Solidarity for Mott's factory workers

[Omaha Steve]

http://socialistworker.org/2010/07/07/solidarity-for-motts-workers

By Shermeeka Mason | July 7, 2010

WILLIAMSON, N.Y.--Solidarity is strong here, as about 600 people attended a rally near the Mott's factory to support striking workers on June 26.

The 305 members of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU) went on strike a month ago after being told by the Doctor Pepper Snapple (DPS) Group headquarters that their benefits and wages would be cut--management claimed the workers "made too much money."

Outraged, laborers walked out, vowing not to set foot into the factory until a fair contract was brought to the bargaining table. Scabs have since taken their place, risking their safety and lives by operating machinery with little knowledge on how it functions.

Local area labor and social justice organizations supported the rally on June 26. Cheering men, women and their children stood out in the drizzling rain as politicians, fellow union workers and religious leaders took to the podium to speak about the blatant unfairness of DPS and its CEO--who pulled in a whopping $550 million last year.

Rally participants pumped their fists into the air as speakers like RWDSU President Stewart Applebaum shared testimony of how the corporation tried unsuccessfully to divide the union and end the strike. This attempt has only made the union stronger, encouraging the members to stand together like a protective family unit.

FULL story at link.