Today I returned to Williamson, NY - the site of the Motts strike 4 years ago - for the dedication of RWDSU Local 220s new union hall. The local acquired the building across the road from the applesauce plant. What was then a ramshackled building had served as the locals strike headquarters for the 17 long weeks of our strike against Dr. Pepper Snapple (the corporate owner of Motts). 17 weeks without wages and health care, without any idea if people would ever get their jobs back. But they prevailed. At the end of the strike, 295 of the 305 workers were still on the picket line. The well-publicized and well-supported strike sent an important message throughout the country about corporate greed. The strikers proved that when workers stand together they can win, despite the odds. And last year they went back to the negotiating table again and achieved their strongest contract ever. RWDSU local 220 - you continue to inspire me and so many others! Congratulations on your new hall!
Posted on: Sat, 27 Sep 2014 21:36:48 +0000