Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union
Volume 24 Number 1
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LE R E G AT QU E E Pa IRE LIG ge ME IBI 11 NTS LIT Y
January/ February 2022
the PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
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Our Union. Our Future. OUR FIGHT.
As you receive this first issue of the BCTGM NEWS for 2022, preparations are well underway at the International Union Headquarters and in our local unions for the BCTGM’s 41st Constitutional Convention July 27 – August 2, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Since our last International Union Convention in 2018, the BCTGM and our members have been forced to confront some of the most difficult challenges in our union’s long and proud history; challenges that have tested our resilience and our solidarity; challenges that have further solidified our bond as a strong and fearless union family. Each and every time, the BCTGM has risen to the challenge. With this in mind, the theme of the 2022 Convention is, “Our Union. Our Future. Our Fight.” The Convention theme and its focus on protecting our legacy and building our future could not be more timely. Our Fight. From keeping our members safe throughout the pandemic by fighting for health and safety measures to supporting workers who chose to stand up and fight back against companies demanding takebacks, the BCTGM has led the way. We have fought hard for every victory. We fought hard to secure our right to stand together and bargain collectively. We marched and sacrificed to stand on the picket lines. We faced down employers to win contracts that secure the rights and benefits of our members. BCTGM members at Frito Lay, Nabisco, Kellogg’s and Jon Donaire stood strong in the face of great adversity, despite daunting odds. Our success was made possible by the tremendous courage of our members and their families and the powerful solidarity across the BCTGM and throughout the labor movement. Our Future. The BCTGM has something important to offer all those working people in our industries who are angry and frustrated and looking for the respect, energy and leadership the BCTGM can provide. More than any other time in our history, BCTGM members understand the true meaning of the word, “solidarity.” In the face of seemingly insurmountable opposition, we negotiated quality contracts and went back to work with our heads held high because we stayed the course, united in solidarity. Each time employers insulted us or tried to bully or dismiss us we grew stronger. United in purpose these last four years, we kept fighting and together we discovered a fundamental truth that carries us into this Convention year: United in solidarity, our enemies cannot divide us. The last 2
four years have presented tremendous challenges, but the lesson we can take into our future is that we are an unbreakable force when—and only when—we stand together. Our Union. Not only will this union always defend our members and never back down, but we will also go on offense to win new rights and break new ground as we organize non-union workers. Our new members at Blues City Brewery in Memphis fought against great odds and made great sacrifices to join the BCTGM and secure a first contract. Workers at other shops are reaching out every day to join this union and we must be ready to help them do so. We will also do everything we can to protect our members’ jobs and standard of living. We will continue to use our resources to negotiate the very best collective bargaining agreements in our industries. We will support, and continue to provide, the very best service to our members. We will make our case to a new generation of workers that is younger and more diverse but just as hungry for a voice on the job. This is how we will build a bright future for this union. The BCTGM will continue to provide leadership, coordination and support to our rank-and-file membership. As we enter this new year, we will channel the power of every hard-working man and woman of this union to maintain our voices on the shop floor, power on the picket line and influence at the negotiating table. — 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 • Pierre Luc Ducet • Aaron Graves • Paul LaBuda Earl Lublow • Letitia Malone • Keith Morris, Sr. 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
BCTGM Local 37 Members at Jon Donaire Ratify New Contract; Strike Ends in
VICTORY FOR WORKERS! On February 23, BCTGM Local 37 (Los Angeles, Calif.) members on strike against Rich Productsowned Jon Donaire Desserts plant in Sante Fe, Calif. voted to ratify a new collective bargaining agreement, bringing an end to the strike that began on November 3, 2021. Reflecting on the vote to ratify the new agreement, BCTGM International President Anthony Shelton stated, “This has been a long and difficult fight for our striking members and their families. With each new day on that picket line, fighting for what they deserve, our members grew in strength, courage and determination.
January/February 2022
“The Jon Donaire members made enormous sacrifices in order to achieve a fair contract that provides significant wage increases, maintains their excellent health insurance and improves working conditions. “The BCTGM is grateful for the tremendous fraternal support we received from across the labor movement throughout the country— from Los Angeles, Calif. to Buffalo, N.Y., the backyard of Rich Products. “We thank President Liz Shuler and the AFLCIO, the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, the New York State AFL-CIO and the Western New York Area Labor Federation, AFL-CIO, which collectively helped bring about this victory through unwavering support and solidarity.”
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Local 218 Stewards
ENERGIZED The BCTGM International assisted Local 218 (Kansas City, Missouri) with a twoday steward training in Kansas City and Topeka, Kansas. The trainings were led by BCTGM International Research & Education Director Matthew Clark and BCTGM International Representative Jason Davis. The first day of training, held during a blinding snowstorm, included stewards from ADM (Cathage, Missouri), Graincraft (Wichita, Kansas), General Mills (Kansas City) and Bimbo Bakeries USA (Topeka). Two stewards participated via
Matthew Clark (left) and Justin Harris (right) 4
ZOOM video conferencing. The class included sessions on responsibilities of stewards, ways to communicate with members, grievance investigation and grievance writing. The second day included 20 stewards from the Frito Lay snack plant in Topeka. Many of the stewards who participated in the training were new stewards who had become energized during the strike at Frito Lay in July. A number of the new stewards felt a duty to give back to the union and to make sure the company
Pete Whitlock BCTGM News
follows the hard-fought gains the members made. Many of the stewards in attendance had participated in an informal steward training in December, so this education conference focused on role playing, member-to-member education, communicating with members, investigating
grievances and internal organizing. Local 218 Financial Secretary Chantel Mendenhall said the strength of their local union depends on strong, educated stewards. Local 218 represents workers in 17 shops in Kansas and Missouri.
Desiree Rainez and Esther Fanning
Ricardo Sanchez and Pleasant Desch January/February 2022
Matthew Clark and Robbie Kingcannon www.bctgm.org
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Building the FUTURE of the BCTGM The following BCTGM members have been hired to serve on the International Union staff.
Alejandro Ahumada
Jared Cummings
Alejandro Ahumada (pictured below, left) began his career in the baking industry at the age of 16 when he took a summer job at Jana’s Classics, a non-union facility where his mom was employed. He met BCTGM Local 114 (Portland, Ore.) and BCTGM International Representatives in 2005 during a union organizing drive at Kerry Sweet Ingredients. In September 2007, he joined the ranks of Local 114 when he went to work at Franz Bakery. During his 10 years at Franz Bakery, Ahumada assisted Local 114 with numerous organizing drives including Portland Specialty Baking, Ardent Mills bakery and Pizza Blends. In 2012, he was elected to serve on the Local 114 Executive Board and soon after became the Board’s Recording Secretary. Ahumada was elected as the Local 114 Business Agent in 2017 and re-elected in 2020.
Jared Cummings (pictured below, left) became a member of Local 53 (Rutherford, N.J.) when he went to work at Freihofer’s Baking (now Bimbo Bakeries USA) in Albany N.Y. in 1998. Working in the sanitation department, Cummings was elected shop steward in 2001. In 2010 he was elected to the Local 53 Shop Committee and Executive Board. In 2014, Cummings became the Vice Chairman of Local 53’s Executive Board. It was during this time he became involved in union organizing for Local 53. In 2018, Cummings was elected Chairman of the Local’s Executive Board. He also began working with International Director of Organizing John Price on several organizing campaigns.
Andrew Gutierrez Andrew Gutierrez (pictured on left) became a member of Local 351 (Albuquerque, New Mexico) when he took a job at Bimbo Bakeries USA in 2013. Working in production as a oven operator, Gutierrez quickly became a shop steward, a position he proudly held until joining the
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International staff. In 2015, Gutierrez was elected as Vice President of Local 351, a position he maintained until he was elected as President and Business Agent of Local 351. He worked on the 2021 Kellogg’s strike.
BCTGM News
Local 6 Invites Intl. Pres. Shelton
to Administer Oath
“It is a great honor to administer the BCTGM’s Oath of Office to newly elected Local Union Officers,” notes BCTGM International President Anthony Shelton who was asked to attend the swearing in ceremony at BCTGM Local 6 in Philadelphia, Pa. On February 2, President Shelton, Secretary-Treasurer David Woods, EastCentral Region International Vice President
Intl. Pres. Anthony Shelton swears in the newly elected L. 6 officers and trustees. From left to right are Donna Horvath, Rec.-Secy.; Anna-Lisa Fabian, Trustee; Kenny Fisher, ChairmanTrustees; Matt McDonough, Trustee; Luanne Durkin, Chf. Steward Blue Anchor Kellogg’s; Banecza Mojica, Trustee.
January/February 2022
Roger Miller and Assistant to the International President Harry Kaiser traveled to the Local 6 union hall to participate in the formal ceremony. “It was our honor and pleasure to have International President Shelton swear in the officers and the Local 6 Administrative Board. Everyone was so humbled that our International President took the time to travel to our union hall to participate in this important day,” concludes McKay. Intl. Pres. Anthony Shelton swears in the L. 6 Officers (left to right) Hank McKay, Pres.; Corey Walter, Secy-Treas.; and Mark Donahue, Bus. Agt.
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Richmond Stewards E More than 40 Local 358 (Richmond, Va.) stewards successfully completed a twoday steward training education conference in early February. The
training was run by BCTGM International Research & Education Director Matthew Clark with assistance from Local 358 Financial Secretary/Business Agent Darlene Carpenter and President Keith Bragg.
The two-day education conference focused on teaching the roles and responsibilities of union stewards by using role playing, small group activities and focusing on plant-specific challenges faced by stewards regularly. The first day of the training involved 28 stewards from the Nabisco/Mondelez bakery. Many stewards were motivated to take a more active role in their workplace after the five-
L. 358 Fin. Secy./Bus. Agt. Darlene Carpenter, Bruce Minor, Kendra Johnson (Nabisco)
Janella Watkins, Helene Edwards (Nabisco)
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Shannon Jackson, Sheila Davis (Nabisco)
BCTGM News
EMBRACE Education week Nabisco strike. The stewards noted the tremendous solidarity and fellowship that was created by countless hours on the strike line together. Still more stewards credited the Nabisco strike as being the force behind a more cohesive union family, forever bonded together in the fight for workplace fairness. The second day of training involved 12 stewards from numerous union shops including
UNFI (formerly Supervalu), Essentra, Porex and C.F. Sauer Brands. Stewards in this class were eager to learn more about the International Union, how to “talk union”, and how to properly determine and investigate a grievance. Because Virginia is a “Rightto-work (for less)” state, there were also discussions about internal organizing and communication strategies. Local 358 represents workers throughout the Richmond area.
Lynette Otey, Duck Winston (Nabisco)
Sandra Jones, Rishard James (Nabisco)
January/February 2022
Mahdee Fareed (UNFI)
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Lakeshia William (Sauer Brands) and Chris Gill (Essentra)
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Local 149 Stewards Train for the Future Nearly one year after voting to become members of BCTGM Local 149 (Memphis, Tenn.), workers at the Blues City Brewery in Memphis ratified their first union contract on November 11, 2021. The first order of business for the more than 700 workers at the large industrial brewery, according to BCTGM Southern Region Vice President Zack Townsend, was to nominate
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shop stewards. Once elected, it was vital that the Union hold shop steward training to educate the new stewards on how to investigate and process grievances, educate other members about the BCTGM and to provide daily workplace protection of the new collective bargaining agreement. The first shop steward training for Blues City Brewery was conducted by Townsend and Local 149 President Letitia Malone. Local 149 steward Kurt Ramsey, from Riviana Foods in Memphis, also attended the training.
BCTGM News
BCTGM INTERNATIONAL CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION
Delegate Eligibility Requirements The 41st Constitutional Convention of the BCTGM International Union will be held July 27-August 2, 2022 at the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. Delegates to the Convention, per Article III, Section 5 of the Constitution, must have been a continuously good-standing, dues-paying member of the International Union and Local Union the delegate represents for at least two (2) continuous years immediately preceding the Convention prior to being elected as a delegate. According to the official Convention Call, which will be posted online May 2, 2022, published in the May/June 2022 BCTGM NEWS and mailed to all Local Unions on May 2, 2022 delegate elections are “subject to the provisions of the International January/February 2022
Constitution and the Labor Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959 (LandrumGriffin Law).” Because there will be an election of officers at the Convention, the LandrumGriffin Act requires that the delegates to the Convention who will be voting for officers must be elected in secret-ballot elections. This means that all local unions must select their delegates by secret-ballot elections either at union meetings or by mail ballot referendum. Notice must be given to the membership of the time and place for the nomination and election of delegates. Delegates cannot be elected by voice vote or by show of hands. Local Union officers are urged to keep the local union up-to-date in its reports and per capita tax payments to the International Union to ensure participation in the BCTGM’s 41st Constitutional Convention in 2022.
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BCTGM Membership Spotlight In Omaha, Nebraska, 9-year Local 50G member Gregg Buchta, a Machine Operator at Kellogg’s, stays active during the cold winter months walking his two Golden Retriever pups. Local 37 (Los Angeles, Calif.) member Isaac Rodriguez reports to work at Bimbo Bakeries USA.
Local 351 (Albuquerque, New Mexico) member Miguel Marentes Diaz has been a union member working at Smith’s Food and Drug for 14 years.
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At the Holsum Bakery in Phoenix, Arizona, Local 232 member Raymond Rodriguez was recently elected to serve as shop steward.
BCTGM News
BCTGM Bargaining Roundup:
Setting the Standard for Quality Contracts Local 58G (Toledo, Ohio)
L. 22 member Gary Johnson (right), a 48-year member, is pictured here after the contract ratification with L. 22 President Wally Borgen (left). Johnson says, “This is the best wage increase I’ve ever seen at Alltech Ridley!”
Local 22 (Minneapolis, Minn.) President Wally Borgen reports that a new three-year contract with Alltech/Ridley has been overwhelmingly approved by members at the company’s Watertown, South Dakota feed mill. Negotiations were led by BCTGM International Representative Jason Davis and the negotiating committee included Local 22 President Wally Borgen and member Dave Thyen. The new collective bargaining agreement includes a pension increase, an immediate wage increase of $1.30, followed by $0.50 in each subsequent year of the contract, and protections on shift differential. Gary Johnson, who has been a proud union member for 48 years, says this is the best settlement he’s ever seen at the mill.
Local 167G (Grand Forks, N.D.) President John Riskey reports that after months of tough negotiations, a new four-year agreement was reached between the Local and North Dakota State Mill and Elevator in Grand Forks. The new four-year agreement features annual wage increases of 3%, 3%, 3.25% and 3.25%. The negotiating committee included BCTGM Midwest Region Int’l Vice President Brad Schmidt, Riskey, and members Kevin Jerik and Greg Kezar. January/February 2022
President Ed Sorina reports that a new five-year contract was reached with Mondelez International covering workers at the company’s flour mill in Toledo. Negotiations were led by BCTGM East-Central Region International Vice President Roger Miller and assisted by the negotiating committee that included Sorina and Local 58G members Anthony Quinn, Kevin Veres, Sherell Randolph and Scottie Neagly. The new agreement includes healthy wage increases and maintains the workers’ retirement security and health care benefits. The Toledo flour mill, which dates back to 1892, is one of the oldest and largest in the country. The mill, which was acquired by National Biscuit Company in 1926, produces more than 3 million pounds of flour per day.
Local 58G negotiating committee included (left to right) Sherrell Randolph, Scott Neagley, Kevin Veres, Anthony Quinn and L. 58G Pres. Ed Sorina.
The State Mill and Elevator began with a daily production of 3,000 barrels per day in 1922 and grew into the largest flour mill in the United States and the only state-owned mill and elevator in the country. Today, union workers at the mill grind 33 million bushels of spring wheat and durum per year and the mill has the capacity to store 5 million bushels of grain. Local 167G has represented the dedicated men and women at the Grand Forks mill since 1948.
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ATTENTION: Applicants to the 2022 David B. Durkee Memorial
T
Scholarship Program
he deadline for applications to the 2022 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.
Supporting Starbucks Workers Organizing in Virginia As of early February, Starbucks Workers United has public union organizing campaigns in 60 stores in 19 states. According to the National Labor Relations Board, workers at Starbucks stores in New York, Arizona, Massachusetts, Washington, Colorado, Forest Hill, Va. Starbucks workers (back) were happy to receive encouragement from L. 358 (Richmond, Va.) Pres. Keith Bragg (left), L. 358 Fin. Secy./Bus. Agt. Darlene Carpenter (center) and Intl. Rep. Nate Zeff (right).
At the Midlothian, Va. location, L. 358 Fin. Secy./ Bus. Agt. Darlene Carpenter (left) and Intl. Rep. Nate Zeff (right) talk to a worker about the benefits of being a union member.
Tennessee, Illinois, Oregon, Ohio, Florida, New Jersey, Maryland, California, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Kansas, Missouri and Virginia have union organizing drives. In Midlothian, Va. and Forest Hill, Va., not far from the BCTGM Local 358 (Richmond, Va.) union office, Starbucks workers are trying to organize. Local 358 President Keith Bragg, Financial Secretary/Business Agent Darlene Carpenter and International Representative Nate Zeff fully support the Virginia Starbucks workers by frequenting the locations and encouraging the workers to stay strong in their desire to have a union. “We tell all of our members to stop in, get their coffee and tell these brave working men and women that being a union member means you can have a voice,” says Bragg. 14
BCTGM News
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 2022
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NOW PLAYING!
“The BCTGM Voices Project amplifies 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.”
Printed in the U.S.A.
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to find us on your favorite podcast player!
– Anthony Shelton, International President
The “BCTGM Voices Project” podcast features monthly interviews with union organizers, local union leaders, rank-and-file members and BCTGM International Officers and staff.
LISTEN NOW!
Or go to bctgm.org/voicesproject