Striking Workers Declare Victory at Mott’s
September 16, 2010
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Workers at Mott’s upstate New York applesauce plant declared victory after ratifying a new contract that restores wages and preserves the defined benefit pension plan.
The workers at Mott’s, who are members of the Retail, Wholesale, Department Store Union/UFCW Local 220, previously rejected a concessions-laden contract from Mott’s, a subsidiary of the Dr. Pepper Snapple Group, which posted a $550 million profit in last year.
The labor dispute drew national media attention and support from labor unions around the country after the highly profitable company demanded a $1.50 per hour wage cut for all workers, a pension freeze for current employees and elimination of a pension plan for future employees, among other concessions.
“Not a day went by without people stopping by to drop off a financial or food donation for the strike fund,” said RWDSU president Stuart Applebaum. “The international, national and local community supported us thoroughly, and the RWDSU and Local 220 members want to share their thanks. The RWDSU members at Mott’s have a message for working people everywhere: Stand up for what you believe in, and stay united.”
