CSEA hits the century mark; Labor Day is the day we celebrate the American worker (photos and story by Ove Overmyer. Click on images for a larger view.)Rochester, N.Y.-- The area community marked the 25th Annual Rochester Labor Day Parade on Monday, September 6, hosted by the Rochester Labor Council, AFL-CIO. More than 5,000 union workers and participants marched down East Avenue and East Main Street in support of the local labor movement. The day was highlighted by the Mott's strike in Williamson and our very own 100th anniversary. The parade featured more than 40 different units. Community activists and political representatives also marched together in solidarity.
This year's theme was "Walk with the Workers who make Rochester run!" Rochester's Labor Day Parade is one of upstate New York's largest annual parades.
Local union members have plenty to say when it comes to earning a living in today's economy. Bess Watts, president of CSEA Monroe County Local 828, says workers have not been getting the credit they deserve, nor the ability to lawfully bargain in good faith with local municipalities.
"It's a shame that our Monroe County workers can't even get a fair contract-- nevermind that they go to work each day and provide the best possible services to make this the great community it is," she says. Cris Zaffuto, Unit President for the full time employees of Monroe County reports that workers have been without a contract for 614 days. She adds, "The next negotiations informational meeting with members will be October 30th."
"It's a shame that our Monroe County workers can't even get a fair contract-- nevermind that they go to work each day and provide the best possible services to make this the great community it is," she says. Cris Zaffuto, Unit President for the full time employees of Monroe County reports that workers have been without a contract for 614 days. She adds, "The next negotiations informational meeting with members will be October 30th."
Union workers from Mott's in Williamson said they want to work too. They have been on strike for 107 days and counting after Mott’s parent company Dr. Pepper Snapple Group made some proposed changes to their pay and benefits.
Dr. Pepper Snapple Group said the company is disappointed union members rejected what it called a final offer. Mott's workers are represented by the Retail Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU), Local 220.
The union representing the Mott's workers is also accepting the U.S. labor secretary's call to keep working to end the 107-day strike. Labor Secretary Hilda Solis urged both sides to get back to the bargaining table as a guest essayist in a piece that appeared in Saturday's Democrat & Chronicle.
Pre-parade press conference
At a press conference before the parade, RWDSU union president Stuart Applebaum said Solis was right when she said the best way to resolve this strike is through collective bargaining. The RWDSU said it is now waiting to hear whether or not Dr. Pepper Snapple Group will reject the U.S. secretary of labor's call to resume negotiations.
At a press conference before the parade, RWDSU union president Stuart Applebaum said Solis was right when she said the best way to resolve this strike is through collective bargaining. The RWDSU said it is now waiting to hear whether or not Dr. Pepper Snapple Group will reject the U.S. secretary of labor's call to resume negotiations.
CSEA statewide president Danny Donohue, who marched with Western Region 6 Locals and spoke briefly at the pre-parade press conference, said CSEA members are ready and willing to help whenever and however they can until the strike is over. With approximately 75 Mott's workers standing behind Donohue at the front steps of the Boy Scouts of America building on East Ave, he turned around and said, "We want you to know that CSEA will always be there for you."
"100 years is a big deal"
Watts says CSEA's 100th annivesary is a really big deal. She says, "These are very challenging times for the labor community. However, when we look back on our CSEA union history, it proves to be a guiding light to direct us to a promising future. There is comfort in knowing we have made positive significant contributions to the New York State way of life for over a century. With each passing day, our struggle continues but with a greater sense of purpose and urgency."
Watts says CSEA's 100th annivesary is a really big deal. She says, "These are very challenging times for the labor community. However, when we look back on our CSEA union history, it proves to be a guiding light to direct us to a promising future. There is comfort in knowing we have made positive significant contributions to the New York State way of life for over a century. With each passing day, our struggle continues but with a greater sense of purpose and urgency."
Special thanks to all the Western Region Locals who participated in this year's Labor Day festivities. Local 828 president Bess Watts reports that she has recieved many postive reviews about the CSEA's presentation at the parade and gives thanks to Local 828 parade committee chair Holly Gudonis and her husband Mike for their excellent effort this year.
Hats off to Western New York Region 6 President Flo Tripi for her leadership and to all of the Rochester area Locals for a job well done! President Tripi also wants to give special acknowlegdement to Anne Tischer for her unyeilding support of the local labor community.
For a slideshow of yesterday's parade, you can go here. All photos by Ove Overmyer.
Hats off to Western New York Region 6 President Flo Tripi for her leadership and to all of the Rochester area Locals for a job well done! President Tripi also wants to give special acknowlegdement to Anne Tischer for her unyeilding support of the local labor community.
For a slideshow of yesterday's parade, you can go here. All photos by Ove Overmyer.
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