WILLIAMSON -- Mott's employees have been on strike for nine weeks, but the company is still running without them. Now, Mott's is advertising for even more temporary workers.
Mott's says it's looking for temporary maintenance mechanics, machine operators, electro mechanical technicians, and forklift operators to work at the Williamson facility in Wayne County.
Outside the facility, workers are still walking the picket line. They say they've been making sacrifices, like braving tough weather and giving up time with their kids.
"They're like, 'Daddy, why don't you just go back to work? Why can't these people talk to you?'" says worker Scott Drexler. "It's been a struggle for us, but we're getting by. We're doing what we have to do. It's for a worthy cause."
Workers say they've been fighting the company's decision to cut wages, freeze pensions, and cut back on the 401 K.
Mott's has said the company is offering a wage that's above average for local manufacturing jobs.
Craig Fenner is a striking worker who says he has more than 20 years of experience. He says he thinks it's a mistake to depend solely on temporary workers to keep the facility running.
"You're going to get what you pay for," says Fenner. "These are unskilled temps. The company's running really badly right now. They're not producing, they're scrambling."
A spokesman for the parent company of Mott's, Dr Pepper Snapple, says the facility is already using temporary workers to get the job done. Spokesman Chris Barnes says because the apple harvest season is starting, the company is looking for more workers. He's not sure how many will be hired. Barnes says he's not aware of any further negotiations with the union at this time.
Pete Montalbano from RWDSU Local 220, the union representing Mott's workers, says he has tried to bring Mott's officials to the bargaining table but has not had any luck.
Click for Mott's workers website and Mott's Parent Company website.
