Educators from throughout the Rochester area are putting their stamp of solidarity on the now month-long strike at the Mott's plant in Williamson, Wayne County, on the shores of Lake Ontario.
At a recent rally, NYSUT members stood strong with the 300 workers, members of the Retail Wholesale Distributive and Storeworkers Union who are resisting major wage and benefit cuts demanded by their employer, the multi-national Dr. Pepper Snapple. That corporation, with profits of more than $550 million last year and a CEO with a $6.5 million paycheck, is attempting to break the back of their union and ruin the quality of life in the workers' communities.
"We stand by these union members who are fighting for their families and their futures," said NYSUT Secretary-Treasurer Lee Cutler after the rally. "Our students' parents need good jobs, our schools need vibrant communities. We cannot allow their needs to be crushed by an uncaring corporation."
NYSUT locals, leaders and staff contributed more than $1,000 to the workers and the statewide union also gave $1,000 to aid the strikers' efforts.
Besides Cutler, NYSUT Board members Barbara Shapiro and Dave Defelice joined dozens of members from locals including Penfield EA, North Rose-Wolcott Service Employees Association, Wayne-Finger Lakes BOCES EA and SSP, Webster TA, Wayne TA, Williamson TA, Pittsford DTA, Marion TA, Rochester TA, Gates-Chili TA, Phelps-Clifton Springs TA, Brockport TA, Seneca Falls EA and Retiree Councils 5-6.