Columns

See’s candymakers settle dispute

By The Associated Press
Wednesday November 08, 2000

SAN FRANCISCO — Candymakers who picketed See’s Candies, Inc., for 45 days have agreed to a five-year contract that boosts wages and pension plans. 

More than 600 members of Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union Local 125 picketed See’s South San Francisco and Burlingame manufacturing plants. 

The union went on strike to protest a management proposal for mandatory four-day, 10-hour shift workdays at its Burlingame lollipop plant and sought improvements to its pension plan and medical coverage, as well as benefits for seasonal workers. 

Workers ratified the contract with a 442-21 vote. Under the contract, new employees who have worked at least 400 hours will see their wages increase $1.50 to $8 an hour. They previously needed to work 800 hours before seeing such an increase. 

After 800 hours, wages can jump to more than $12. 

Pensions will increase by $50 a year, under the new contract. 

The contract does not address giving benefits to seasonal workers or the proposed 10-hour, four-day work week that many at the Burlingame factory opposed.