RWDSU Local 220 Members Declare Victory at Mott’s; Strike Over As Workers Plan Return to Plant

Today, members of RWDSU Local 220 at the Mott’s plant in Williamson NY voted to accept a new contract and to end their strike against Mott's (part of the Plano, Texas-based Dr Pepper Snapple Group).

Among the provisions of the new agreement are restored wage levels and the continuation of the pension plan. Other details of the agreement will not be disclosed.

The Mott’s workers will return to work on Monday, September 20, 2010, on what would have been the 121st day of the strike. The workers went on strike on May 23, 2010.

The striking workers stood up for working people both in their community and nationally.

The striking workers obtained support from a wide variety of union leaders and elected officials including AFL-CIO President Rich Trumka, New York State AFL-CIO President Denis Hughes, presidents of numerous International Unions, the entire New York State Democratic Congressional delegation and many NY elected officials, members of the Canadian Parliament, and unions and union federations from around the world.

The strike was the subject of national news coverage from the CBS evening news to PBS Newshour to the NY Times.

"Not a day went by 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," said Stuart Appelbaum, president of the RWDSU. "The RWDSU members at Mott's have a message for working people everywhere: Stand up for what you believe in, and stay united."

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The Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU) represents 100,000 members in the U.S. and Canada employed in food processing, retail and other industries. The RWDSU is dedicated to empowering workers in order to help members build better lives for themselves both at work and in our communities. Through organizing, collective bargaining, political action and community involvement the RWDSU is fighting to strengthen the middle class in the U.S. and Canada The RWDSU is affiliated with the United Food and Commercial Workers Union.