On August 30, workers at the Mott’s plant in Williamson, N.Y. hit the 100-day mark into the strike. Doug Fuller, who works in the juice preparation lab at the plant, says workers are still standing strong and in good spirits.
“We really appreciate everybody’s support,” says Fuller. “Even business owners and people you wouldn’t expect have for the most part been super supportive. Not even just helping us out compensation-wise, but emotion-wise. Just being there for us.”
Twenty eight members of the New York Congressional Delegation joined in with their support by delivering a strong message to the leadership of Dr Pepper Snapple, the parent company of Mott’s, in a letter last Thursday.
“We commend Mott’s for its history of compensating employees fairly,” the letter states. “Since Dr Pepper made approximately $555 million in profits we feel there is ample room to promptly negotiate a fair deal with the workers at the Williamson plant. We believe that Mott’s needs to continue their proud history as a leader in providing fair wages and benefits for their workers.”
You can read the full text of the letter by going to http://tinyurl.com/2f8tdro
Aug 31, 2010
Aug 18, 2010
Grammy winner Steve Earle stands with Mott's workers
Grammy award winning singer/songwriter and Texas native Steve Earle has vowed to stop drinking Dr Pepper until the Dr Pepper Snapple give its Mott's workers in Williamson, NY a fair contract. Up until now he has been an extremely enthusiastic drinker of Diet Dr Pepper in particular and it has been in his concert rider that the soda is stocked in his dressing room at all of his performances. He is going to immediately remove that clause from his rider.
"I'm from Texas and I've been drinking DP every day since I was 10 years old but I won't touch another drop until these folks get a fair contract," Mr. Earle said.
Take a moment to visit Steve Earle's Facebook page and thank him for taking a stand against corporate greed and standing in solidarity with the 300 RWDSU/UFCW Local 220* members who were forced out on strike by Mott's on May 23.
The striking workers are thrilled to have Mr. Earle's support. "It is a real honor as a striker and a big fan to have the support of Steve Earle. We know that when people find out about what Mott's did to us up here, they will follow Mr. Earle's example and will choose different beverages until DPS bargains a fair contract," said Charlie Mattice, a Mott's striker and country singer/songwriter himself.
Speaking of Charlie, here he is playing his original song about the Mott's strike, entitled, "Every thing is fine on the picket line."
"I'm from Texas and I've been drinking DP every day since I was 10 years old but I won't touch another drop until these folks get a fair contract," Mr. Earle said.
Take a moment to visit Steve Earle's Facebook page and thank him for taking a stand against corporate greed and standing in solidarity with the 300 RWDSU/UFCW Local 220* members who were forced out on strike by Mott's on May 23.
The striking workers are thrilled to have Mr. Earle's support. "It is a real honor as a striker and a big fan to have the support of Steve Earle. We know that when people find out about what Mott's did to us up here, they will follow Mr. Earle's example and will choose different beverages until DPS bargains a fair contract," said Charlie Mattice, a Mott's striker and country singer/songwriter himself.
Speaking of Charlie, here he is playing his original song about the Mott's strike, entitled, "Every thing is fine on the picket line."
Aug 17, 2010
No to Clamato - Down with Caesar!
Mix one part greed with a big dash of corporate bullying, and what you get is the company behind Clamato and the Caesar. That's right - in addition to apple products, Mott's also makes Clamato, that quirky tomato juice-clam broth combo primarily used to make cocktails - like the Caesar (with vodka) or the Chelada (with beer).
Clamato has been on the "please don't buy" list since Mott's, owned by Dr Pepper Snapple, forced 300 of its workers out on strike in Williamson, NY over 3 months ago. But now, Mott's is waging a campaign to have the Clamato Caesar named the national cocktail of Canada. Funny, considering that Clamato isn't even made in Canada, and that leading Canadian officials have recently expressed serious concerns regarding the health and safety risks of Mott’s beverages in light of the company’s use of untrained, inexperienced temporary workers to replace its highly-skilled workforce currently on strike.
So take a minute today to visit UFCW.ca and sign the petition to stop Clamato from being named the national cocktail of Canada. Say “NO to Clamato" and "Down with Caesar” until the DPS and Mott's come back to the bargaining table and negotiate a fair contract for the Williamson workers.
Clamato has been on the "please don't buy" list since Mott's, owned by Dr Pepper Snapple, forced 300 of its workers out on strike in Williamson, NY over 3 months ago. But now, Mott's is waging a campaign to have the Clamato Caesar named the national cocktail of Canada. Funny, considering that Clamato isn't even made in Canada, and that leading Canadian officials have recently expressed serious concerns regarding the health and safety risks of Mott’s beverages in light of the company’s use of untrained, inexperienced temporary workers to replace its highly-skilled workforce currently on strike.
So take a minute today to visit UFCW.ca and sign the petition to stop Clamato from being named the national cocktail of Canada. Say “NO to Clamato" and "Down with Caesar” until the DPS and Mott's come back to the bargaining table and negotiate a fair contract for the Williamson workers.
Aug 16, 2010
The Nation: Rotten Apples, Core Values
Take a look at this article on the Mott's strike from the most recent edition of The Nation. It's a very comprehensive look at the strike, the circumstances surrounding it, and its place in the broader context of our country's economic landscape.
A particularly touching excerpt:
A particularly touching excerpt:
Do yourself a favor and read the rest of the Nation article here."There is a refreshing sense on this picket line that the workers are defending something that is quintessentially American. These are gun fans, proud military veterans and motorcycle riders who find happiness in a job well done—'salt of the earth' people, as one union official described them, as opposed to anti-establishment radicals. One active picketer explained [...] he believed DPS was attacking the 'work ethic' of Local 220's members.
"What this union wants is far from grandiose. Rather, these are Americans for whom Henry Ford–style industry has more or less worked. A company profited handsomely from the hard work of its employees, and in return they could sustain a middle-class income, which they used to shop in the local stores and invest in the rest of the community. In a sense, DPS is warring against an equitable form of capitalism."
Aug 12, 2010
One Day Longer, Another Day Stronger: Mott's Worker Bruce Beal on WNYLaborToday
On Day 79 of the Mott's strike, Bruce Beal, Recording Secretary of Local 220*, talks to a reporter from WNYLaborToday:
“Right now, they’re hurting this facility, Mott’s brand name and this community."
Take a look at the article accompanying this interview here.
“Right now, they’re hurting this facility, Mott’s brand name and this community."
Take a look at the article accompanying this interview here.
Aug 11, 2010
Voices From the Picket Line: Randy Allen
From Randy Allen, Local 220* Secretary-Treasurer:
"Last week a number of Local 220* strikers went to the RWDSU constitutional convention in Orlando. We met, listened, and talked to many politicians, activists, and other working people.
"We have heard stories from members who have been out on strikes that have lasted from a few days, to many months. They have offered their thoughts, suggestions, and support to all of us here in Williamson.
"We were asked about signs that would have prepared us for the fact that Dr Pepper Snapple was going to force us to strike. Through these conversations, it became clear that many locals are seeing the same signs that we saw. Corporate greed isn’t only here in Williamson-workers are facing it everywhere. Hopefully, they will use this information to prevent being in the same position at their jobs.
"The hardest things for us this week was trying to control our emotions while watching the photos and videos of our members on the picket line and shared their stories--especially those with medical issues. Also, it is hard to recount some of the callous remarks the company has made about the people who invested their lives into building the Mott’s brand.
"The words spoken by leaders of the union, guests, and members throughout the convention were of nothing but positive and supportive, and greatly lifted our spirits. The only thing better would have been if every striker could have been there. You can be assured that we are sharing that energy with the strikers here. We need it, all of us are going through anger, sadness, and fear of the unknown.
"The theme through the convention was “STANDING UP for WORKING PEOPLE.” We are back in Williamson with those words echoing in our ears, and are passing them on to the strikers. Hearing some of the past struggles that UFCW and RWDSU members have fought and won, keeps us very confident about our own situation.
"I have come to the realization that you really do not know just how strong your coworkers are until you are tested. DPS says it's trying to “stay flexible and competitive.” They do not say that they were hurting financially. We would have worked with them if that were the case-we are committed to this company and these jobs.
"I do not think that Dr. Pepper Snapple really believed that our membership would put up a fight against the unfair practices they have engaged in. But they were wrong! Our own membership even underestimated how much community and labor help we are getting and how committed we are to this struggle. We are so thankful for the support.
"Dr. Pepper Snapple could try to work with the union and work out a fair contract for both sides but they have been unwilling to do so. DPS has shown no concern or respect for the work force that they have and should remember this that a happy and respected work force is a productive work force. From the lack of production inside the facility and the strong picket lines outside the facility it is clear that DPS does not have a happy and respected work force. They will have a long way to go in learning that from the UFCW, the RWDSU and our members.
"As the convention wrapped up, we can't help but to remain energized, ready to fight, and STAND UP FOR WORKING PEOPLE!"
"Last week a number of Local 220* strikers went to the RWDSU constitutional convention in Orlando. We met, listened, and talked to many politicians, activists, and other working people.
"We have heard stories from members who have been out on strikes that have lasted from a few days, to many months. They have offered their thoughts, suggestions, and support to all of us here in Williamson.
"We were asked about signs that would have prepared us for the fact that Dr Pepper Snapple was going to force us to strike. Through these conversations, it became clear that many locals are seeing the same signs that we saw. Corporate greed isn’t only here in Williamson-workers are facing it everywhere. Hopefully, they will use this information to prevent being in the same position at their jobs.
"The hardest things for us this week was trying to control our emotions while watching the photos and videos of our members on the picket line and shared their stories--especially those with medical issues. Also, it is hard to recount some of the callous remarks the company has made about the people who invested their lives into building the Mott’s brand.
"The words spoken by leaders of the union, guests, and members throughout the convention were of nothing but positive and supportive, and greatly lifted our spirits. The only thing better would have been if every striker could have been there. You can be assured that we are sharing that energy with the strikers here. We need it, all of us are going through anger, sadness, and fear of the unknown.
"The theme through the convention was “STANDING UP for WORKING PEOPLE.” We are back in Williamson with those words echoing in our ears, and are passing them on to the strikers. Hearing some of the past struggles that UFCW and RWDSU members have fought and won, keeps us very confident about our own situation.
"I have come to the realization that you really do not know just how strong your coworkers are until you are tested. DPS says it's trying to “stay flexible and competitive.” They do not say that they were hurting financially. We would have worked with them if that were the case-we are committed to this company and these jobs.
"I do not think that Dr. Pepper Snapple really believed that our membership would put up a fight against the unfair practices they have engaged in. But they were wrong! Our own membership even underestimated how much community and labor help we are getting and how committed we are to this struggle. We are so thankful for the support.
"Dr. Pepper Snapple could try to work with the union and work out a fair contract for both sides but they have been unwilling to do so. DPS has shown no concern or respect for the work force that they have and should remember this that a happy and respected work force is a productive work force. From the lack of production inside the facility and the strong picket lines outside the facility it is clear that DPS does not have a happy and respected work force. They will have a long way to go in learning that from the UFCW, the RWDSU and our members.
"As the convention wrapped up, we can't help but to remain energized, ready to fight, and STAND UP FOR WORKING PEOPLE!"
NY State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli joins Mott's workers on the picket line
Today NY State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli became the latest elected official to join striking Mott's workers on the picket line in Williamson, NY. Community and political support for the workers remains strong, but the comptroller's solidarity is particularly meaningful in light of his role as Trustee of the New York State Common Retirement Fund, which owns $33.2 million worth of Dr Pepper Snapple Group (DPS) shares. DPS, of course, is the parent company of Mott's.
(left to right) Mott's worker Tim Budd, RWDSU President Stuart Appelbaum, New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, and Mott's worker Bruce Beal.
Yep, the New York State Common Retirement Fund is a major DPS shareholder, and DiNapoli, as its trustee, not only supports workers from a personal and moral standpoint - he questions Dr. Pepper Snapple's actions from the point of view of an investor.
"What's happening here concerns me as an investor. A company that doesn't show respect for its workers is a company at risk of not sustaining profitability," DiNapoli said. "I'm inspired by all of you, and, I will use whatever leverage I have to make this corporation do right by you."
DiNapoli has been advocating for Mott's workers since April, when he sent a letter to Dr Pepper Snapple Group CEO Larry Young asking him to reconsider the aggressive and “contentious” approach the company had taken to bargaining.
"We’re glad to see Comptroller DiNapoli on the strike line with us, and he is right to be concerned about the health of the company. Judging from the few trucks that come in and out of the plant, and the amount of co-packing the company has resorted to--they just can’t get this factory working up to speed! They need us back to run the factory, and share holders like the State of New York are right to stand up for good jobs, and for their investments," said Bruce Beal, a RWDSU Local 220 striker.
(left to right) Mott's worker Tim Budd, RWDSU President Stuart Appelbaum, New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, and Mott's worker Bruce Beal.Yep, the New York State Common Retirement Fund is a major DPS shareholder, and DiNapoli, as its trustee, not only supports workers from a personal and moral standpoint - he questions Dr. Pepper Snapple's actions from the point of view of an investor.
"What's happening here concerns me as an investor. A company that doesn't show respect for its workers is a company at risk of not sustaining profitability," DiNapoli said. "I'm inspired by all of you, and, I will use whatever leverage I have to make this corporation do right by you."
DiNapoli has been advocating for Mott's workers since April, when he sent a letter to Dr Pepper Snapple Group CEO Larry Young asking him to reconsider the aggressive and “contentious” approach the company had taken to bargaining.
"We’re glad to see Comptroller DiNapoli on the strike line with us, and he is right to be concerned about the health of the company. Judging from the few trucks that come in and out of the plant, and the amount of co-packing the company has resorted to--they just can’t get this factory working up to speed! They need us back to run the factory, and share holders like the State of New York are right to stand up for good jobs, and for their investments," said Bruce Beal, a RWDSU Local 220 striker.
Aug 10, 2010
UFCW Members' Donations Hard at Work in Haiti
UFCW members and staff who donated so generously after the Haitian earthquake can rest assured their dollars are doing some good: that money is currently building new schools and a new future for the children of Haiti.The UFCW has partnered with Hope for Haiti to support the rebuilding of a computer lab and library at St. Francois de Sales school in the neighborhood of Riviere Froide, commune of Carrefour, Port-au-Prince.
Before the earthquake, the school provided education to more than 1,350 students in the kindergarten, primary and secondary levels. Carrefour is near the epicenter of the earthquake, and the school was reduced to rubble. UFCW
funds are being matched by Hope for Haiti so that the entire project can be completed. The first two photos here, including the one at left, are of one of the teachers at the school, Sister Gisele, and several of the students there.The UFCW is also working with the Mortel Family to rebuild James Stine College, a high school in Haiti. The second set of three pictures shows some of the students who will be attending that school, and the construction of the school as it progresses. The banner in the last three pictures reads: "Children Today, Leaders Tomorrow: To the Children of St. Marc from the Working Men and Women of the United Food and Commercial Workers Union."
Watch the UFCW's Netroots Nation Panel on Immigration Reform
The full footage is included below. The panelists had some fascinating things to say about why and how immigration reform is good for workers and jobs in America, and good for our economy--and how we can move our politicians closer to enacting real reform.
Aug 6, 2010
Rosann Davenport and Jim Mitchell are feeling the impact of Mott's greed
Rosann Davenport
For more than 40 years, Rosann Davenport has worked at the Mott’s plant in Williamson, New York. She started working as an apple sorter when she was just 19 years old. Today, she is still there, proud of her service and her hard work.
Though the job is tough, and has taken a toll on her body, especially her knees, Rosann enjoys working at Mott’s and would like to work for several more years before retiring.
But now, Mott’s is threatening to eliminate pensions and retirement contributions – the very security and dignity of retirement that Rosann and her co-workers have worked so hard to achieve.
“I love my job and would like to work for a few more years. But if Mott’s succeeds in taking away the good benefits that help us support our families, I’m not sure what I will do,” says Rosann. “I may need to leave New York State because I won’t be able to afford to retire here. It’s very upsetting – after all of our years working at Mott’s, the way they are treating us is unfair.”
Jim Mitchell
Jim Mitchell and his wife, Martha, have been married for 49 years. They have 7 children, 20 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.
Jim has worked at Mott’s for 34 years; he has done various work at the plant, but today works in apple sorting, one of the lower wage jobs. Because of Jim’s health insurance, provided by his union job, Martha is able to go to the doctor and get the medicine she needs for her heart and thyroid problems. And at 73 years old, Jim himself has medical issues that require medicine and attention. The couple spends $80 each month to pay for medicine the insurance doesn’t cover.
At this phase of life, Jim can least afford to take the pay cut that Mott’s is proposing. $1.50 pay cut would be about a 9% cut in his wages – and with increased medical costs, his family would be hurting even more.
Jim doesn’t want to retire because he enjoys working. He says that as long as he feels good, he wants to work. And his job, until now, has helped he and Martha make ends meet and pay their bills each month.
Jim’s son, James Jr. also works at Mott’s and is on strike as well.
For more than 40 years, Rosann Davenport has worked at the Mott’s plant in Williamson, New York. She started working as an apple sorter when she was just 19 years old. Today, she is still there, proud of her service and her hard work.
Though the job is tough, and has taken a toll on her body, especially her knees, Rosann enjoys working at Mott’s and would like to work for several more years before retiring.
But now, Mott’s is threatening to eliminate pensions and retirement contributions – the very security and dignity of retirement that Rosann and her co-workers have worked so hard to achieve.
“I love my job and would like to work for a few more years. But if Mott’s succeeds in taking away the good benefits that help us support our families, I’m not sure what I will do,” says Rosann. “I may need to leave New York State because I won’t be able to afford to retire here. It’s very upsetting – after all of our years working at Mott’s, the way they are treating us is unfair.”
Jim Mitchell
Jim Mitchell and his wife, Martha, have been married for 49 years. They have 7 children, 20 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.
Jim has worked at Mott’s for 34 years; he has done various work at the plant, but today works in apple sorting, one of the lower wage jobs. Because of Jim’s health insurance, provided by his union job, Martha is able to go to the doctor and get the medicine she needs for her heart and thyroid problems. And at 73 years old, Jim himself has medical issues that require medicine and attention. The couple spends $80 each month to pay for medicine the insurance doesn’t cover.
At this phase of life, Jim can least afford to take the pay cut that Mott’s is proposing. $1.50 pay cut would be about a 9% cut in his wages – and with increased medical costs, his family would be hurting even more.
Jim doesn’t want to retire because he enjoys working. He says that as long as he feels good, he wants to work. And his job, until now, has helped he and Martha make ends meet and pay their bills each month.
Jim’s son, James Jr. also works at Mott’s and is on strike as well.
Aug 4, 2010
The Budds are feeling the impact of Mott's greed
The Budds
“We’re Tim and Joann Budd. We are both long time Williamson residents and proud Local 220* union members and have both worked at Mott’s for 24 years. In fact, like many area residents, we still call the plant Duff y Mott’s. Mott’s used to be a family-oriented company and we were proud to work for them.
“Ever since Texas based Dr Pepper Snapple Group took over, things have changed. They stopped doing all the family-oriented things that they used to. Now DPSG wants to cut our pay by $1.50/hour, eliminate our pension, reduce our 401K by 20%, cut back on our health insurance, and take away everything that we worked so hard to earn. What was once a community based, family oriented company is now focused on the bottom line above all.
“Tim was on the negotiating committee, where we saw the DPSG mentality face to face. They will tell you that they offered a fair deal and we are overpaid. This is untrue. They never offered a fair deal, and while we were bargaining they violated labor law and are under investigation by the Federal Government. While we disagreed with DPSG’s desire to lower our compensation, we listened to them and moved our proposal many times, finally offering to keep our current benefit and wage levels in exchange for a very modest signing bonus. Our last offer was no raises, no cost of living improvements, no improvements in our very modest pension plan, no changes to the wages and benefits that have allowed them to be wildly profitable.
“According to NY State data, the average Wayne County food production worker makes $25/hour. Local 220* members make on average $21/hour. Our wages are in line with the area and the skill level we possess.
“We have four children and a foster child. Our oldest daughter, Melissa, has Lupus. Last year, Tim gave her one of his kidneys in order to save her life. She spent most of three years in the hospital and is completely dependent on us. We struggled with paying the hospital bills while still being able to provide for our family. Without affordable health benefits, we wouldn’t have made it. Providing for her and the rest of our family is a struggle every day. If DPSG succeeds in taking away our wages and benefits, we won’t be able to care for our family.
“DPSG and the CEO aren’t struggling-why should those of us who have built this company struggle? Why do their children deserve college or healthcare and ours don’t? It is clear to us that DPSG just doesn’t care about Williamson, NY. Not our children, our community or our farmers. DPSG doesn’t care about anything but money. We are so proud of our union Brothers and Sisters at Local 220*. Larry Young thought he could take advantage of us up in Williamson, but he only made us stronger than ever.
“Please know that none of us want to be on strike -but we won’t let them strip away our livelihood without a fight. We’re making a stand here for blue-collar workers in America against the corporate blueprint they’d like to impose on the rest of American workers. Stop by and see us on the line, we’re out there all day and all night until Dr Pepper does the right thing and comes back to the table.”
“We’re Tim and Joann Budd. We are both long time Williamson residents and proud Local 220* union members and have both worked at Mott’s for 24 years. In fact, like many area residents, we still call the plant Duff y Mott’s. Mott’s used to be a family-oriented company and we were proud to work for them.
“Ever since Texas based Dr Pepper Snapple Group took over, things have changed. They stopped doing all the family-oriented things that they used to. Now DPSG wants to cut our pay by $1.50/hour, eliminate our pension, reduce our 401K by 20%, cut back on our health insurance, and take away everything that we worked so hard to earn. What was once a community based, family oriented company is now focused on the bottom line above all.“Tim was on the negotiating committee, where we saw the DPSG mentality face to face. They will tell you that they offered a fair deal and we are overpaid. This is untrue. They never offered a fair deal, and while we were bargaining they violated labor law and are under investigation by the Federal Government. While we disagreed with DPSG’s desire to lower our compensation, we listened to them and moved our proposal many times, finally offering to keep our current benefit and wage levels in exchange for a very modest signing bonus. Our last offer was no raises, no cost of living improvements, no improvements in our very modest pension plan, no changes to the wages and benefits that have allowed them to be wildly profitable.
“According to NY State data, the average Wayne County food production worker makes $25/hour. Local 220* members make on average $21/hour. Our wages are in line with the area and the skill level we possess.
“We have four children and a foster child. Our oldest daughter, Melissa, has Lupus. Last year, Tim gave her one of his kidneys in order to save her life. She spent most of three years in the hospital and is completely dependent on us. We struggled with paying the hospital bills while still being able to provide for our family. Without affordable health benefits, we wouldn’t have made it. Providing for her and the rest of our family is a struggle every day. If DPSG succeeds in taking away our wages and benefits, we won’t be able to care for our family.
“DPSG and the CEO aren’t struggling-why should those of us who have built this company struggle? Why do their children deserve college or healthcare and ours don’t? It is clear to us that DPSG just doesn’t care about Williamson, NY. Not our children, our community or our farmers. DPSG doesn’t care about anything but money. We are so proud of our union Brothers and Sisters at Local 220*. Larry Young thought he could take advantage of us up in Williamson, but he only made us stronger than ever.
“Please know that none of us want to be on strike -but we won’t let them strip away our livelihood without a fight. We’re making a stand here for blue-collar workers in America against the corporate blueprint they’d like to impose on the rest of American workers. Stop by and see us on the line, we’re out there all day and all night until Dr Pepper does the right thing and comes back to the table.”
Aug 3, 2010
Who is feeling the impact of Mott's greed?
This week, we'll be bringing you stories from the picket line in Williamson, NY, where 300 workers and their families have been standing strong since they were forced out on strike over 10 weeks ago.
Today's story comes from Joan Young:
“My name is Joan and my husband is Kevin Young, a striking worker at the Mott’s plant in Williamson, NY. Kevin and I have been married for 3 years, and he has worked at Mott’s for nearly 9 years. He works on machinery that packages single serve apple sauce cups. Kevin’s wages at Mott’s are our only income. I used to be a job coach for ARC, training the developmentally delayed for jobs in cleaning. I very much enjoyed my work, but my allergies and severe asthma made working with chemicals impossible. I have a number of medical needs, including a number of shots and pills—unfortunately without them I literally would be unable to get out of bed.
"The healthcare that Mott’s provided, and Kevin shared the cost of, covered only some of our medical expenses. We spent probably $1000 extra each month to cover the costs. During negotiations, Mott’s, aka Dr Pepper Snapple, proposed cutting the quality of the plan and raising our share of the costs. Dr Pepper Snapple also proposed cutting wages by $1.50 per hour, suspending even cost of living raises for 3 years, changing vacation accrual and eliminating the pension and cutting the 401k. When Kevin and his coworkers rejected these cuts, the company stopped negotiating, implemented the deal and forced Kevin and his 300 coworkers out on strike.
"Now we have to buy COBRA and count on Kevin’s coworkers to help us with emergencies. For us there was no choice-he had to walk that picket line. We thought a lot about what was right and what was wrong and there is no question--Dr Pepper Snapple has gone too far. It seems like Americans are losing middle class jobs all the time. You can’t get one, and you can’t keep one. Kevin is skilled and he has worked hard at his job at Mott’s-and now they want to cut his wages and benefits? I could go on Medicare but Medicare would not cover some of my much needed drugs and why should we have to be on welfare when the company is so successful, making $555 million in profit last year? Why are taxpayers supposed to pick up the slack when companies want to pad their bottom lines?”
Today's story comes from Joan Young:
“My name is Joan and my husband is Kevin Young, a striking worker at the Mott’s plant in Williamson, NY. Kevin and I have been married for 3 years, and he has worked at Mott’s for nearly 9 years. He works on machinery that packages single serve apple sauce cups. Kevin’s wages at Mott’s are our only income. I used to be a job coach for ARC, training the developmentally delayed for jobs in cleaning. I very much enjoyed my work, but my allergies and severe asthma made working with chemicals impossible. I have a number of medical needs, including a number of shots and pills—unfortunately without them I literally would be unable to get out of bed.
"The healthcare that Mott’s provided, and Kevin shared the cost of, covered only some of our medical expenses. We spent probably $1000 extra each month to cover the costs. During negotiations, Mott’s, aka Dr Pepper Snapple, proposed cutting the quality of the plan and raising our share of the costs. Dr Pepper Snapple also proposed cutting wages by $1.50 per hour, suspending even cost of living raises for 3 years, changing vacation accrual and eliminating the pension and cutting the 401k. When Kevin and his coworkers rejected these cuts, the company stopped negotiating, implemented the deal and forced Kevin and his 300 coworkers out on strike.
"Now we have to buy COBRA and count on Kevin’s coworkers to help us with emergencies. For us there was no choice-he had to walk that picket line. We thought a lot about what was right and what was wrong and there is no question--Dr Pepper Snapple has gone too far. It seems like Americans are losing middle class jobs all the time. You can’t get one, and you can’t keep one. Kevin is skilled and he has worked hard at his job at Mott’s-and now they want to cut his wages and benefits? I could go on Medicare but Medicare would not cover some of my much needed drugs and why should we have to be on welfare when the company is so successful, making $555 million in profit last year? Why are taxpayers supposed to pick up the slack when companies want to pad their bottom lines?”
Locked out UFCW Canada Local 1400 workers say thank you
Two hundred UFCW Canada Local 1400 members who have been locked out by their employer XL Foods since September 2009 say thanks to their union and all the people who have supported them since the long work stoppage began:
Aug 2, 2010
From the UFCW-sposored lunch at Netroots Nation 2010: Building a Progressive Economic Vision
Take a look at the all-start lineup of speakers who spoke at the UFCW-sponsored keynote lunch at this year's Netroots Nation:
Elizabeth Warren
Rep. Alan Grayson
AFL-CIO President Richard Trumpka
Phaedra Ellis-Lamkins
Deepak Bhargava
George Goehl
Elizabeth Warren
Rep. Alan Grayson
AFL-CIO President Richard Trumpka
Phaedra Ellis-Lamkins
Deepak Bhargava
George Goehl
Shoppers Say "No More Mott's"
Every day, more and more shoppers are choosing not to purchase any more Mott's products until the company does right by the 300 Williamson, NY workers it forced out on strike on May 23. Here's what some of those shoppers had to say about the situation:
National Week of Online Action to Support Mott's Workers Starts Today
Today working families, activists, and community allies across the country are kicking off a coordinated week of online action to support the 300 Mott's workers and UFCW Local 220* members in Williamson, NY who were forced out on strike on May 23.
You've heard a lot about the strike since then - about how well Mott's and its parent company Dr. Pepper Snapple are doing, about the $1.50 an hour pay cuts and pension freezes the company wants workers to take, about the executives' refusal to come back to the bargaining table - but the bottom line is pretty simple: this is a story of corporate greed at its worst - but it is also a story of American workers taking a stand against a behemoth, fighting to keep the American dream alive in the face of formidable odds.
You can help these workers by both participating in and promoting online actions throughout the week. Whatever your medium of choice - or if you love to use them all - we are asking folks to engage in the following ways:
1) Blog: whether you post it on your personal blog or your organization's blog, writing about the strike will make a difference. You can reference some of the worker stories we'll be posting here, or highlight how successful Mott's and Dr. Pepper Snapple are, or talk about how the company is both using replacement workers and outsourcing work to other companies (essentially slapping a Mott's label on a different kind of applesauce) - just write about any and every part of this story that moves you.
2) Twitter:
Stay tuned all week for more information here - including a new video featuring shoppers who have decided not to purchase Mott's until the company does right by its workers.
You've heard a lot about the strike since then - about how well Mott's and its parent company Dr. Pepper Snapple are doing, about the $1.50 an hour pay cuts and pension freezes the company wants workers to take, about the executives' refusal to come back to the bargaining table - but the bottom line is pretty simple: this is a story of corporate greed at its worst - but it is also a story of American workers taking a stand against a behemoth, fighting to keep the American dream alive in the face of formidable odds.
You can help these workers by both participating in and promoting online actions throughout the week. Whatever your medium of choice - or if you love to use them all - we are asking folks to engage in the following ways:
1) Blog: whether you post it on your personal blog or your organization's blog, writing about the strike will make a difference. You can reference some of the worker stories we'll be posting here, or highlight how successful Mott's and Dr. Pepper Snapple are, or talk about how the company is both using replacement workers and outsourcing work to other companies (essentially slapping a Mott's label on a different kind of applesauce) - just write about any and every part of this story that moves you.
2) Twitter:
- Call out @Motts
- Use the hashtag #justiceatmotts
- Link to www.nobadapples.org
- Sample tweet: "I won't buy @Motts products until the strike in Williamson, NY is resolved #justiceatmotts"
- Visit the Mott's Facebook page and tell the company you think what they're doing to workers is wrong. If you write a blog post, why not post the link to it on the Mott's page?
- Update your facebook status with the following message: "To take a stand for working families, make this your status: I won't buy Mott's products until the strike in Williamson, NY is resolved. Mott's, owned by Dr. Pepper Snapple, forced 300 workers out on strike on May 23 and refuses to come back to the bargaining table. DPS stock is up 35% this year, but the company wants workers to take pay cuts of $1.50 an hour, in addition to slashed benefits. www.nobadapples.org"
Stay tuned all week for more information here - including a new video featuring shoppers who have decided not to purchase Mott's until the company does right by its workers.
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