Love. Peace. Joy.

Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union

November/ December 2020

Volume 22 Number 6

B & C HEALTH BENEFITS FUND SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT, PAGES 12-13

the PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

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The Lost Year and all that we GAINED

As we come to the end of 2020, I think it is important that we pause to reflect on all of the significant challenges we have experienced this year. As an organization and as individuals, 2020 was possibly one of the most monumental years in our history.

We have lost a lot in 2020. For all of us, we have lost time: Time to meet face to face. Time to celebrate. Time to mourn. Time to plan. And yet, from our homes and workplaces throughout North America, a deep sense of solidarity and resilience has kept us close as a union family while the pandemic has kept us physically apart.

At the end of 2020, much like the beginning, we continue to be confronted with one of the biggest challenges we have faced in generations.

Sadly, far too many of our Brothers and Sisters have been directly impacted by the pandemic. Too many have become infected with the virus or lost their lives, while others have had family members succumb to this deadly disease.

Throughout 2020 and the pandemic, our top priority has been the health, safety and wellbeing of our members—both on and off the job. We have mobilized every level of our union to demand that all BCTGM employers provide appropriate PPE to every worker, continuously sanitize workplaces and follow best practices and all regulatory guidelines. And yet our best efforts haven’t stopped this horrific virus.

Through it all, we have gained a new understanding of what it means to be a member of this great union. From their communities to the plant floor, our members have stepped up in extraordinary ways during the pandemic.

BCTGM members throughout North America continue to go to work every day to keep food in the homes of working families. Our members are shining examples of resilience in both their workplaces and their communities.

I believe deeply that the loss of time in 2020 has helped us reflect on our values and goals, while shining the light on the strengths and unity that define the BCTGM. We want to continue to build the strength and resolve that have sustained us during this difficult year. Building a stronger and better BCTGM means we continue our commitment to

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membership service and organizing unorganized workers. This year, under the safest measures, we’ve invested significant resources and staff in our organizing program. Membership service and organizing are the lifeblood of this union.

Increasing BCTGM membership numbers, our density, through organizing is essential if we are to protect the economic standards and workplace rights that have been achieved through decades of negotiations.

Moving forward with our organizing goals while providing excellent service to our members in 2021 is our highest priority. While the pandemic continues, we will continue to safely communicate with workers who need our help. Our focus will remain on reaching nonunion workers and helping them gain the benefits of a BCTGM union contract.

Much has changed in 2020. I hope the new reality we shape together is based on staying connected, having more meaningful interactions with one another and building a solid future for all workers.

Be confident—no matter how difficult the crises, we will grow stronger and accomplish great things together as a union family.

— Anthony Shelton, BCTGM International President

BCTGM News

Official Publication of the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union 10401 Connecticut Avenue, Kensington, Maryland 20895-3961 (301) 933-8600 www.bctgm.org Anthony Shelton, Editor Corrina A. Christensen, Assistant Editor BCTGM General Executive Board President Anthony Shelton • Secretary-Treasurer David Woods Vice Presidents Shad Clark • Roger Miller Ron Piercey • Brad Schmidt • Zachary Townsend BCTGM General Executive Board Members Joyce Alston • Richard Davis • Pierre Luc Ducet Jeff Jarrett • Paul LaBuda • Mary Trujillo • Earl Lublow Letitia Malone • Gary Oskoian • Paula Steig Doyle Townson • Jeff Webb • Donald Woods BCTGM News (ISSN 1525-4860) is published bi-monthly by the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union, 10401 Connecticut Avenue, Kensington, MD 20895-3961. Periodicals postage paid at Kensington, MD and at additional mailing offices.

Subscription to new members only. Postmaster: Send address changes to BCTGM News, 10401 Connecticut Avenue, Kensington, MD 20895-3961.

BCTGM News

Dir. of Organization John Price, Daniel Ramos, retired L. 6 organizer Kevin Looney and Omar Angel.

Dignity and Respect Prevail

at Danone in N.J.

T

o Daniel Ramos, a machine operator at the Danone North America plant in Bridgeton, N.J., a vote to become a member of the BCTGM was a decision he made based on worker dignity.

“I voted for the union because we deserve dignity and respect. We need to make sure our voices are heard. We have the power of our voice,” said Ramos.

“We won this union election because it is what is good and right,” he adds.

On October 20 and 21, the 100 workers at the Danone plant, which produces Silk Almond Milk Products, voted overwhelmingly to become members of BCTGM Local 6 (Philadelphia).

Early in 2020, when workers in Bridgeton learned that the majority of Danone North America plants were unionized, they reached out to Local 6 organizers to learn more about the BCTGM. Not far from the Bridgeton facility, in DuBois, Pa., more than 150 workers at Danone North America’s yogurt and plant-based powder facility voted overwhelmingly to join the BCTGM in February. The BCTGM also represents Danone yogurt facilities in Minster, Ohio and West Jordan, Utah.

While the company is continually upgrading and expanding the facility, the workers faced issues with scheduling, health insurance and benefits and pandemic hazard pay. Additionally, the workers wanted the benefits that come with belonging to the BCTGM, including access to BCTGM Power programs like online, free college.

Dir. of Organization John Price shows Danone workers how to properly distance themselves and how to cover their faces during meetings with organizers.

November/December 2020

In compliance with the IUF-Danone agreement, once the requisite number of workers signed union authorization cards, the company agreed to hold a free and private election.

According to BCTGM International Director of Organization John Price, a New Jersey Department of Labor mediator was appointed to conduct the election. “In these dangerous COVID times, it was vital to both the company and the union that the voting be conducted under strict safety measures.”

In the large meeting room, only the mediator and two Danone employee observers were permitted, seated 8-feet apart. Safety precautions to ensure the health and welfare of every worker, company and union representative during the in-person voting included admitting one worker at a time into the voting area; allowing 10-minute intervals between each voter; masks, gloves and disposable pens were provided to every voter. In addition, a sanitation team cleaned and sanitized the room twice daily on both voting days.

“This is a tremendous victory for these workers who join the ranks of BCTGM members at Danone locations in DuBois, Minster and West Jordan. Once again, this shows that workers will vote to become union members when they are freely given the choice without interference by the company,” adds Price.

Omar Angel, a machine operator at the highly automated plant, reflected on his decision to say ‘UNION YES’ noting, “I voted to become a member of the BCTGM because I want better benefits, better wages, and affordable college. We want to be taken care of during this pandemic, just like other Danone workers are, with essential worker benefits like pay and increased health measures that we all desperately need and deserve.”

Retired Local 6 officer Kevin Looney spent six months working with the Danone workers and got to know all of their issues firsthand. “Kevin was very instrumental in the victory,” concludes Price.

www.bctgm.org

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The 2020 BCTGM negotiation committee, left to right, included Intl. Rep. Jason Davis, L. 65 Fin. Secy.-Treas. Jason Skillern, Intl. Organizer/Bus.Agt. Jason Thomas, L.433 Pres. Paula Steig, Intl. Secy.-Treas. David Woods, Midwest Intl. Vice Pres. Brad Schmidt, L.1 Pres. Donald Woods, L. 280 Fin. Secy-Treas. Earl Ferris and L.111 Fin. Secy./Bus. Agt. David Menefee.

Southern and Midwest Pattern Settlement Reached with BIMBO Bakeries On November 5, 2020, BCTGM Local Unions representing Bimbo Bakeries USA (BBU) facilities in the Southern and Midwest Regions reached agreement on a “pattern” settlement impacting thousands of workers in the bread and cake sector.

The new five-year agreement was overwhelmingly ratified by Local 65 (Oklahoma City, Okla.) members at the BBU bakery in Oklahoma City, officially setting it as the wholesale pattern for the industry.

Due to the pandemic, only the negotiating committee met in person in Oklahoma City. The policy committee was consulted via video conference call to approve the pact before it was presented for ratification. In Oklahoma City, all precautions were taken to ensure the safety of the negotiating committee including social distancing, room sanitization, masks and temperature checks.

Wages and health and welfare benefits were the primary focus of the negotiations; however, the negotiating committee was also able to establish two days of paid steward training for local unions.

“While we spent significant time negotiating health and welfare benefits and wage increases, we also spent significant time discussing servicing the membership, union solidarity, organizing and grievance handling,” said International SecretaryTreasurer David Woods, who co-chaired the negotiating committee with BCTGM Midwest Region International Vice President Brad Schmidt.

Additionally, Woods says paid steward training will allow the local unions to improve their locals with 4

better prepared and educated shop stewards.

“Negotiations were tough but we had a great negotiating team, we were well prepared, and at the end of the day, we reached a deal that benefits our members and their families and ensures that Bimbo will maintain its dedicated workforce,” said Schmidt.

The new agreement calls for wage increases over the duration of the five-year contract, and most importantly, the new contract preserves members’ defined benefit pension plan.

“I would like to give a special thank you to David Woods, Jason Thomas, Jason Skillern and the rest of the Executive Board of Local 65. Thank you for getting us the largest pay increase that we have had in the 17 years that I’ve been with the company! We really appreciate all of your hard work. Now, let’s get started on the next contract!” said Local 65 member Tyson Chevado.

Leading the negotiations with Woods and Vice President Schmidt, was International Representative Jason Davis, International Organizer/Business Agent Jason Thomas, Local 433 (Sioux City, Iowa) President Paula Steig, Local 1 (Chicago) President Donald Woods, Local 65 Financial Secretary-Treasurer Jason Skillern, Local 280 (Evansville, Ind.) Financial Secretary-Treasurer Earl Ferris and Local 111 (Dallas) Financial Secretary/Business Agent David Menefee.

Led by Southern Region International Vice President Zach Townsend, the policy committee included Local 22 (Minneapolis) President Wally Borgan, Local 218 Financial Secretary/Business Agent Mark Benaka, Local 25 (Chattanooga, Tenn.) Financial Secretary/Business Agent Jeff Webb, Local 42 (Atlanta) Business Manager David Cooper, Local 103 (Orlando, Fla.) Business Agent David Walker, Local 149 President Letitia Malone and Local 163 (Houston) Financial Secretary-Treasurer Donald Pierce.

BCTGM News

L. 22 officers visited union members at the Willmar Purina plant in Willmar, Minn. Pictured here (left to right) are L. 22 members Mark Petersen, Mike Martinek and L. 22 Vice Pres. Matt Ryder.

Local 22 Navigates Limits of Pandemic to Strengthen Membership

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t is hard right now to remember a pre-COVID time. For the past eight months, workers have had their backs up against the wall, bearing the brunt of multiple crises at once, and been rightly focused on their health and economic security.

In light of the pandemic, local unions are facing challenges in communication and engagement they’ve never encountered before.

But many local unions and members are rising to the occasion.

Local 22 (Minneapolis) President Wally Borgan says that with the coronavirus raging throughout the U.S., the local has utilized creative measures to reach union members.

“Gone for now are the days of our membership meetings,” says Borgan. “So, we attempt to stay connected during this uncertain

At Rich’s in Fridley, Minn., the Local 22 negotiating committee for upcoming contract negotiations. Pictured here, left to right, are L. 22 members Andre Scott, Kirk Heckel, Frazier Turner, Scott Baumgartner and Jeff Borgan.

November/December 2020

time, by checking in with union members frequently by telephone and zoom calls. When it is possible, we observe all the proper safety measures and visit worksites. But union business continues, slowly and differently, but still we do our best to stay connected,” says Borgan.

Recently, Borgan, Local 22 Vice President Matt Ryder and Financial Secretary-Treasurer James Rutten visited members at Wilmar Purina in Wilmar, Minn.

Local 22 member Mark Petersen at the plant expressed gratitude for the visit noting, “The world is a different place right now and we can’t meet up as often, so we appreciate the efforts of our local officers to get out here and check in on how we are doing.”

In October, Local 22 officers spent a day with members at the Rich’s plant in Fridley, Minn. as the workers gathered in small groups throughout the day to ratify a new collective bargaining agreement.

“We appreciate our local union making time to come out here and make sure our workplace is safe and the company is complying with all the necessary safety measures as we continue do our jobs just as we always have,” notes Local 22 member Jeff Borgan who works at Rich Products.

“Many other union members we can’t visit with regularly may face financial, physical and emotional difficulties that leave them anxious and stressed. We are trying our best to continue to provide a system of support and use this this time to form stronger bonds that can create a stronger union in the future,” concludes Borgan.

www.bctgm.org

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BCTGM Votes 2020 Joe Biden and Kamala Harris’ victory in this free and fair election is a win for America’s labor movement. From coast to coast, BCTGM members are heroically and resiliently fighting back against this pandemic, its economic fallout, chronic income inequality and systemic racism. BCTGM members were proud to be among the strong force of union voters who delivered this election for President-elect Biden and

Pictured here from the left is Tim Burga, Ohio AFL-CIO Pres., Jessica Vernon-Coleman, Ohio AFL-CIO Field Rep., and BCTGM L. 57 (Columbus, Ohio) Fin.Secy./Treas. Mark Lee, preparing to do a literature drop in Franklin County, Ohio.

Vice President-elect Harris. Their message and commitment to create “the most significant prolabor, pro-worker administration” resonated with 12.5 million union members across America.

Joe Biden andare Kamala Harris’ victory Pictured here some of our union members, officers and staff who were proud to cast in this free and fair election is atheir win votes early, help educate others about the for America’s Fromon importance of the labor election movement. and show their pride coast to coast, BCTGM members are heroically and election day. resiliently fighting back against this pandemic, its economic fallout, chronic income inequality and L. 464 (Hershey, systemicPa.) racism.

BCTGM members were proud to be Fin.Secy./ Dianne among Treas. the strong force of union voters who delivered Carroll (right) this election President-elect Biden and Vice workedfor hard on GOTV efforts with Their message and commitment President-elect Harris.

Pa. AFL-CIO staff to create “the most significant pro-labor, pro-worker volunteers (left) administration” resonated with 12.5 million union and other members of the members across America.

Harrisburg Central Pictured here are some of our union members, Labor Council. officers and staff who were proud to cast their votes Special early, help educate others about the importance of Assistant to BCTGM International the election and show their pride on election day.Secy.-Treas. Colin

Durkee (right) and his wife, Lauren (left), mailed their 2020 ballot from Montgomery County, Maryland.

L. 1 (Chicago) Exec. Board member and Alpha Baking Co. chf. steward Erasmo Sanchez proudly celebrates his right to vote for the BidenHarris ticket.

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BCTGM Intl. Secy.-Treas. David Woods (center), his wife Lora (left) and daughter Sara (right), cast their votes together during early voting in Tennessee.

L.1 (Chicago) Secy.-Treas. Beth Zavala (left), office staff members Melissa Woods, Erica Cantero, Bus. Agt./Organizer Veronica Hopkins and Rec.Secy. Rochelle Ross (right) proudly show off their BCTGM for Biden Harris signs a day after a mysterious visitor switched all the signs outside the union office.

BCTGM News

Community Love “Every morning I wake up and I ask myself, ‘how can I make a difference to someone today’,” says Local 270T (Wilson, N.C.) President Tracy Taylor.

more union members signed up and we are slowly adding more and more people. Most importantly, we are able to feed almost a 1,000 people a month,” Taylor notes.

In 2018, Taylor decided she had to take action to help grow her local union membership at the Alliance One International plant in Wilson, N.C. What she has built as a result, is a legacy of generosity made up of strong and passionate people dedicated to helping the people of Wilson.

Partnering with the local food bank and her church, Taylor and union and community volunteers distribute food to those in need twice monthly.

“Our work in the community has helped us get

Local 270T members put food together for the next distribution. They are, from left, Angela Johnson, Pres. Tracy Taylor and Fin.Secy.

Shaina Smith.

Linette Ladies

100 Years of Membership

Local 6 (Philadelphia) members from Linette Candies (Treehouse) Ana Fabian (left) with 37 years of service and Lisa Fitterling (right) with 29 years of service, attended a recent meeting at the office.

Local 719 (Fairlawn, N.J.) Financial Secretary-Treasurer/ Business Agent Stan Milewski (right), presents a 50-year length of service award to Achmed (Al) Achtau, former secretarytreasurer, business agent and current emeritus of Local 719.

Local 719 President Richard Nazzaro (left) presents a 50-year length of service award to Joseph D’Amico, who continues to work at the Nabisco Fair Lawn N.J. bakery.

November/December 2020

www.bctgm.org

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Enjoy a BCTGM- ma

Delight your friends and loved ones with holiday treats made by hard-working BCTGM members! List

Allan Candy Canes (Hershey Company)

Frankford Candy & Chocolate

Allan Traditional Candy Canes (Peppermint, Cherry and Mini Peppermint), Allan Holiday Collection Candy Canes (French Vanilla & Gingerbread, Butterscotch & Cappucino, Mini Canes), Allan Fruit Buddies Candy Canes, Allan Chewy Candy Canes.

Holiday candy toys, gift baskets, tins, boxes and packs filled with gums, jellies, hard candy, molded filled, hollow and solid chocolate under the Frankford name.

Local 6 (Philadelphia)

Local 350T (Granby, Quebec)

Ghirardelli Chocolate Company Annabelle Candy Company Rocky Road, Abba Zaba, Look, Big Hunk and U-No. Boyer Candies: Mallo cups, Peanut Butter cups, triple twist pretzels.

Local 125 (San Leandro, Calif.)

Holiday chocolate gift baskets, tins, boxes and festive packages with Ghirardelli brand filled and solid chocolate in white, milk and dark varieties. Special for the holiday season is Peppermint Bark and Ghirardelli Impressions SQUARES chocolates, which feature holiday impressions on each chocolate square.

Local 125 (San Leandro, Calif.)

Brown & Haley Holiday gift boxes, baskets, tins and packages filled with the company’s renowned Almond Roca, Cashew Roca, Mocha Roca, Sugar Free Almond Roca and Candy Cane Roca.

Local 9 (Seattle)

Dare Foods Limited A variety of gums, jellies, hard candy and gift tubs, festive filled with Icy & Spicy Mints, Snowdrift Mints, festive colored Ju Jubes and Dare’s Scotch Mints.

Hershey Foods Corp.

Festive foil packaged Hershey Milk Chocolate Kisses, Hugs, Candy Cane Kisses, Cookie and Cream Kisses, White Chocolate Kisses, Special Dark Chocolate Kisses, Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Bars, Hershey’s Milk Chocolate with Almond Bars, Hershey Santa Claus Shaped Chocolate, Hershey Nuggets, Rollo.

Local 464 (Hershey, Pa.)

Local 264 (Toronto, Ontario)

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BCTGM News

ade Holiday Season

ted here is a small sampling of holiday goodies made by BCTGM members in the U.S. and Canada.

Pearson’s Candy Company

Jelly Belly

Holiday tins, bagged and chocolate mints including The Nut Goodie Bar, Salted Nut Roll, and Pearson’s Mint Patties.

Holiday candy and Jelly Belly jelly beans in gift boxes and festive holiday bags. Special flavors include candy cane, peppermint bark, egg nog, pumpkin pie, cranberry and a special Christmas mixture.

BCTGM Local 22 (Twin Cities, Minn.)

Sconza Candy Company Red, White & Green Chocolate Jordanetts, Christmas Bell Jellies and Rings, Reindeer Corn, Red, White & Green Boston Baked Beans, Yogurt Raisins, Lemoncello Almonds, Chocolate/Yogurt Fruit & Raisins.

BCTGM Local 125 (San Leandro, Calif.)

Tootsie Roll Industries, Inc. All varieties of Tootsie Roll brand products BCTGM Local 1 (Chicago)

Ferrero

BCTGM Local 125 (San Leandro, Calif.)

See’s Candies Holiday tins, baskets, boxes with hard, soft and nut chocolate candies, peppermint twists, fudge and foil chocolate. Chocolate Assortment, Nuts & Chews, Truffles, Lollypops, Brittles & Toffees.

BCTGM Local 125 (San Leandro, Calif.)

November/December 2020

Laffy Taffy, Rope Taffy, Tangy Taffy, Nestle Crunch, Mini Crunch, Peter’s Carmel, Nestle Toll House Morsels, Baby Ruth, Butterfinger.

Local 342 (Bloomington, Ill.), Local 1 (Chicago)

www.bctgm.org

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BCTGM International Disaster Relief Fund

Helps Local 114 Baker After

Echo Mountain Fire

When Local 114 (Portland, Ore.) member Dwayne Gold arrived home from his bakery job at the Lincoln City, Ore. Safeway on September 9, he was met with an evacuation order and only enough time to gather his wife and dogs before fleeing the devastating Echo Mountain Complex Fire.

The Echo Mountain Complex Fire began on September 7 near Echo Mountain about 12 miles from Gold’s home in Otis, Oregon. In two days, in 60-70 mph winds, the fire doubled in size and galloped across miles to reach Otis. The Echo Mountain Complex Fire burned 2,500 acres of land and destroyed 300 homes – among them Gold’s.

The speed and ferocity of the advance doomed any effort to protect homes. Instead, first responders pounded on doors and blared through loudspeakers to urge people to evacuate. There has never been a wildfire in Otis. Of the 37 homes in Gold’s neighborhood, 15 were completely ravaged.

In 20 minutes, Gold and his wife gathered up their animals in their two vehicles and fled with only the clothes on their backs. “The fire was 70 feet from our front door when we walked out. I told my wife to follow me in our other car as close as she could while we drove through the walls of fire – with flames on both sides of us for miles. It was horrifying,” recalls Gold.

The Golds and their neighbors were not permitted back in the area for a week as the fire embers continued to burn above and below ground.

“There is simply nothing left,” says Gold.

When BCTGM Local 114 learned about the devastation of Gold’s home, they requested assistance through the BCTGM International Disaster Relief Fund.

In late September, Local 114 Business Agent Alejandro Ahumada delivered a check from the Fund to Gold. The American Red Cross has provided the 10

Golds with a room at the local Motel 6 until they can find a new place to live.

“I am very grateful for what my union has done to help us,” notes Gold. “It is a very uncomfortable feeling not knowing what will happen next after losing so much. I am very thankful for the money,” Gold says.

“I’ve never been through something like this before. The disaster relief money will help me clean up some of the mess left on my property and help with a deposit for a new place,” he concludes.

L.114 Bus.Agt. Alejandro Ahumada (left) delivers a check from the Disaster Relief Fund to Dwayne Gold (right) in Otis, Ore. where his house once stood.

BCTGM News

SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE BAKERY AND CONFECTIONERY UNION AND INDUSTRY INTERNATIONAL HEALTH BENEFITS FUND

This is a summary of the annual report of the Bakery and Confectionery Union and Industry International Health Benefits Fund, EIN 530227042, Plan No. 501, for the period January 1, 2019 through December 31, 2019. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA).

The Joint Board of Trustees of the Bakery and Confectionery Union and Industry International Health Benefits Fund have committed themselves to pay all non-insured claims incurred under the terms of the Plan.

Insurance Information The plan has a contract with United Healthcare Insurance Company to pay health and prescription drug claims incurred under the terms of the plan.

The total premiums paid for the plan year ending December 31, 2019 were $15,838,840.

Basic Financial Statement The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $231,490,449 as of December 31, 2019, compared to $216,655,518 as of January 1, 2019. During the plan year the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $14,834,931. This increase includes unrealized appreciation and depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of the plan’s assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year or the cost of assets acquired during the year. During the plan year, the plan had total income of $50,742,413 including employer contributions of $14,267,390, participant contributions of $162,434, realized gains of 12

$2,032,716 from the sale of assets, and earnings from investments of $22,254,984, and other income of $12,024,889.

Plan expenses were $35,907,482. These expenses included $6,127,755 in administrative expenses and $29,779,727 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. A total of 25,862 persons were participants in or beneficiaries of the plan at the end of the year.

Your Rights To Additional Information You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, on request.

The items listed below are included in that report: • • • • • •

an accountant’s report; financial information; information on payments to service providers; assets held for investment; transactions in excess of 5% of the plan assets; insurance information, including sales commissions paid by insurance carriers;

To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the office of Steven D. Brock who is the Manager of Administrative Services, Bakery and Confectionery Union and Industry International Health Benefits and Pension Funds, 10401 Connecticut Avenue, Kensington, MD 20895-3960, (301) 468-3750.

The charge to cover copying costs will be $10.00 for the full annual report, or 25 cents per page for any part thereof.

You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes, or a statement of income BCTGM News

FOR THE PERIOD JANUARY 1, 2019 THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2019

and expenses of the plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the plan administrator, these two statements and accompanying notes will be included as part of that report. The charge to cover copying costs given above does not include a charge for the copying of these portions of the report because these portions are furnished without charge.

You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the main office of the plan at 10401 Connecticut Avenue, Kensington, MD 20895-3960 and at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, D.C., or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs.

Requests to the Department should be addressed to: Public Disclosure Room, Room N1513, Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20210.

FUNDS’ TRUSTEES Following is a listing of the trustees currently serving on the boards of each Fund:

Union Trustees – • Anthony Shelton (Chairman), Intl. Pres.; • David Woods, Intl. Secy.-Treas.; • Shad Clark, Intl. Vice Pres.; • Roger Miller, Intl. Vice Pres.; • Brad Schmidt, Intl. Vice Pres.; • Zachary L. Townsend, Intl. Vice Pres.

Additional Explanation Additional Basic Financial Statement Information: The retiree contributions of $12,024,889 were for extended health insurance under the plan.

Employer Trustees –

Información Adicional

• Jon McPherson, Vice Pres., Labor Relations, The Kroger Company;

Si tiene dificultad en la interpretación de este Sumario del Reporte Anual, por favor escriba o llama a la oficina de Steven D. Brock, que es el Director de los Servicios Administrativos de el Bakery and Confectionery Union and Industry International Health Benefits and Pension Funds, 10401 Connecticut Avenue, Kensington, Maryland 20895-3960, (301) 468-3750.

November/December 2020

• Lou Minella (Secretary), Sr. Vice Pres., Human Relations, Bimbo Bakeries, USA;

• Phil Paturzo, Vice Pres., Labor Relations, Bimbo Bakeries, USA; • Ken Hurley, Vice Pres., HR & Global Labor Relations, Kellogg

www.bctgm.org

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We Do The Work: Tommy Nairn, B&C Funds Computer Programmer

I

n 1971, the average monthly rent was $150.00, the cost of a gallon of gas was 40-cents, Richard Nixon was the President of the United States and the Microprocessor was invented, signaling the start of the digital age.

On November 23, 1971, Tommy Nairn went to work for the B&C Funds, located on the 8th floor of the International Union headquarters, then located at 1828 L Street in Washington, D.C. He was one of the Funds’ first computer programmers.

Nairn was waiting to see what his draft number would be while working “a dead-end job” at a moving company. Lucky for Nairn, his draft number was too high and his mother had a friend who worked for the Funds and helped get him an interview.

“The Funds Manager was John Flemming. I interviewed on Monday and my first day was the Tuesday before Thanksgiving. I had two days off that week for the holiday – something I never had

before. And the rest is history,” recalls Nairn.

For 50 years, Nairn has maintained the computer system that processes union members’ pension and health benefits checks, pension letters and health benefit notices.

“The changes in automation of computers and the advancement in technology have been amazing. It now takes a lot less people to do the job. At one time, we had more than 200 people working for the Funds and now we have under 50,” notes Nairn.

When the International headquarters was moved to Kensington, Maryland in 1984, Nairn said it was a bit of a shock going from bustling downtown Washington D.C. to an undeveloped area where there was a lot less to do and no places to eat.

And finally, will he ever retire? “Not planning to. They will have to carry me out. I love my job,” Nairn concludes.

2021 David B. Durkee Memorial

Scholarship Reminder

The 2021 David B. Durkee Memorial Scholarship Program will grant five $5,000 one-time scholarship awards. One of the five

scholarships may be awarded to an active, dues paying member of the BCTGM. The International Scholarship Office must receive all applications by January 31, 2021.

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Other program requirements (personal profile, ACT/SAT scores, academic report, essay) must be submitted to the International no later than March 31, 2021.

Details and applications can be downloaded from the International’s website, www. bctgm.org or obtained through the BCTGM International Scholarship Office (301-933-8600).

BCTGM News

Give the Gift of Union

STRENGH & SOLIDARITY

with AT&T Wireless

Get the latest tech toys and connect them with AT&T, the only nationwide UNIONIZED wireless carrier. AT&T employs nearly 150,000 members of the Communication Workers of America (CWA). That means when you visit an AT&T store, you’ll always be able to find a fellow union member to assist you. Meanwhile, AT&T has the nation’s largest network, covering more than 99% of Americans.

Exclusive Wireless Savings, Just for Union Members • Union members can save 15% on the monthly service charge of qualified wireless plans, including 3 GB, 6 GB and 10 GB plans -- and 20% savings on select accessories from AT&T.

Other benefits may include: • $650 Switcher Credit: You could qualify to receive up to $650 in credits per line when you switch to AT&T.

• $25 Waived Activation Fee on Select Devices

• Up to $250 in Cash Back Rebates: Union Plus Credit Cardholders may be eligible to earn up to $250 cash back from Union Plus.

This holiday season, shop online or take the BCTGM Power/Union Plus coupon into an official AT&T store and save on wireless service!

• Savings for Union Staff and Local Offices: AT&T offers special discounts for union staff and local union office employees.

Visit www.unionplus.org/benefits/home/att-discounts to download your discount coupon, locate a store or shop online.

November/December 2020

www.bctgm.org

15

Printed in the U.S.A.

Wishing all BCTGM members a

and Holiday Season

Anthony Shelton

International President

David Woods

International Secretary-Treasurer