| Submitted at DrPepperSnappleGroup.com/contact:
Dear Owners of Mott's,
We typically buy Mott's apple juice for ourselves and our 14 month old son. But this weekend, we did not. We bought Bionaturae's organic apple nectar instead, even though it is about twice as expensive. We switched - perhaps temporarily - because we are very displeased to hear about the wage and benefit cuts at your factory in upstate New York.
At a time when your company is making record profits and New Yorkers have supported you as a local business, it is practically criminal that you would seek to cut wages and benefits, using the rationalization that you want to bring the wages in line with regional businesses. For the strength of the American economy, corporations should be increasing regional wages, not claiming they are low and instituting cuts.
In these challenging economic times, you - being fortunate to be leaders of Dr Pepper Snapple Group - have a choice to make. You can (1) choose to exploit unemployment in upstate New York so that you can pay higher salaries to a few executives and perhaps some additional profits to shareholders (though we haven't heard you plan to give the savings to shareholders), or (2) you could recognize this unique opportunity you have to change the tide of the American economy by maintaining wage and benefit amounts for American workers who have helped you build your business and brand, which would in turn help the regional and national economy recover.
My husband and I are not union members, but we support organized labor. Like many consumers, we try to choose products from companies that are doing their part to support American workers, the environment, and human rights.
We do not unquestionably support union arguments in every labor-management conflict, and we really tried to research and see your point of view here. But you are not claiming that your company has economic trouble; in fact, you have made huge profits.
If you negotiate with the workers in upstate New York and stop the benefit and wage cuts, we will consider buying Mott's again. Until then, we will try other brands. Paying a cheap price for apple juice is too expensive if it leads to the exploitation of the American work force.
Sincerely,
Tracey Keij-Denton |
