Another Strong Contract At Mott's in Upstate NY

In April, members of RWDSU Local 220 in Williamson, New York, overwhelmingly ratified a new contract. The hard-fought contract includes strong hourly wage increases over the next five years, reduced healthcare costs and job security provisions that will protect the members well into the future.

This is a huge win for the over 300 Local 220 members who produce iconic household products including Mott’s applesauce, apple juice, and the Clamato beverage, among others. In 2010, Mott’s workers went on strike in the face of unacceptable contract provisions offered by the company. Despite it all, they were able to win a fair contract showing the real power of unionized workers. This time, negotiations lasted just seven weeks and workers were able to secure one of the strongest contracts in their history.

“The workers at Mott’s proved years ago that if you stand up for what you believe in and you stand united that you can protect and advance the needs of working people. This contract is one of the best that we have ever negotiated at Mott’s and we are proud of the members for sticking together. Once again, they have set an example for workers everywhere,” said RWDSU President Stuart Appelbaum.

“Our member driven negotiations team worked tirelessly to secure a strong contract for all 300 plus Mott’s workers. I am proud of our team, our work and our new contract. To see how far we’ve come in just under a decade to secure one of our strongest contracts shows the real power of RWDSU Local 220 and I couldn’t be happier to return to work shoulder to shoulder with our team under this new contract,” said Jerome Camp, President of Local 220.

Serving on the negotiating committee were Local 220 President Jerome Camp, Secretary-Treasurer Jeff Thomas, Executive Board member Roland Graham, Chief Steward Ron Wilber , Recorder Chris Hermenet, and members Albert Joslyn and Bob Wenzel.