Stella D'oro workers continue their strike, as first negotiations fail

By Kate Pastor

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.

It was a day fraught with symbolism, as workers struggled to make sense of the stark contrast between the patriotism they felt on the anniversary of that tragic day and the American dream they say is slipping away from them.

The loss of salary is starting to hurt, several workers admitted, but they say they are determined to end this fight on their own terms and proudly assert that not a single one of the 136 strikers have crossed the picket line.

The workers went on strike on Aug. 13 after being handed what they say is an unfair contract that would cut some salaries, reduce benefits and eliminate sick days and some holidays.

The last negotiations between Brynwood Partners, a Connecticut-based company that purchased the Stella D’oro Biscuit Company in January 2006, and the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union, Local 50, took place on Aug. 22, according to Wilson Ortiz, a mediator with the New York State Employment Relations Board who was present.

Joyce Alston, president of Local 50, said that while Brynwood Partners called the union to the table, the company hadn’t changed its position at all. “Basically nothing happened,” she said.

But something is happening within the Marrero family. Eddie Marrero, who lives on West 238th Street and Bailey Avenue, is among the workers who have been off the job for weeks now. He has never before had to take out a student loan for his son’s education, but that just changed.

“Now I can’t afford it,” he said. “My savings are gone. They’re totally gone.”

His son, Eddie Jr., a senior at John Jay College, stopped by the picket line on his way home as he does most days.

“Ever since I was born this is what he raised me on, supported me on,” he said, motioning toward the factory, which is off Broadway near West 236th Street. Catholic elementary and high school and then college, he said, were all paid for on his father’s dime. Now, “they’re putting not only my father but the rest of these hard-working people out on the street,” he said.

The community has rallied behind the striking workers.

On Sept. 11, like they have been doing for weeks, two members of the Van Cortlandt Village Community Supported Agriculture group brought a box of leftover food to the workers. The strikers also receive food and donations from other unions as well as a variety of local businesses. S&S Cheesecake donated desserts, a local pizza place delivered pies and farmers market organizers have come bearing gifts of fresh food.

At a rally on Labor Day, local politicians including Assemblymen Jeffrey Dinowitz, Jose Rivera and Michael Benedetto as well as state Sens. Efrain Gonzalez Jr. and Ruth Hassell-Thompson offered words of support.

There has been no date set for the next round of negotiations, according to the union, and Brynwood Partners did not return repeated calls for comment.

Meanwhile the factory has hired workers to replace the strikers, at least temporarily. They come and go each day walking right by the picket line.

“Look how dirty they are — they’re filthy!” screamed Rafael Alcantara, a Yonkers resident who has been working at the factory for 15 years, his voice dripping with disdain as they passed that evening.

This is part of the September 18, 2008 online edition of The Riverdale Press.

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