By James Thompson
HOUSTON-On 10/20/2013 about 20 progressive community activists joined the striking workers at Maximus Coffee in Houston. It was a beautiful fall day near downtown Houston and activists felt very good about expressing their solidarity with their brothers and sisters on strike at the former Maxwell House coffee plant located at 3900 Harrisburg in the second Ward in Houston. One activist quipped “It is better to be red than dead.” The activists gave gifts of water and snacks to ease the discomfort of the striking workers.
About 250 union organized workers went on strike on October 10, 2013. In contract negotiations, the company proposed 50% wage cuts coupled with about a 30% increase in the cost of health insurance. The company also proposed to violate their own agreement to contribute to the workers 401(k) retirement plans. These heavy-handed tactics forced the workers out on strike. The workers are engaged in an effort to defend their livelihoods, homes and families.
The 250 workers are represented by Local 455 of the UFCW.
One striking worker told me that worker productivity has been steadily rising over the years. He indicated that production has drastically decreased since the strike started. He said that the plant is being run by salaried people while the workers out on strike. Apparently, these managers are not doing a very good job since they are not trained for this work. Obviously, the quality of the product must have drastically reduced. Only a very few workers have crossed the picket line according to him.
Another worker indicated that the economic situation in Houston is relatively stable and she felt that such draconian cuts were inexcusable and unnecessary.
Maximus Coffee revenues, according to the Internet, are between $50-$100 million. Maximus produces coffee for distributing companies such as Folgers, Maxwell House, and others.
Contract negotiations will begin on Tuesday, October 22, 2013. All the workers I talked to indicated that they are eager to return to work and don’t like striking. They expressed hope that the bosses will negotiate in good faith and they can return to work as soon as possible.
This strike, like all strikes, is important for all workers. Obviously, the bosses at Maximus are attempting to bust the union. When one union anywhere is busted, workers everywhere suffer since their bosses may attempt to copycat the success of other bosses. This is why worker unity and solidarity is crucial. Worker unity is necessary for workers to win victories in the class war. As the old union slogan goes “United we stand, divided we beg.” Workers have going for us is that there are more of us than them. When bosses can split the workers into feuding sectors, it is easier for them to lower all of the worker’s wages.
If you live in Houston or can come to Houston, take out a little time to support your fellow workers. The striking workers are walking the picket line 24/7. If you can’t come to Houston, stop buying or consuming coffee produced by Maximus until the strike is over and the workers are back on their jobs. People in Houston should also stop buying or consuming Maximus Coffee. Boycott Maximus Coffee! This includes companies which use Maximus coffee such as Folgers, and Maxwell House.
Following is a complete list of the products that Maximus Coffee group produces:
Beaumont Coffee
Boston Best Products
Cafe D’Irio coffee
Cloverleaf Coffee
Folgers Coffee Products
Maxwell House Coffee Collection’s
Maxwell House Coffee Singles
Maxwell House De-Cafe coffee
Maxwell House Filter Packs
Maxwell House Instant Coffee
Maxwell House International Café
Nestle Coffee Products
Sanka Instant Coffee
