NY State Comptroller DiNapoli Joins Mott's Workers on Picket Line (8/10/10)

(left to right) Mott's worker Tim Budd, RWDSU President Stuart Appelbaum, New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, and Mott's worker Bruce Beal.

Today NY State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli joined striking workers on the picket line in Williamson, NY. Comptroller Di Napoli is the Trustee of the New York State Common Retirement Fund, which is valued at $126 Billion--$33.2 million of which is Dr Pepper Snapple Group (NYSE: DPS) shares.

"What's happening here concerns me as an investor. A company that doesn't show respect for its workers is a company at risk of not sustaining profitability," DiNapoli said.

"I'm inspired by all of you, and, I will use whatever leverage I have to make this corporation do right by you," DiNapoli added.

In April, before the strike began, Comptroller DiNapoli wrote to Dr Pepper Snapple Group CEO Larry Young, asking them to reconsider their aggressive and “contentious” approach to bargaining. As the comptroller said in his letter, “…such unresolved labor issues can negatively affect the morale and productivity of the Company’s dedicated employees. A disenfranchised work force and the associated negative publicity ultimately impact profitability.”

Mott's worker Fred Alman (above right)

"We’re glad to see Comptroller DiNapoli on the strike line with us, and he is right to be concerned about the health of the company. Judging from the few trucks that come in and out of the plant, and the amount of co-packing the company has resorted to--they just can’t get this factory working up to speed! They need us back to run the factory, and share holders like the State of New York are right to stand up for good jobs,and for their investments," said Bruce Beal, a RWDSU Local 220 striker.