HARRISON – Members of Teamster's Union Local 701 working at Pechter's Bakery at 840 Jersey St. in Harrison are on strike because they feel their negotiations with owners, Anthony, Joseph, Philip, Sal and Mario Battaglia are squeezing employees to the limit.
The Battaglia brothers also own Rockland Bakery in Nanuet, New York.
Pechter's began operation more than 100 years ago and have numerous owners in the last 15 years.
Employees said they went on strike in 1994 and made some concessions to keep the business afloat. Now they now feel their loyalty is being disrespected since the new owners are telling them to "take it or leave it" in regard to the sliced-down final contract.
Some union workers have been at Pechter's for 10 to 30 years and say they say are getting the short end of the stick. Union members said new hires are coming in at $9 an hour.
Baker issues
Joe Spiekermann, owner of Mazur's bakery in Kearny, said prices for wheat that was $15 for a 100-pound bag six months ago is now $66. Spiekermann said prices may go up to $100 a bag by the summer, and there may be continued escalation of prices and perhaps rationing of all varieties of flour.The Minneapolis Wheat exchange is trading at record prices and a wheat shortage is possible worldwide, according to reports.
Fuel prices for truckers are also tipping over at $3.50 a gallon for diesel gas.
But is this a reason to treat long-term workers as badly as they say they are?
The Battaglia brothers could not be contacted as of this time.
See the March 19 edition of The Observer for more on the strike, wheat, and how it's affecting our part of New Jersey.
