| . |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Labor Day Story - Mott's Fights Labor Unions |
| September 6, 2010 - When the Mott's workers went on strike in May of 2010, the majority of them would tell you they did not believe they would still be out on Labor Day. The union was still on strike today, even though they received a very good offer from corporate last week. Stuart Applebaum, the president of Mott's Union said today, “Move over BP. Dr. Pepper Snapple, the owner of Motts is the new face of irresponsible, unbridled corporate greed in America today.” Just last week the company made an offer: no pay cuts or raises for three years, and a $1,000 signing bonus. The union voted it down. At issue are wage and benefit cuts the company offered and that the workers rejected. The union contends the profitable company should not be cutting benefits, while Dr Pepper Snapple Group points to data showing the workers are overpaid based on regional wage scales. Mott's workers are paid on average $19 per hour, while their industry counterparts in the area of western New York earn $14. Corporate wanted the union to take an average wage cut of $1.50 per hour. Bruce Beal, one of the striking workers said, “I have never been more proud to represent the people of Local 220.” Beal is an 8-year veteran at Mott's. He, like so many of the union workers, was making good money. Now he is living on $200 a week from strike pay. “I thank the lord that I have a wife who is willing to go out and work a full-time job to help do her share and support the family.” Beal and dozens of Mott's workers marched in the Labor Day Parade in Rochester. Before the parade they had their own rally on East Avenue. The union says Mott's owner makes hundreds of millions of dollars every year, and they want to cut thousands from its workers. This is true, however, the company is putting its shareholders first. The shareholders vote in the board of directors, which hire the executive team. This should not be a surprise to the workers. Workers like Bruce Beal feel like they are not treated with respect. “They've referred to us as commodities, such as soy beans and oil. Who do these people think they are?” The very latest statement from owners says “We are continuing to operate the plant with replacement workers, and production output is approaching pre-strike levels. We expect no further discussions with the union at this time." |
| The pamphlet below was distributed by the Mott's workers labor union |
