UFCW 8 Backs Striking Mott’s Workers

Shoppers in California informed during long Union struggle at New York plant

In the week leading up to the Fourth of July, members and staff of UFCW 8 handed out leaflets in support of 300 striking Union members at Mott’s plant in Williamson, N.Y.

The workers called a strike on May 23 because they refused to accept demands by their employer to slash their wages and benefits.

The dispute ended on Sept. 13 when the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union, part of the UFCW, reached a settlement with Mott’s and its parent company, Dr. Pepper/Snapple. The members voted quickly and overwhelmingly to ratify the new contract.

Leaders of RWDSU Local 220 noted that the company was forced to back down from its demands to cut wages and pension benefits for current workers.

RWDSU President Stuart Appelbaum said: “Not a day went by during this strike 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.

“The workers at Mott’s have a message for working people everywhere: Stand up for what you believe in and stay united.”