MOTT'S WORKERS RATIFY CONTRACT; STOOD UP FOR WORKING PEOPLE EVERYWHERE

Members of CSEA and the Rochester Finger Lakes Chapter of Pride At Work rally in support of the Mott's workers earlier this summer.  (Photo by Bess Watts)

Wayne County, N.Y.--  On September 13, members of RWDSU Local 220 at the Mott’s plant in Williamson, New York voted to accept a new contract and to end their strike against Mott's, part of the Plano, Texas-based Dr Pepper Snapple Group.

Among the provisions of the new agreement are restored wage levels and the continuation of the pension plan.  They have walked the picket line for 114 days and now workers say this development is far from a win-win situation.  Some union workers feel like they now have a "target on their back" and are very apprehensive about returning to work.

Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU) Local 220 Union President Michael LeBerth told reporters that union workers voted on and ratified a new contract on Monday morning.

A total of 304 employees went on strike on May 23; 295 of them stayed off the job for the duration.

LeBerth said under the proposed offer, existing workers would have their wages frozen for three years, get a 2 percent match on their 401(k) plans, and retain their pension. New hires will get a 4 percent 401(k) match, but receive no pension.

The Dr. Pepper Snapple Group, Mott's parent company, will pay 80 percent of health care premiums, with employees picking up the other 20 percent. Any increase exceeding 10 percent will be split 50/50.

The workers also receive a 30-day protection if they are moved to a lower paying position, which means they will work at the higher wage for those 30 days.

The striking workers stood up for working people both in their community and nationally. The striking workers obtained support from a wide variety of unions, including CSEA members in WNY Region 6.

Additionally, leaders and elected officials including AFL-CIO President Rich Trumka, New York State AFL-CIO President Denis Hughes, presidents of numerous International Unions, the entire New York State Democratic Congressional delegation and many New York elected officials, members of the Canadian Parliament, and unions and union federations from around the world came to aid of the Mott's workers.

The strike was also the subject of national news coverage from the CBS Evening News to PBS Newshour, The Nation and The New York Times.

Bess Watts, CSEA Local 828 President said she is proud of the workers at Mott's for showing "the true spirit of union perserverance, sacrifice and character."

"Not a day went by without people stopping by to drop off a financial or food donation for the strike fund. The International, National and local community supported us thoroughly, and the RWDSU and Local 220 members want to share their thanks," said Stuart Appelbaum, president of the RWDSU. "The RWDSU members at Mott's have a message for working people everywhere: Stand up for what you believe in, and stay united."

Once the Dr. Pepper Snapple Group accepts the union vote, the strike will officially be over, and the workers would be back on the job next Monday.