2021 Priorities: Organizing. Worker Safety. Economic Security. Democracy.

Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union

Volume 23 Number 1

January/ February 2021

ORGANIZING

Y T E F A S R E K R O W

ECONOMIC SECURITY

DEMOCRACY

the PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Building Worker POWER

in 2021 and Beyond

The PRO Act would: • Help strengthen protections for workers forming a union • Prevent the misclassification of workers as independent contractors and supervisors • Deal a blow to “right-to-work” (for less) laws • Expand the impact of strikes and other protest activities by allowing secondary boycotts and strikes • Ban permanent replacement of striking workers.

We begin 2021 celebrating the huge organizing win by more than 500 workers at Blues City As we look forward to better days to come, we Brewing in Memphis, Tenn. who voted to join know Congress must pass the PRO Act. This proBCTGM Local 149 despite a merciless, anti-union worker legislation would allow millions of workers campaign. (Pages 8-9) to freely and fairly form and join a union so we The workers’ fight shouldn’t have been as hard can negotiate strong contracts to raise wages, make as it was to join our great union. When workers workplaces safer and retirement more secure. organize, mobilize and take action together, they Please take time to learn more about the PRO deserve to win the wages, benefits and working Act on page 5 and be ready to answer our call to conditions they are entitled to. But that can be action. This will be our union’s highest legislative extremely difficult when our current laws keep the priority: to secure the right of EVERY worker to balance of power tilted in favor of corporations join a union and have the dignity of a collective and against workers. We need big changes. bargaining agreement.

Under current labor law, there are no penalties — Anthony Shelton, BCTGM International President for companies that violate workers’ collective bargaining rights. When workers are unlawfully fired or retaliated against, which we have seen in many of our own organizing campaigns, it takes years for them to recover lost wages, if they ever receive justice at all. As a result, employers Official Publication of the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union are free to deploy unlawful tactics to prevent 10401 Connecticut Avenue, Kensington, Maryland 20895-3961 workers from voting in favor of a union or avoid (301) 933-8600 www.bctgm.org recognizing and negotiating with workers even Anthony Shelton, Editor after they vote to form a union.

Corrina A. Christensen, Assistant Editor The BCTGM begins this new year welcoming BCTGM General Executive Board Joe Biden as the 46th President of the United President Anthony Shelton • Secretary-Treasurer David Woods Vice Presidents Shad Clark • Roger Miller States. We will remind President Biden, who Ron Piercey • Brad Schmidt • Zachary Townsend has pledged to be the most pro-union president BCTGM General Executive Board Members we have ever seen, that our highest priority is Joyce Alston • Richard Davis • Pierre Luc Ducet Jeff Jarrett • Paul LaBuda • Mary Trujillo • Earl Lublow Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act. The Letitia Malone • Gary Oskoian • Paula Steig PRO Act, which President Biden has pledged to Doyle Townson • Jeff Webb • Donald Woods BCTGM News (ISSN 1525-4860) is published bi-monthly by the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco support, is historic legislation that will put power Workers and Grain Millers International Union, 10401 Connecticut Avenue, Kensington, MD 20895-3961. Periodicals postage paid at Kensington, MD and at additional mailing offices. in the hands of workers and reverse decades of Subscription to new members only. Postmaster: Send address changes to BCTGM News, 10401 Connecticut Avenue, Kensington, MD 20895-3961. legislation meant to crush unions.

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L. 68 Fin. Secy./Bus. Agt. Gary Oskoian, L. 68 member Kathy Propsat, Intl. Secy.-Treas. David Woods.

Intl. Secy.-Treas. Woods Pays a Visit to Local 68 Members at Bimbo Bakery

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ore than 100 BCTGM Local 68 (Baltimore, Md.) members make all varieties of Thomas’ English Muffins on four lines at BIMBO BAKERIES USA bakery in Frederick, Md. This fall, BCTGM International Secretary-Treasurer David Woods toured the plant following a meeting with company representatives. Local 68 Financial Secretary/GEB member Gary Oskoian accompanied Woods and introduced him to the hard-working union members throughout the bakery.

Pictured here are some photos from that visit.

L. 68 member David Gallahan, Intl. Secy.Treas. David Woods, L. 68 member Tussa Ricks and L. 68 Fin. Secy./Bus. Agt. Gary Oskoian.

Intl. Secy.-Treas. David Woods, L. 68 member Terry Clem, L. 68 Fin. Secy./Bus. Agt. Gary Oskoian

January/February 2021

Intl. Secy.-Treas. David Woods, L. 68 member Travis Conely and L. 68 Fin. Secy./Bus. Agt. Gary Oskoian.

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BCTGM Helps Elect WORKERCHAMPION Ga. Senators With the election of Rev. Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff, working people in Georgia and across the United States will have a pro-labor majority in the U.S. Senate and a chance at finally getting the real labor law reform and COVID-19 relief we’ve been fighting for.

BCTGM International President Anthony Shelton assigned International Representative Margaret McLaughlin and International Organizer/Business Agent Darrell Copeland to work on the Georgia campaigns this fall.

Southern Region Vice President Zack Townsend oversaw and coordinated the BCTGM’s efforts in Georgia. Additionally, rank-and-file organizer Local 53 (New York, N.Y.) member Jared Cummings assisted International staff in the effort while Local 42 (Atlanta, Ga.) and Local 25 (Chattanooga, Tenn.) helped engage the state’s union members on this tremendous labor effort.

BCTGM Intl. Organizer Margaret McLaughlin (left) and L. 53 member/ rank-and-file organizer Jared Cummings (right) are in Georgia to help with the GOTV for the Senate runoff election.

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“I am proud of the work the BCTGM did to help get these champions elected Joe Biden andworker Kamala Harris’ victory to the U.S. Senate. We still need laws that in this free and fair election is a win protect workers’ rights and laws that will for America’s make it easier for labor workersmovement. to join a union.From The hard towork is just beginning,” Presidentand coast coast, BCTGM membersnotes are heroically Shelton. fighting back against this pandemic, its resiliently economic fallout, chronicbegan income preparing inequality and BCTGM members for the systemic BCTGM membersafter werethe proud to be Georgiaracism.

Senate race shortly 2018 among the strong force of union voters who delivered midterm elections. The BCTGM International this election for President-elect and Vice Political Department helped Biden local unions President-elect Harris.

Their message and commitment educate their members on issues including to “the most significant pro-labor, pro-worker thecreate exporting of jobs and the importance of administration” resonated with 12.5 million union passing legislation like the Protect the Right members across America. to Organize Act (PRO Act) to enable more Pictured here are some of our union members, workers to join unions and improve laws that officers and staff who were proud to cast their votes keep help themeducate safe in others the workplace. early, about the importance of For the January 5 Senate election, the election and show their pride runoff on election day.

BCTGM members across the country joined the efforts in Georgia, pitching in on a massive postcard campaign and virtual phone banks from coast to coast.

L. 42 Bus. Mgr. David Cooper (L) and Intl. Organizer/Bus. Agt. Darrell Copeland (R).

BCTGM Intl. Organizer/Bus. Agt. Darrell Copeland (left) with newly-elected Ga. U.S. Senator John Ossoff at a rally outside the IBEW hall in Atlanta.

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PRO ACT Strengthen America’s Unions will

In the United States, it is still difficult for working people to form a union at their workplace.

The law gives employers too much power and puts too many roadblocks in the way of workers trying to organize with their coworkers for a voice on the job.

That’s why Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act is the highest priority of the BCTGM and all of labor.

The PRO Act addresses several major problems with the current law and tries to give working people a fair shot when they try to join together with their coworkers to form a union and bargain for better wages, benefits, and conditions at their workplaces.

Here’s how the PRO Act can transform the American labor movement: The PRO Act prevents employers from interfering in union elections and prohibits employers from requiring workers to attend anti-union meetings.

The PRO Act removes prohibitions on workers acting in solidarity with workers at other workplaces and protects workers who engage in peaceful protest actions with their fellow workers.

The PRO Act creates a mediation and arbitration process to ensure newly formed unions reach a first contract.

The PRO Act prohibits companies from permanently replacing workers.

The PRO Act prevents employers from misclassifying workers as independent contractors.

The PRO Act authorizes meaningful penalties for employers that violate workers’ rights.

The PRO Act allows workers to seek justice in court when employers unlawfully interfere with their federally protected labor rights or retaliate against them for exercising rights.

The PRO Act requires employers to post notices that inform workers of their rights under the National Labor Relations Act, and to disclose contracts with anti-union consultants.

The PRO Act has the support of both President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. After nearly 100 years without positive labor law reform, we must work together to pass the PRO Act. The BCTGM will be calling upon all of our members to help get this vital legislation passed.

Sign up for action alerts and new updates at www.bctgm.org.

January/February 2021

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Local 114 Baker Exemplifies Why

‘Union Jobs are Just Better’

Local 114 (Portland, Ore.) member Mario Aldaco knows what it is like to work as a non-union worker. He

also fully understands the satisfaction and pride that comes with organizing his workplace and what it means to support a family with a good, union job.

Aldaco, 36, is a mixer on the main production line at the massive Franz Bakery in Northeast Portland.

He has worked at the Franz Bakery for 10 years and in 2019 was named employee of the year at the familyowned bakery.

Aldaco followed his father to the United States from Guanajuato, Mexico at the age of 19. He landed his first job as a non-union packaging worker at Richmond Baking in McMinnville, Oregon. At that time, wages at the plant were about half of what union bakers in the area were making and Aldaco and his fellow workers were often mistreated.

“I didn’t know anything about unions and we were scared. But, we needed things to change,” recalls Aldaco.

Aldaco reached out to Local 114 organizers who met with the McMinnville workers, discussed 6

the working conditions and problems, formed an organizing committee in the plant and moved toward certification. Aldaco was key to communicating with workers inside the plant and they filed for union recognition on December 27, 2005 and voted overwhelmingly to join the BCTGM on March 1, 2006.

Aldaco was elected as a shop steward, a position he

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become a U.S. citizen. When there was a two-hour wait before the Oath of Allegiance Ceremony, he went to the Local 114 office. Then Local 114 Financial SecretaryTreasurer/GEB member Terry Lansing (now retired) offered to accompany Aldaco back to the swearingin ceremony to act as a witness and take photos of the special moment. “And then he took me to register to vote!

I became a United States citizen and a United States voter that same day!” he recalls.

While the union has helped provide Aldaco with good pay, strong union leadership and valuable friendships, the importance of union membership took on added significance on November 27, 2020 when Aldaco’s wife gave birth to their first child, Angela Victoria Aldaco.

His union-negotiated health benefits covered 90% of the hospital bills and he enjoyed three weeks of paid parental leave thanks to his union contract.

“I feel fortunate. I know many people are struggling.

We still work and we have a lot of good, satisfying work to do,” notes Aldaco. “If it wasn’t for my local union, I would not have this good-paying union job with great benefits. Union jobs are just better,” he concludes.

Photos by: NW Labor Press

proudly served at Richmond Baking for six years. He maintained friendships with the officers of Local 114 and volunteered to help with several other organizing campaigns where he served as a Spanish-speaking organizer. In 2007, he was elected to the Local 114 Executive Board and in 2010 became one of the Local’s Trustees.

Following an executive board meeting, Western Region International Vice President Shad Clark, who was serving as the Local 114 President while working at Franz Bakery during that time, encouraged Aldaco to apply for a job at the bakery following the meeting.

Aldaco was hired that same day and says the career move changed his life.

“A job at Franz Bakery offered me more opportunities,” Aldaco says.

It took Aldaco time to advance to a fulltime mixer at Franz Bakery. He began as an on-call worker, then he worked as a day-off relief worker, going wherever in the bakery he was needed. It was about four years before he became a mixer. “I love mixing, it keeps me busy,” he says. “I am always working, walking and active.”

Ten years ago, he successfully passed the test to

January/February 2021

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BCTGM International Organizers Jason Thomas (left), Darrell Copeland (right) and Local 149 President Letitia Malone (center) outside the massive brewery.

Memphis Brewery Workers Vote to Join BCTGM In the midst of a pandemic and in the face of an unrelenting, anti-union campaign, workers at Blues City Brewing Company in Memphis, Tenn. stood strong in solidarity and voted on December 10, 2020 to have a voice in their workplace with BCTGM Local 149 (Memphis, Tenn.).

March 2020 because of poor treatment, favoritism and racial inequality. However, once workers in production learned about the BCTGM and how a union contact could help them, the campaign to become union members rapidly grew.

“I wanted a union because I There are currently 550 workers employed at am coming from a the plant with several hundred additional workers union background. expected to join the workforce as the company Having fairness, plans to expand the facility. accountability, “Faith without hard work is nothing. With the representation very best team of organizers, I pushed on those and leverage to last two weeks doing everything I could to make even the playing sure the workers were educated on their rights field is something and felt safe in their decision to become members that is needed in of our union. We won because they believed we every workplace,” could,” reflects Local 149 President Letitia Malone. says Jeremy Blair, a Maintenance workers at the 1.3 millionkey organizer who square-foot plant reached out to Malone in helped his coworkers 8

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recognize the need for the union. Blair is a 3rd shift machine operator at the brewery.

BCTGM International Organizers Darrell Copeland, Jason Thomas and Nate Zeff assisted Malone with the organizing campaign. “I had the best team of organizers I could ever ask for,” says Malone.

BCTGM International Director of Organization John Price praised the efforts of the organizing team saying, “The enthusiasm for the union was so high in that plant and it is a true testament to how hard the organizers worked to communicate with workers and build support in the most challenging times.”

Because in-person meetings during the pandemic have been limited, the organizers used creative ways to educate and communicate with the workers throughout the campaign including; text messaging, animated videos, social media and small outdoor union gatherings while wearing masks and social distancing.

In addition, Malone made herself available to speak with workers from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

“The company hired a notorious union-busting firm to run a vigorous anti-union campaign and violated federal labor law, including firing key union supporters. But workers stood strong and prevailed,” adds Price.

BCTGM International President Anthony Shelton praised the organizing win saying, “This organizing team was excellent and I am proud of everyone. This is what it is all about – the people believed in you and trusted in the BCTGM. This is a big win for all of us.”

Blues City Brewing Company makes beer and hard seltzers under contracts with other companies, including White Claw, Mike’s Hard Lemonade and Shipyard Brewing. City Brewing, owner of Blues City Brewing Company, has plants in LaCrosse, Wisc. and Latrobe, Pa., both of which are unionized.

BCTGM International Organizers Jason Thomas (left), Darrell Copeland (center) and Nate Zeff (right) spent several months in Memphis assisting Local 149 with the organizing drive.

January/February 2021

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BCTGMStewards: The Key to Protecting the Wo B eing a member of the BCTGM is not a one-way street. BCTGM shop stewards are leaders in the daily fight to protect union jobs. BCTGM stewards are the most important leaders in the workplace, regularly standing up for

coworkers and proving that we are all stronger when we stand together.

Stewards help make collective bargaining agreements meaningful by enforcing contract language and defending worker rights on a day-to-day

Anita Sterling, Local 111, Donut Line, BIMBO Bakeries USA, Fort Worth, Texas, 19 years “Being a shop steward, it is important to know that the leadership role you have taken on can help give value to the work of others as you negotiate on behalf of employees. The reward? It is that good feeling that comes from serving the membership!”

Jim Cleaves, Local 334, Warehouse B&M, Portland, Maine, 35 years “The most important part of being a steward, to me, is protecting the rights of the members and teaching new stewards the ropes.”

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Iris Miller, Local 68, Lane Attendant, Thomas’ English Muffin Bakery (BIMBO BAKERIES USA), Frederick, Md., 13 years “To me, it is an honor to serve as a shop steward, making sure my union brothers and sisters know that their contractual rights and their safety are always being looked out for. To me it is important to know someone has your back and you are not alone.”

Sandra Leon, Local 83, See’s Candies, Carson, Calif., 20 years “These are a few of many things that are important to me as a union steward: To build a strong union in the workplace, to listen to the concerns of workers, investigate incidents and find solutions. The best part of being a union steward is to be able to represent and serve as a mediator between management and union members.”

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orkplace, Growing the Union basis. Additionally, stewards are trained to understand the concerns and priorities of their coworkers, organize with them to take action, and communicate priorities to other union leaders. Shop stewards also are the best people to educate other union workers

about the BCTGM and our priorities both inside and outside of the workplace.

Profiled here are BCTGM shop stewards from across North America explaining what being a union steward means to them.

Marvin Womack, Local 317T, ITG Brands, Manufacturing Department Machine Tech, Greensboro, N.C., 20 years

Jean-Claude Defoy, Local 261T, Lift Operator, Rothmans, Benson & Hedges Inc., Quebec City, Quebec, 10 years “My job as a shop steward is challenging and demanding but can also sometimes be rewarding. We must make sure that the collective agreement is well respected for the well-being of all workers.”

January/February 2021

”As a shop steward for many years, I enjoy helping workers enforce the union contract and understand their union rights and, most important, why we need the union now and in the future.”

Luis Molinero, Local 1, Lifeway Foods, Chicago, Ill., 3 years “Since we joined the union in my workplace, my coworkers and I have better working conditions, respect, and above all better wages and benefits. As a steward, I am able to explain these benefits and defend our rights in the plant.”

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Omar Angel, Local 6, Quality Technician, Danone North America, Bridgeton, N.J., 5 years “I like being a steward. It is important to me that I can go home every day after work and know that I’ve helped someone, and that’s a very satisfying feeling to me. Also being part of a union, which puts workers first, is great for workers’ morale. As a steward, I am able to give a voice to coworkers who may be afraid to use their own voices to communicate any issues or day-to-day problems without the fear of being penalized. It makes us all feel like a stronger team.”

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ATTENTION: Applicants to the 2021 David B. Durkee Memorial

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Scholarship Program

he deadline for applications to the 2021 David B. Durkee Memorial Scholarship Program has passed. All those who submitted an application prior to the January 31 deadline date are reminded to submit the following before March 31:

Profile & Grades Personal Profile – completed by the applicant.

Academic Report – completed by the high school (or college, if a member). The report should reflect the first semester grades for the senior year (or more recent academic performance, if a member.)

Essay Each applicant is required to write and submit an essay (250-500 words) to demonstrate your ability to organize thoughts and express yourself.

The essay is to be written on “Organized Labor’s Contribution to the Welfare of the People of North America.” The purpose of this essay is not to provide a history of the labor movement, but to provide the Board of Judges with an opportunity to discover what you have learned about the labor movement’s important contributions to our society. Your discussion could, for example, center on social and economic changes which the labor movement has helped to bring about in such areas as hours and conditions of work, workers’ compensation, social security, health care, unemployment benefits, housing, civil rights and equal rights, occupational health and safety, the minimum wage, tax reform, child labor laws and other progressive social legislation.

Meet Steve Brock, B&C Funds “I started with the Bakery and Confectionery Union and Industry International Health Benefits and Pension Funds (the B&C Funds) in May 1998. The B&C Funds was actually my second career.

My first career was at a local grocery store where I was a union employee and retired after 21 years. I made many friends there and even found my wonderful wife. While working full-time at the grocery store, I went to night school and completed my bachelor’s degree in accounting and then earned my CPA license. After my retirement, I went to work at a CPA firm specializing as an auditor of employee benefits plans doing claims and financial statement audits.

B&C Funds was one of our clients. An opening came up and I interviewed for a position within the B&C Funds. I started as a Supervisor of Accounts Receivable, Contracts, Delinquencies and Payroll Audits. I later took over the internal accounting functions of Accounts Payable, Payroll, Investments and General Ledger responsibilities. I am currently the Manager of Administrative Services overseeing the entire accounting function of the B&C Funds.

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My wife and I have raised three children and I feel very fortunate.

Working for the B&C Funds has been a great experience for me and I have enjoyed helping the many participants throughout the years.

I work with fantastic people who are very dedicated to the work they do each and every day. Even as the COVID pandemic rages on, the workers of the B&C Funds tirelessly keep doing all they can do to make sure we are there for the participants.”

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Where are T hey Now?

2016 Scholarship Winner Samantha Martin

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ction begins with a desire. Heartfelt compassion leads to action.

Samantha Martin learned at a young age the importance of having a voice and being an advocate for others. Her father, Timothy Martin, is a Local 317T member, now retired from the maintenance department of ITG Brands in Greensboro, N.C. “My dad worked for Lorillard and he was a union member for as long as I can remember,” recalls Martin. “He always talked highly about the importance of having a union job and being part of an organization that stood up for workers.”

Martin is a 2016 recipient of a BCTGM International Scholarship award. “I can still remember getting the letter telling me I won the scholarship and I was so excited! It made such a difference in my education,” she adds.

Martin graduated from Campbell University in Buies Creek, N.C. in May 2020 with full honors and a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree. Two weeks following graduation, she began work on her master’s degree at North Carolina State University. She is currently completing the Advanced Standing Master of Social Work Program, which allows her to graduate with her degree in May 2021. In the accelerated program, Martin is completing her Master of Social Work (MSW) degree in just 12 months, completing two summer sessions combined with a fall and spring semester.

She didn’t always want to be a social worker.

She had plans to pursue a pre-dentistry path and major in biology. “Then the summer before I began my studies at Campbell, I worked as a summer missionary out of state working with children in low-income areas. And that changed my mind about what my future would look like,” notes Martin. “I wanted to provide services and help to kids who need it. From there, I decided to learn about the social work profession and I made January/February 2021

my way to where I am today. I took my first class and never looked back.”

Following her graduation from N.C. State this May, she will begin working toward the 3,000 clinical supervision hours required to take the exam to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). The entire process, Martin says, takes a minimum of two years.

While she is not yet sure of the type of clinical work she will pursue, Martin says she prefers a hospital setting. She is currently interning at Youth Haven Services in Reidsville, N.C. Reflecting on her decision to go into social work and comparing it to the purpose of a union, Martin says, “Social work is a bit like a union in that we seek to lift up and protect the voices of the unheard, to work within communities so the larger good can be reached. I am finding my way to a group of people who need help lifting up their voices and need an advocate to help them on their way. My dad instilled this in me – to fight for others and help those who need a voice.”

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New Western Region International Representative

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arrie Setters has been hired to serve as a Western Region International Representative.

Setters began her career with BCTGM Local 83 (Buena Park, Calif.) in October 1999 as a Secretary/Office Manager. When the Nabisco bakery in Buena Park closed, the local reduced her hours. To make up the lost time, she was hired to work part-time for Local 37 (Los Angeles, Calif.). Several years later, once Local 83 was back on solid footing, Setters returned to be the full-time office manager.

In April 2008, Setters became the Local 83 Financial SecretaryTreasurer, a position she proudly served until being named a BCTGM International Representative for the Western Region, effective January 1, 2021.

Setters was born and raised in California, and comes from a “strong and proud” BCTGM family. Her father was a member of the union, in addition to several aunts, uncles and cousins. “There is no better union than the BCTGM,” concludes Setters.

50 Years of Proud Membership

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t a recent union meeting of Local 334 (Portland, Maine) members at Tate & Lyle starch plant in Houlton, Maine, Larry “Bear” Margison was presented with a 50year membership certificate.

In addition to the certificate, “Bear” was presented with an honorary BCTGM gold card, signifying his long membership, and a gift certificate from the local union.

Margison worked in the warehouse until his recent retirement following his official 50th year of service.

Pictured here (left to right) is Local 334 Financial Secretary Jim Anderschat presenting the honorary certificate to Margison, who is joined by shop stewards Marc Austin and Kurtis Tarr.

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BCTGM Applauds Worker-Friendly Choices for OSHA Leadership Roles

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he BCTGM applauds President Joe Biden’s decision to tap workplace safety advocates James S. Frederick and Joseph T. Hughes Jr. for leadership positions in the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

Frederick, who will serve as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health, comes to the job following three decades of work to improve worker health and safety, including 25 years in the United Steel Workers of America (USW) Health, Safety and Environment Department.

Until 2019, Frederick served as Assistant Director and Principal Investigator for the USW’s Health, Safety and Environment Department. In that role, he provided oral and written testimony to congressional panels and federal agencies that led to progress on countless workplace safety issues, including workplace violence, beryllium, silica, hazard communication and ergonomics.

Hughes, who will serve as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Pandemic and Emergency Response for OSHA, also brings with him a strong commitment to workers. Previously, he was the Director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences Worker Education and Training Program, which provides grants to unions, companies and nonprofits to train rank-andfile workers on occupational health and safety.

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Benefits for

UNION Pets T

hinking about ways to reduce your pet expenses this year? Union members and their families can get the best care for their pets while easing the financial burden.

The Union Plus Pet Health Insurance program is powered by Pets Best. Pets Best offers plans to fit all budgets and coverage needs. Plus, union members get 10% off eligible plans and access to the Pet Helpline where a veterinary expert will answer your pet behavior questions 24/7.

Pets Best was founded by a veterinarian in 2005 and has paid more than $125 million in pet insurance claims to pet parents.

What is Pet Insurance?

Pet insurance reimburses you on your veterinary bills when your dog or cat gets sick or injured. Pet insurance helps you afford the best course of treatment, protects against major financial setbacks, and can give you peace of mind as a pet parent. Having a pet insurance plan allows you to focus on getting the best care for your pet without worrying about the financial burden.

SAVE MONEY As a union member, you’ll get up to a 10% discount.

NO NETWORKS Choose any licensed veterinarian, emergency vet, or specialist in the U.S. GET REIMBURSED QUICKLY Most claims processed within 5 days, so you’ll get reimbursed quickly.

ONLINE CUSTOMER ACCOUNT 24/7 access to file claims, view claims status and history, change payment method, add pets to policy, policy documents, notifications and more.

Add direct deposit so you’ll get your money back faster.

For a quote call 877-358-3944 or visit: unionplus.org/benefits/insurance/pet-health-insurance January/February 2021

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NOW PLAYING!

“The BCTGM Voices Project will amplify the voices of our union members talking about their lives, their workplaces, and their on-the-job experiences. Our aim is to uplift the voices of our members as we work to organize and make our union stronger.”

– Anthony Shelton, BCTGM International President

The “BCTGM Voices Project” is a new podcast from the BCTGM International Union that features monthly interviews with union organizers, local union leaders, rank-and-file members and BCTGM International Officers and staff.

Printed in the U.S.A.

SCAN HERE

to find us on your favorite podcast player!

Or go to bctgm.org/voicesproject