WASHINGTON, D.C. – Teamster workers in Philadelphia, St. Louis, Seattle, Portland, Oregon, and other cities nationwide leafleted Starbucks and Ann Taylor this weekend, calling on the coffee giant and the fashion retailer to support them in their fight for fair treatment from Cenveo, Inc. Starbucks and Ann Taylor are high-profile clients of Cenveo, one of the largest commercial printers in the world.
The workers passed out fliers explaining that Cenveo has been demanding deep cuts in health care benefits and worker protections since coming under new management in September 2005. New CEO Robert Burton has slashed approximately 2000 jobs and closed six Cenveo operations since the takeover. Burton has said he will not rule out further plant closings or layoffs.
"Instead of receiving a holiday bonus, Cenveo workers are being given more bad news about their uncertain future,” said George Tedeschi, Graphic Communications Conference President. "It’s the fashion for corporate raiders like Mr. Burton to take over companies, cut jobs, and run off with the resulting stock profits. But that doesn’t make it right. We’re asking Cenveo’s customers to join us in protesting this kind of unnecessary greed.”
Tedeschi also noted that Cenveo earned $90 million in profits through the first three quarters in 2006, as set forth in Cenveo Inc.’s income statement, yet is demanding health care increases that will cost some workers in excess of $100 more a week while weakening their benefits.
"Cenveo workers are just asking for what most American families want: affordable health care and a safe working environment,” Tedeschi said. "We hope Ann Taylor and Starbucks will add their voices to ours.”
Founded in 1903, the Teamsters Union represents approximately 1500 workers at Cenveo and more than 1.4 million hardworking men and women in the United States and Canada.
