HOUSTON, TX – Over 250 Maximus Coffee Group workers in Houston, a majority of who are members of the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW) Local 455, went on strike this morning to protest the company’s plan to reduce wages from 25 to 50 percent per hour, reduce retirement benefits, increase insurance premiums, and eliminate overtime pay.
Maximus Coffee Group’s U.S. headquarters is located in Houston.
“Maximus Coffee workers in Houston are simply trying to protect middle class jobs and their benefits after working hard to make their company profitable,” said UFCW Local 455 President Bill Hopkins.
“I hope this strike sends a strong message to the company and moves the negotiation process to a successful conclusion.”
“I’ve worked at this plant for 41 years and for Maximus Coffee since 2006 when they purchased the plant from Maxwell House,” said Robert Barnes.
“I haven’t gotten a real raise since 2009, and don’t know how I’ll be able to support my family if my wages and benefits are reduced.”
The United Food and Commercial Workers International Union ( ) represents more than 1.3 million workers, primarily in the retail and meatpacking, food processing and poultry industries.
The UFCW protects the rights of workers and strengthens America’s middle class by fighting for health care reform, living wages, retirement security, safe working conditions and the right to unionize so that working men and women and their families can realize the American Dream.
Source: United Food and Commercial Workers International Union
