FIGHTING THE GOOD FIGHT AT MOTT'S

Williamson, New York--

A trip to the striking workers picket line at the Mott’s plant on Route 104 in Williamson, N.Y. is simultaneously inspiring and frightening if you are part of the working class. You feel a sense of bravado driven by desperation in the 300 blue-collar industrial workers who around the clock walk the perimeter of the Mott’s property discouraging strike-breaking scabs from crossing the picket line.

Mott’s, once a worker-friendly hometown company in Wayne County, is now owned by Dr. Pepper Snapple Group (DPSG) from Plano, Texas. DPSG made $555 million in profit last year and its President and CEO Larry Young, was given a whopping $6.6 million in compensation. In a tight economy, Dr. Pepper Snapple Group generates that kind of profit the old-fashioned way-- by oppressing workers.

Weeks ago DPSG dumped a “take it or leave it” contract proposal on workers calling for an across the board wage cut of $1.50 hour, greatly increased health care premiums, medical co-pays and deductibles in the thousands of dollars, pension freezes and cuts in company 401k contributions.

Additionally, Mott’s insists on arbitrary changes in job descriptions designed to lower salaries and displace skilled senior workers. For weeks DPSG negotiators have refused to return to the bargaining table despite the fact that workers are proposing a “flat contract” which only continues their current agreement without an increase in salary.

The perceived arrogance and greed of Dr. Pepper Snapple Group has generated widespread international and community support.  Motorists and passing vehicles often honk and wave in favor of the workers. On June 14, bags of food were dropped off for strikers and representatives of several other unions including, CSEA, SEIU, NYSUT, Pride At Work and NGU (Next Generation United). 

Along with Rochester Genesee Valley Area Labor Federation President Jim Bertolone, workers from other local unions took time out of their busy schedules to walk the picket line in solidarity.  Additionally, Congressman Dan Maffei, and Rochester Mayor Bob Duffy have publicly pledged support of the striking workers.

CSEA Local 828 President Bess Watts spoke with the strikers and reflects, “This is not simply about money. The wage cut is almost secondary to the huge cuts in benefits. One long time Mott’s employee told me it would cost $6000.00 out of pocket in medical expenses to have a baby.”

Watts added, “Everyone is struggling at the negotiation table right now and this strike has special significance to all local unions because of the extreme undercutting of worker benefits and compensation by this large national corporation. If this strike fails, which union wants to be the next domino to fall to so low a level? So this fight is our fight and we will support the courageous RWDSU (Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union) strikers. Backs to the wall, they speak for CSEA and all American workers when they say-- enough is enough!


Watts encourages all union and nonunion workers to support the Mott’s strikers by joining the picket line for a few hours to visibly show unity of purpose. 

Also, please join the boycott of Dr. Pepper Snapple Group products listed here until further notice:

7UP, A&W, Canada Dry, Clamato, Country Time, Crush, Deja Blue, Diet Rite, Dr Pepper, Hawaiian Punch, Hires, IBC, Margaritaville, Mott’s, Mr and Mrs T, Nantucket Nectars, Orangina, Penafiel, RC Cola, ReaLemon, Rose’s, Schweppes, Snapple, Squirt, Stewart’s, Sundrop, Sunkist, Vernors, Welch’s and Yoo-hoo.

(Pictured in the photo are CSEA's Doris Cota and Terri Ferrara.  Photos by Bess Watts.)