On Wednesday September 1, 2010 TWU International President James C. Little sent a letter of support to Stuart Appelbaum, President of RWDSU (Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union). Since May 23, 2010 over 300 full time manufacturing workers at the Mott’s plant in Williamson, New York, were forced to strike after company executives demanded painful wage cuts while the company enjoyed a record year of $555 million in profits. President Little followed his letter of support for RWDSU with a letter to Larry D. Young, President & CEO of Dr. Pepper Snapple Group, Inc. urging him to negotiate fairly and reach an agreement that respects the workers. Below are both of the letters that President Little sent.

Dear President Appelbaum:

The Transport Workers Union would like to extend our support to the members of RWDSU Local 220 who are standing up for their rights against the injustices of the Dr. Pepper Snapple Group. I have written to Mr. Young expressing our outrage over their actions and stressing the need to negotiate a reasonable and fair contract. Profitable companies should not be exploiting the weak economy to hurt working families and boost executive pay.

We are proud to support the RWDSU and will do what we can to help combat this rampant example of corporate greed. We must take a strong stand against this abuse of corporate power and protect workers from being treated as commodities. I wish you strength in your fight and know that you are not alone.

Sincerely,
James C. Little
International President


Dear Mr. Young:

On behalf of the men and women of the Transport Workers Union, I would like to express my grave concerns over your company’s stance towards the workers at the Mott’s plant in Williamson, NY. Demanding wage and benefit cuts while the company and its executives profit are unjust and unreasonable. Our communities and our nation suffer when profitable companies use the weak economy as a guise to short-change their employees.

The Transport Workers Union will do all we can to support the cause of the Mott’s workers and ensure they get a fair contract. The New York and national economy will continue to stagnate if companies like your squeeze profits out of workers and slash wages.

I urge you and your company to negotiate fairly and reach an agreement that respects the workers. It is time to do what is right for your company and the working families in Williamson, NY.

Sincerely,
James C. Little
International President