, the Teamsters'businessrepresentative.

Loyst represents the 370 workers on strike who are responsible for the production, distribution and sales of Coca-Cola products in Richmond, Coquitlam, Chilliwack and the Sunshine Coast.

He says after 17 meetings between union and management, workers are extremely disappointed.

"The workers are very obviously ... they're frustrated with their employer, being a large employer that obviously makes a lot of money, thatthese main core issues that we're trying to get addressed within our collective agreement, that they feel that's something thattheemployer obviously can afford."

The strike is affecting some Coca-Cola suppliesin the Lower Mainland.

The Safeway at New Westminster Station has posted a notice in its soft drink aisle apologizing for being out of Coke products.

Coca-Cola is not the only product distributed or manufactured by theworkers.Other products include Diet Coke, Sprite, Coke Zero, Canada Dry, A&W, Avion Water, Minute Maidand Monster products.

Loyst says he isn'taware of asupply shortage, and if there is, hesays supplies would likely be brought in fromCalgary's production facility.

Coca-Cola Canada says it is committed to maintaining its supply.

"We hope the union respects our obligation to continue to meet our customer needs during the strike, which at this time is our primary focus. Comprehensive contingency planning has been underway for months to address this possibility and we are continuing to service our customers."