September 7, 2010
Mr. Larry Young
President, Dr. Pepper Snapple Group
5301 Legacy Drive
Plano, TX 75024
President Young,
We are writing today in support of the striking workers at the Mott’s facility in Williamson, New York (Retail, Wholesale & Department Store Union/UFCW Local 220). The Young Democrats of America (YDA) and the New York State Young Democrats (NYSYD) are proud to stand with our union brothers and sisters in Williamson, because we know that their struggle is one that profoundly affects all of us.
The Dr. Pepper Snapple Group is demanding workers to take a pay cut, reduce the employer contributions to the company’s 401(k) retirement plan, freeze pensions for current workers, and increase employee contributions toward health care premiums
We fully understand that during an economic recession, sacrifices are sometimes necessary; however, Motts’ parent company, Dr. Pepper Snapple Group, saw $555 million in profits last year. Much of this success is a result of the hard work of your employees.
While many corporations across America have recovered from the recession swiftly, working men and women are still struggling to make ends meet. The companies have a much larger responsibility to support the communities that have supported them for years. They should be reinvesting in their workforce to help them navigate through these tough economic times rather than reducing salaries and benefits to increase profit margins.
We agree with the sentiment expressed by the wife of a striking worker in a recent editorial to the Wayne County Star: “Don’t forget they are standing up for you too. They are standing up for the men and women that break their backs everyday to bring home a paycheck that allows them to live from week to week. They are standing up for not only their families and yours, but the community too.”
YDA and NYSYD urge you to work with the union to bargain in good faith for a fair agreement that protects the pay and retirement of the employees.
Regards,
Rod Snyder
President
Young Democrats of America
Kevin Lawrie
President
New York State Young Democrats