Members at Mott’s plant go on strike:
Dr. Pepper/Snapple Group hit for unfair labor practices

*More than 300 UFCW-affiliated manufacturing workers at Mott’s plant in Williamson, N.Y., went on strike in June, objecting to proposed wage cuts while the company enjoyed a record year of $555 million in profits.

The work stoppage was called in reaction to Mott’s executives’ unfair labor practices, a spokesperson for the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU) said.
“They tried to peel away good jobs and wages,” the spokesperson said.
“They would not bargain in good faith.”

Mott’s, which is best known for its apple juices and sauces, is a subsidiary of the Dr. Pepper/ Snap­ple Group.

The company had declared an impasse and announced plans to implement its last contract terms, which included nothing but reductions in hourly wages and drastic health care and pension concessions for the Williamson workers.

“The workers who were forced to strike today are the same workers who helped make Mott’s become the highly profitable company it is today,”
said Stuart Appelbaum, national president of the RWDSU, which is part of the UFCW.

“Our members should not be treated like a bunch of rotten apples by overpaid executives.
“Whittling down wage and benefit standards, while exponentially increasing CEO compensation, is rotten business, and frankly un-American,” Appelbaum said.

RWDSU Local 220, which represents the workers, has been negotiating for months to reach a fair contract with Mott’s.

The concessions demanded by Mott’s include a $1.50-per-hour wage cut for all employees, elimination of pensions for future employees, a pension freeze for current employees, a 20 percent decrease in employer contributions to 401K plans and higher employee-paid health care premiums and co-pays.

Michael Leberth, president of RWDSU/UFCW Local 220, said “the company has not budged from our reasonable and dignified offer and there will be no late-night negotiations. We are tired of being juiced by such a profitable company.”

For more information, visit www.NoBadApples.org.