"No Sweets When Striking the Cookie Factory," New York Times, 12/26/08
There were no Christmas cookies for Alonso Gomez this year. Instead, he was back outside the cookie factory where he has worked for 20 years, striking with 134 of his colleagues.
Mr. Gomez has been going to the same corner every day for more than four months, protesting what he said were efforts by the owners of the Stella D’Oro Biscuit Factory to cut wages, pensions and holiday and vacation time. Read more.
"Stella D'Oro strike labors on, as two sides can't reach agreement," The Riverdale Press, 12/11/08
The union representing striking Stella D’oro workers was again called to the bargaining table last week, but there appears to be no resolution on the horizon for the long-standing strike.
According to Joyce Alston, president of Local 50, the only change proposed by the factory’s Connecticut-based owners, Brynwood Partners, was to withdraw from the workers’ pension fund and instead replace it with an individual retirement plan, or 401k. No other changes to the contract — which was rejected in August because it decreased workers’ wages, vacation time and benefits — were offered, she said. Read more.
"Police and pickets face off over makeshift strike shelter," The Riverdale Press, 10/23/08
Tensions are flaring on the picket line outside of Stella D’oro.
The mood shift began on Oct. 15, after strikers, who have been camped outside the Broadway factory since August, were told by 50th Precinct police officers to remove the tarp, chairs and tables they set up along the sidewalk. The precinct, one lieutenant maintains, was responding to complaints received from the community. Read more.
"Stella D'Oro workers continue their strike, as first negotiations fail," The Riverdale Press, 9/18/08
Striking Stella D’oro workers are settling in for the long haul.
On Sept. 11, nearly a month since the 24-hour picket outside of the Kingsbridge factory began, striking workers sat on lawn chairs underneath their usual blue tarp and an American flag. Read more.
"No Contract, No Cookies," New York Times, 9/12/08
AS it neared 5 o’clock on a recent Friday, the workers from the Stella D’oro cookie factory in the Kingsbridge neighborhood of the Bronx sat in collapsible lounge chairs beneath brightly colored striped umbrellas and a blue tarp. They were settling in for their version of a late summer weekend, which meant trading off shifts on the 24-hour picket line they have been keeping since Aug. 13. Read more.
Please help the strikers at Stella D'Oro win a fair contract.
Don't buy the following products until they have received a fair settlement: Stella D'oro Swiss Fudge Cookies, Lady Stella Cookies, Margherite Vanilla & Combo Cookies, Anginetti Cookies, Angel Wings Cookies, Roman Egg Cookies, Biscotti, Toast & Sponge Products, Breadsticks, or Breakfast Treats.
Please also download this flyer, distribute it to friends and family, and post it prominently in your workplace.
Help Local 50 win a just and fair contract by Boycotting Stella D'Oro! No contract, no cookies!
"Stella D'Oro workers strike to restore benefits," The Riverdale Press, 8/21/08
Dozens of Stella D’oro Biscuit Co. workers went on strike on Aug. 13 outside the Broadway factory, and have been holding a 24-hour picket line every day since to protest what they described as an unfair contract. Read more.
"Bronx Cookie Factory Goes On Strike," NY1, 8/15/08
Workers at the Bronx Stella D'Oro cookie factory were striking Friday against what they say are unfair reductions in a new contract.
They say the company, located in Van Cortlandt Village, has been in talks to take away workers' sick pay and reduce holidays and wages.
The workers say under the company's proposed contract will lower their wages. Watch here.
