Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union
July/ August 2019
Volume 21 Number 4
*See pages 8-9
the PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
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TRUMP Administration has turned the Department of Labor into the Department of Employer Rights Only
For those who have watched the Trump Administration chop away at workers’ rights, it was no big surprise when President Trump nominated Eugene Scalia for Secretary of Labor. Scalia — son of the late Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia — has made his reputation in Washington, D.C. as a lawyer for big corporations with a blatant disregard and disdain for regulations protecting workers on the job. Scalia has spent virtually his entire career making life more difficult and dangerous for working people. Scalia has fought ergonomics standards, threatened to destroy workers’ retirement savings, challenged the expansion of health care and dismissed repetitive motion injuries as “junk science.” His extreme views are in direct conflict with what American workers deserve from the Secretary of Labor. But Scalia’s appointment is best seen not only in the context of his own anti-labor career, but also in the context of the Trump Administration’s assault on workers’ rights and well-being. Despite his position during his presidential campaign as a flag carrier for the working class, President Trump has rolled back numerous pro-worker regulations from the Obama era and before. The primary targets of President Trump’s attack on workers are the Department of Labor and the National Labor Relations Board. It is through those agencies, writes Pedro Nicolaci Da Costa of the Economic Policy Institute that, “Trump is pursuing the most hostile anti-labor agenda of any modern president.” That brings us back to Eugene Scalia, who would be almost certain to continue Trump’s anti-union policies. Scalia’s career has demonstrated his kinship with employers and bankers. Scalia’s 2000 campaign against the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s effort to impose more responsibility on employers for ergonomic-related worker injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, gives a clear description of his attitude toward workers. In an essay for the Cato Institute, he lamented that the rule would “require businesses to slow the pace of production, hire more workers, increase rest periods and redesign workstations or even entire operations.” Working people do not need a deregulatory wrecking ball as Secretary of Labor. They need somebody who will stand up for strong worker protection rules and aggressive enforcement of them. Unfortunately, the Trump Administration seems determined to continue pushing through its deregulatory agenda, tearing down worker and consumer protections at the behest of large corporations and their Washington lobbyists. Given his history of attacking worker and consumer protections, there is plenty of reason to expect that Eugene Scalia will drive the deregulatory train even faster, to the detriment of working women and men. Scalia will have a confirmation hearing when the Senate returns in September. It is essential that Senators press Scalia
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for his views on the role of government regulation—and the role of the Department of Labor—in protecting working women and men. Senators should ask him to identify worker protections that he would promote, and whether there are cases he has been involved in on behalf of working people, not corporations. Senators should discourage Scalia from further weakening worker protections adopted during the Obama administration. These rules were adopted after extensive public input and are supported by comprehensive scientific evidence demonstrating their value and importance to working people. They should not be weakened or overturned simply because anti-regulatory forces want it. Scalia’s answers to these questions are unlikely to persuade his supporters that he is the wrong person for the job. But he should be pressed to explain how a long career of attacking worker protections on behalf of corporations qualifies him to be the Secretary of Labor, who is responsible for enforcing the nation’s laws that govern the workplace. Scalia should be required to state on the record what his intentions are as Secretary of Labor and what he plans to do to protect working people. And, if confirmed, he must be held accountable. The Secretary of Labor needs to be a true advocate for working people. Even when we disagree, we expect a fair arbiter who listens to workers and respects the deliberative process and the true mission of the Department of Labor. The Labor Department’s work is essential to protecting America’s working people and should not be the subsidiary holding of corporate lobbyists and anti-union, anti-worker activists. - David B. Durkee, 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 David B. Durkee, Editor Corrina A. Christensen, Assistant Editor BCTGM General Executive Board President David B. Durkee • Secretary-Treasurer Jethro Head Vice Presidents Shad Clark • Roger Miller Ron Piercey • Brad Schmidt • Anthony Shelton BCTGM General Executive Board Members Joyce Alston • John Bethel • Thomas Bingler • Richard Davis Pierre Luc Ducet • 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
Exec. Secy.-Treas. of the Maritime Trades Dept., AFL-CIO Dan Duncan (left) presents Pres. Durkee with the Paul Hall Award of Merit.
President Durkee Honored with Paul BCTGM International President David Durkee was chosen as the Hall Award of Merit 2019 recipient of the Paul Hall Award of Merit by the Maritime Port Council of Greater New York/New Jersey and Vicinity. Durkee received the
honorary award at the Port Council’s 57th dinner/ dance. Durkee joined U.S. Rep. Thomas R. Suozzi (D-NY) and Russell Paret, President/CEO of Schuyler Line Navigation Company, in being recognized for their efforts on behalf of the U.S.-flag merchant marine and working people during the June 22 event in New York City. The New York Port Council’s prestigious Paul Hall Award of Merit was established in 1980. Named after the dynamic and visionary president of the Seafarers International Union, the award honors individuals who make important contributions to the development of the labor movement, the maritime
Pres. Durkee (right) joined U.S. Rep. Thomas R. Suozzi (D-NY) (left) and Russell Paret, President/CEO of Schuyler Line Navigation Company (center), in being recognized for their efforts on behalf of the U.S.-flag merchant marine and working people during the June 22 event in New York City. July/August 2019
industry and the port of New York. Previous recipients have included shipowners, labor leaders, civil rights activists and grassroots community leaders. The diverse nature of the award is a reflection of Paul Hall, who left an enduring legacy of leadership, commitment and accomplishment. Durkee said Paul Hall (who served as MTD President from 1957 to 1980) stood for “strong and principled leadership, creativity, innovation and breaking new ground to improve the lives and standard of living of his members and their families… unflinching courage… an unyielding commitment to the highest values and standards of trade unionism. “He was about labor solidarity and always being there for fellow union members and he never forgot where he came from,” Durkee told the audience. Past recipients include Richard Trumka, AFL-CIO President; Lane Kirkland, AFL-CIO President; and, Morton Bahr, CWA President.
From left to right is BCTGM Intl. Secy.-Treas. Jethro Head, Pres. Durkee, L. 53 (New York, N.Y.) Pres./GEB member Joyce Alston, L. 102 (New York, N.Y.) Pres. Ray Aquilino and Asst. to the Intl. Pres. Harry Kaiser at the Port Council Port Council dinner.
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New Stewards Learn the New stewards from Locals 167G (Grand Forks, N.D.) and 372G (Hillsboro, N.D.) convened in Fargo, N.D. for a one-day steward training that focused on the roles and responsibilities of new shop stewards.
Thirty stewards from seven different bargaining units in two states participated in the education program. Topics included labor history, roles of the shop steward, grievance investigation, duty of fair representation, legal rights of stewards and communication strategies. The training was led by Matthew Clark, Director of
Intl. Director of Organization John Price discusses successful internal communication techniques that can help internal organizing efforts.
Pictured here are some of the new stewards and officers of Locals 167G and 372G who attended the stewards training on July 24 in Fargo, N.D.
BCTGM Intl. Director of Research & Education Matthew Clark teaches the rights and responsibilities of stewards.
The local union stewards listen intently during the education class.
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BCTGM News
Ropes in Red River Valley the International Research and Education Department. International Director of Organization, John Price, assisted with the training and focused on the importance of internal organizing. According to Price, shop stewards are the face of the union to BCTGM members in the workplace. “Our stewards are there to protect, educate and
mobilize our membership,� notes Price. The BCTGM International trained more than 900 shop stewards in 2018 and will exceed that number in 2019. Shop steward trainings are normally performed by International Vice Presidents, International Representatives, or staff from the International Research & Education Department.
Intl. Director of Organization John Price led a special session on internal organizing in a right-to-work (for less) state.
The stewards from the two locals work for American Crystal Sugar and Minn-Dak.
July/August 2019
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Quaker Oats Member BCTGM Local 347G (Danville, Ill.) members overwhelmingly voted to ratify a new five-year agreement with Quaker Oats, a subsidiary of food and beverage giant Pepsico. Local 347G represents more than 400 workers at the Danville facility where they produce a variety of Quaker products including Aunt Jemima pancake mix, Cap-n-Crunch, Quisp, Quaker Oat Squares, Quaker Natural Granola, and Chewy and Big Chewy granola bars.
The new agreement features wage increases of 2.5% each year of the deal, an increase in the new hire step-up rate, and improvements to the way employees gain departmental seniority. The contract also adds changes to the bereavement leave policy and eligibility for holiday pay. According to BCTGM International SecretaryTreasurer Jethro Head who led negotiations, top priority was placed in changing the way Quaker was utilizing new hires, which impacted more senior members and the availability of overtime. “This was one of the top issues that needed to be successfully addressed by the
L. 347G Sergeant at Arms Danny Mullins (left) oversees the ballot box while L. 347G member Alfredo Torres (right) casts his ratification vote.
Voting took place throughout the day at the union hall. Pictured here supervising the vote are (left to right) L. 347G Trustees Matt Smith, Luke Wells, Frank Pickering and Sergeant at Arms Danny Mullins.
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L. 347 member Max Kioebge signs in before voting.
The L. 347G negotiating committee included (left to right) L. 347 Rec.Secy. Tyler Bennett, Pres. Dan Allen, Chf. Stewards Trevor Montgomery, Crystal Wells, Troy Winland, Sam Rhea, L. 347G Vice Pres. Delores Cushman and Fin. Secy. Troy Pate. (Not pictured is L. 347G Bus. Agt. Amanda Winland)
BCTGM News
rs Ratify New Contract negotiating committee,” notes Head. Joining Head on the Union negotiating team were Local 347G Recording Secretary Tyler Bennett, President Dan Allen, Vice President Delores Cushman, Financial Secretary Troy Pate, Business Agent Amanda Winland and Chief Stewards Trevor Montgomery, Crystal Wells, Troy Winland and Sam Rhea. Early in the process negotiations turned contentious, but Head credits the negotiating team that remained committed to reaching a fair contract. “The negotiating team showed great resilience. It’s not easy negotiating with a giant company like Pepsico,
but our team was prepared and understood what the membership wanted,” recalled Head. In June, 82 percent of the union members at Quaker voted to reject the company’s final offer. “The final offer they put on the table was insulting. The overwhelming rejection showed the company how serious our members were about having a fair and equitable contract. Ultimately, that is what we achieved,” said Head. The BCTGM also represents Pepsico facilities in Oregon, Ohio and Kansas that produce and distribute Frito Lay products including Frito’s, Doritos, Lays, and Rold Gold amongst others.
Waiting to count the ballots are (left to right) Chief Stewards Troy Winland, Sam Rhea, Trevor Montgomery, Crystal Wells, L. 347G Fin. Secy. Troy Pate and President Dan Allen.
Outside the L. 347G union hall member Hope Brandon (left) is greeted by L. 347G Vice Pres. Delores Cushman (right).
July/August 2019
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U . S . H O U S E PAS S E S
PENSION FUNDING BILL Thanks to the hard work and dedication of thousands of BCTGM members, pensioners and other union members across the U.S., the U.S. House of Representatives voted to pass H.R. 397, the Rehabilitation for Multiemployer Pensions Act. The legislation is an essential step to help secure the retirement security of more than 1.5 million workers and retirees nationwide. “Many experts told us as recently as last week that getting this to vote before the upcoming recess was slim to none. But here we are with another major victory because our Union never gives up. On to the Senate!,” said BCTGM International President David Durkee, who attended the vote. Also present for the vote in the U.S. House of Representatives were BCTGM members from Locals 6 (Philadelphia), 68 (Baltimore) and 118 (Washington D.C.). “The BCTGM has placed the highest priority on preserving and strengthening our members’ pensions. Now, more than ever, BCTGM members in every one of our shops, together with our retirees, must remain
Assistant to the International President and the BCTGM’s Political Director Harry Kaiser discusses the pension legislation markup process in the House of Representatives with Local 118 members.
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united in solidarity and continue to raise our voices to the Senate. The fight to preserve BCTGM pensions is urgent and ongoing. We will never give up protecting the retirement security of every BCTGM member and retiree,” said Durkee. The BCTGM has been a leader in the effort to secure federal legislation to address the country’s pension funding crisis – which affects every BCTGM member with a collectively bargained pension. BCTGM members and retirees have sent more than 6,000 emails to members of Congress since the legislation was first introduced in November 2017. The House approved the measure in a 264-to-169 vote with all Democrats and 29 Republicans voting in support of the legislation. “After years of tireless work by BCTGM retirees, members, local union officers and International staff, the House today rewarded their efforts by passing this critically important legislation,” said Durkee. “Congress cannot ignore this issue. We’ve worked hard and made our voices loud and clear: ‘We’ve earned it – we deserve it!’ It is the duty of the U.S.
BCTGM Locals 6 (Philadelphia) and 118 (Washington D.C.) members and retirees were among the large gathering of union members on Capitol Hill for the markup hearing.
BCTGM News
Senate to pass this legislation so that America’s workers retain their hard-earned pensions,” he added. There are more than 300 multiemployer pension plans across the country — including the B&C Pension Fund. The legislation would establish a new agency within the U.S. Treasury Department that would issue bonds to finance loans to pension funds, such as the B&C Pension Fund, to ensure their long term solvency. Such multiemployer plans would be channeled enough assets to fund pension obligations for all participants. No benefit cuts would be required to qualify for the loans. On July 24, former members of the Select Pensions Committee, U.S. Senators Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Tina Smith (D-MN) and Joe Manchin (D-WV), along with Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-NY), led 27 Senators in reintroducing
BCTGM L. 118 (Washington D.C.) members gather outside the Capital for a rally before the markup hearing. Pictured here is (left to right) Durante Gray, Linda James, Delores Arrington, Les Jones, Peggy Skipper and Brenda Keller.
the Butch Lewis Act in the Senate. The Senators, who spent months working with both sides as members of the Select Pensions Committee last year, reiterated their commitment to solving this crisis. “We must solve this crisis for the workers, retirees and small businesses who are counting on us, and the Butch Lewis Act is one way to do that,” declared Senator Brown. “I am committed to continuing to work with Senator Portman to find a bipartisan solution that can pass the Senate. The most important thing is that we get the job done for these workers who have worked so hard for this country,” concluded the Senator.
NEW JERSEY ACTION On July 23-24, East-Central Intl. Vice Pres. Roger Miller led a leadership development seminar for Local 719 (Fair Lawn, N.J.) stewards. Included as part of the education training, L. 719 Bus. Agt. Stan Milewski, Pres. Richard Nazzaro and Vice Pres. Randy Rauco engaged the union members in a discussion about the importance of H.R. 397, The Rehabilitation for Multiemployer Pensions Act. Stewards also had the opportunity to take part in the BCTGM’s E-Activist email campaign to urge their Representatives to support the important legislation. Pictured here are the L. 719 stewards proudly showing proof of their online action. July/August 2019
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President Durkee Meets with TOBACCO LOCAL Leaders In early July, International President David Durkee attended the annual BCTGM Tobacco Presidents and Vice Presidents Conference, which brings together the leadership of the BCTGM’s tobacco industry local unions from throughout North America.
The Conference provided President Durkee with the opportunity to update the local union officers on the broad range of positive developments that had taken place in the Union over the past year in collective bargaining, organizing, legislative and political action and membership education. Delegates from each local reported on the collective bargaining, manufacturing and labor
relations situation in their respective factories. Significant time was also spent discussing the major changes that are taking place in the industry.
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www.fireteamapparel.com BCTGM News
Securing Worker Dignity through ORGANIZING In the first six months of 2019, BCTGM organizers have been busy bringing hope and dignity to workplaces throughout the U.S. BCTGM International Director of Organization John Price calls the efforts “vital to growing our union.” Price has been involved in numerous organizing trainings held in conjunction with the BCTGM International Education Department’s programs to train local union leaders and stewards the tactics and strategies of organizing. Those trainings, Price says, are paying dividends.
Management agreed to add maintenance workers to the existing bargaining unit that covers the rest of the plant’s employees. “So all we had to negotiate was the differences that existed in pay, benefits, and the different working conditions into the existing collective bargaining agreement. This was a good scenario for both the company and the local. We grew our union density at the company,” notes Price.
Decatur, Ill., ADM
At the Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) corn mill in Decatur, Ill. where more than 200 production and Columbus Ga., Hostess maintenance workers are members of Local 103G In May 2014 when production workers at the (Decatur), the 15 lab and instrument technicians were Columbus, Ga. Hostess bakery voted to join BCTGM working without a union contract. Left out of the Local 42 (Atlanta), the bargaining unit, the workers newly organized unit did were being paid significantly “There is one antidote to the not include maintenance less money than the union workers at the plant. production and maintenance challenges facing the BCTGM According to Price, the workers and weren’t being and the labor movement: maintenance department treated with the same dignity workers were excluded from at work. organize and mobilize!” the original bargaining The technicians decided – BCTGM International President David Durkee unit simply because, “They to reach out to Local 103G didn’t want to be in the President Jeff Angell, a union.” However, five years later, the 25 workers maintenance department worker in the mill, to ask how realized they were not receiving the same respect as they could go about joining the union. After explaining the more than 200 BCTGM Local 42 members. the union recognition process, an overwhelming After an overwhelming majority of maintenance majority signed union authorization cards to become workers signed BCTGM Local 42 authorization members of 103G. cards the company launched a typical anti-union “However, ADM management and union busters campaign. However, after recognizing a majority launched a typical anti-union campaign to thwart their were going to vote yes in a union election, Hostess efforts to join the union,” reflects Price. agreed to recognize the union. Local 42 and Hostess The company agreed to an Armour-Globe selfdetermination election, which allows a new group of workers to vote on the question of whether it wishes to join an established bargaining unit of the same union. The workers voted yes by 2-1 margin.
BCTGM Local 42 Maintenance Dept. workers Brad Carroll (left) and Ellis Biggs (right). July/August 2019
Pictured here, left to right, are Local 103G Chief Steward Ryan Keirl and 103G ADM lab and instrument technicians Hailey Grider, Rebekah Thompson, Alex Acciavatti, Jeremy Stephen and Marija Pushko.
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Officers and retirees of Locals 114 and 364 rallied outside Portland’s Mondelez/Nabisco plant.
Nabisco Retirees Rally in Portland, Ore. Nabisco retirees from BCTGM Locals 364 and 114 rallied outside the Portland, Ore. MondelezNabisco bakery to bring attention to the company’s elimination of their pension benefit. The group, known around the country as, “Hands Off Our Pensions” (HOOP) Coalition, are Nabisco retirees fighting to defend their hard-earned pensions. According to BCTGM Strategic Campaign Coordinator Nate Zeff, who coordinated the event, the rally was a success
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with many energized pensioners from both local unions. Zeff credits Local 364 retiree leader Shelly Lasher who organized the retiree groups for the special rally. BCTGM Western Region International Vice President Shad Clark assisted with the event with help from Local 114 Financial Secretary Treasurer Darren Hamann, Local 364 Business Agent Cameron Taylor and Financial Secretary-Treasurer Victor Weekes. Speaking during the retiree rally was Portland Jobs with Justice Director, Will Layng, who has been a strong supporter of the Mondelez/Nabisco campaign. The rally kicked off with Zeff reading a special statement of support from U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) who commended the group’s efforts, “to fight for retirement security and the hundreds of good,
union jobs here at the Portland Nabisco Bakery.” Merkley assured the retirees he stands with them in their battle to save pensions. “Along with the BCTGM, its members and retirees, and everyone who earned retirement benefits that are under threat, we in Congress also seek the best way forward to protect your pensions. You earned them; you deserve them,” stated the Senator. BCTGM News
Join the
HANDS OFF OUR PENSIONS
(HOOP) Coalition
and get involved in the fight to defend and preserve pensions!
You can be part of a team of concerned retirees and dynamic supporters fighting to preserve retiree pensions at Mondelez/Nabisco. Along with assisting the BCTGM’s legislative efforts in Congress, Mondelez/Nabisco retirees can significantly help in the union’s fight to preserve their rights and pension benefits.
HOOP membership includes: • Updates on the Mondelez/Nabisco campaign to defend workers’ pensions • Information on how the BCTGM International is fighting on Capitol Hill to preserve and protect Social Security, Medicare, and other important senior programs • Quarterly newsletter
“I would ask that you please make every effort to recruit your family members, friends, fellow retirees and other supporters in the community to join HOOP. The more voices, the more power and the sooner we win the fight to preserve and protect the pensions for which we have all fought and worked so hard.” – BCTGM International President David B. Durkee in letter to HOOP members
July/August 2019
Please Print Clearly & Mail To: HOOP Coalition c/o BCTGM International Union 10401 Connecticut Ave., 4th Floor Kensington, MD 20895 Name: ________________________________ Address: ______________________________ _____________________________________ _____________________________________ Phone: _______________________________ Email: ________________________________ Retired? Yes No Willing to come to an event near you? Yes No Send me the newsletter: Yes No Past BCTGM Member? Yes No BCTGM Supporter? Yes No
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Tobacco Stewards
Local 196T stewards from Swedish Match in Owensboro, Ky. successfully completed a steward education seminar.
BCTGM Intl. Rep. Randy Fulk (center) led the training for the Swedish Match stewards.
In Wheeling, West Va., Local 2T stewards reviewed the roles and responsibilities of shop stewards and workplace health and safety during their training. The stewards class was led by Intl. Rep. Randy Fulk.
Kellogg Stewards
NMFL 2019 Convention
In Memphis, more than 25 Kellogg stewards and local union leaders gathered for a two-day shop steward training. Led by Intl. Rep. Jason Davis, the training also included L. 252G Pres. Rob Eafen, Vice Pres. Darren Brown and members of the 252G Exec. Board.
BCTGM Local 351 (Albuquerque, N.M.) leaders served as delegates to the 2019 Biennial Convention of the New Mexico Federation of Labor (NMFL). Pictured here are (left to right) L. 351 Fin. Secy.-Treas. Miguel Martinez, L. 351 Trustee Randy Goodwin and Pres./Bus. Agt. Andrew Gutierrez.
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BCTGM News
AT&T Wireless:
Why Should Union Members Choose AT&T? Union Strength, Union Solidarity 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 over 99% of Americans.
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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. • Up to $250 in Cash Back Rebates: Union Plus Credit Cardholders may be eligible to earn up to $250 cash back from Union Plus. • 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. July/August 2019
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: e t a n e S e h t Tell
Printed in the U.S.A.
$ N O I S N E P SAVE our On July 24, the U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed the Rehabilitation for Multiemployer Pensions Act (H.R. 397), vital legislation
which strengthens pension plans and avoids retiree benefit reductions through long-term, low-interest loans to eligible plans, including the B&C Fund. The BCTGM took a leadership role in getting this legislation passed by the U.S. House of Representatives. Thousands of BCTGM members and retirees sent emails to their Representatives.
But, our work is not done. The fight to protect our pensions now moves to the Senate where similar legislation, the Butch Lewis Act of 2019 (S. 2254), has been introduced. It is crucial that BCTGM members and retirees across the country contact their Senators and urge them to support S. 2254. This legislation is important to ALL BCTGM members with collectively bargained pensions.
Contact your U.S. Senators today and ask them to support the Butch Lewis Act of 2019 (S. 2254).
Visit bit.ly/SenateSaveOurPension or use your smart phone to scan the QR code and take action now!