Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union
May/ June 2014
Volume 16 Number 3
INSIDE: DELEGATES-ELECT TO THE 39TH CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION
the
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
MOMENTUM is on Our Side
A
Mont. bought by U.S. Baking Company. This was the As you receive this edition of the BCTGM News, final first former Hostess bakery to reopen and the BCTGM preparations will be underway for the BCTGM’s 39th Constitutional Convention. For the past year and a half, the immediately began an organizing campaign, laying the groundwork for this important victory. International Union’s Executive Officers and Headquarters In the past several months, staff have been engaged in the BCTGM scored successive extensive planning and a wide “We shall, as a labor organization, always range of activities necessary to follow a progressive and constructive course to and decisive organizing victories ensure that our Convention is the end that our members, our industry, and our at reopened Hostess snack cake bakeries in Indianapolis, Schiller productive and successful. country will benefit and prosper.” Park, Ill. and Columbus, Ga. The BCTGM Constitution states that, “All of the – Declaration of Principles, BCTGM Constitution owned by investment companies Apollo Global Management and sovereign power… of the Metropoulos & Co. These were difficult campaigns, requiring Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers an enormous amount of hard work by all involved as well as International Union shall be vested in its Convention when true courage and commitment from the workers. in session.” The BCTGM holds a Convention every four During this same period, the BCTGM was able to secure years. Therefore, delegates to the Convention, elected by the industry-leading contracts with multinational employers, membership of their respective local unions, have a critical such as General Mills and Bimbo, as well as with a wide role in shaping the future of our Union. range of major national and regional companies. Thorough Convention delegates will be electing the officers who preparation, skill and experience and a close working will lead our Union for the next four years. They will be establishing the goals and setting the priorities that will keep relationship between International officers and staff and local union bargaining committees have enabled the BCTGM the BCTGM on the “progressive and constructive course” to continue its tradition of success at the bargaining table. to enhance the standard of living of our members and their While many formidable challenges lie ahead, I believe families and improve the quality of life in our two nations. Since our last Convention, this Union and our members that the BCTGM is heading into our 39th Constitutional Convention with the MOMENTUM clearly on our side. have confronted some of the most severe challenges in I have full confidence that the delegates will put in place our history, including: the demise of our largest employer, a sound and aggressive plan to keep our Union moving Hostess Brands, due to horrendous Wall Street greed and forward so our members, our industries and our countries devastating mismanagement; multiple extended lockouts; benefit and prosper. belligerent employers turning their backs on decades of constructive relationships with our Union; and the rise of David B. Durkee right-wing billionaire industrialists spending enormous sums of money to undermine the rights of workers and weaken BCTGM International President unions. But, with each and every challenge that has come our way over the past four years, the BCTGM responded with the very same determination, solidarity and commitment to principle that has defined this Union throughout our proud 128-year history. Staying true to our heritage, we never Official Publication of the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco backed down and we never backed up. Workers and Grain Millers International Union The International Union has directed significant 10401 Connecticut Avenue, Kensington, Maryland 20895-3961 (301) 933-8600 resources to building our membership through organizing. www.bctgm.org A full-time Director of Organization was appointed. David B. Durkee, Editor International staff have received intensive organizing Corrina A. Christensen, Assistant Editor training and skills development. Our research, technology BCTGM General Executive Board and communications capabilities have been substantially President David B. Durkee • Secretary-Treasurer Steve Bertelli upgraded. Vice Presidents Jethro Head • Arthur Montminy The results from this effort have been excellent. During Robert Oakley • Ron Piercey • James Rivers • Randy Roark this period, the BCTGM organized and secured quality BCTGM General Executive Board Members contracts at three high-performance, state-of-the art bakeries Joyce Alston • John Bethel • Thomas Bingler • Edward Burpo Butch Henley • Paul LaBuda • Stephane Langlois operated by our now largest employer, Bimbo Bakeries, in Terry Lansing • Richard Lewis • Earl Lublow Rockwall, Texas, Lehigh Valley, Pa. and Topeka, Kan. Gary Oskoian • Paula Steig • Doyle Townson • Jeff Webb The BCTGM also has made great strides in keeping 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 our commitment to organize reopened former Hostess 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. production bakeries. In June, 2013, the BCTGM won recognition at the former Hostess bread bakery in Billings,
BCTGM News
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BCTGM News
Fair Trade NOW!
T
he BCTGM International was among more than a thousand activists from dozens of progressive organizations to rally on the grounds of the U.S. Capitol on May 7 to demand trade deals that work for everyone – not just the one percent. Braving thunder and a downpour, BCTGM International President David Durkee, Assistant to the President Harry Kaiser and Assistant Director of Research Matthew Clark joined CWA members as well as allies in chanting, “They say ‘Fast Track!’ We Say ‘Fight Back!’” About half the participants came from CWA’s legislativepolitical and movement building conference. In addition to the BCTGM, CWA activists were joined by partners from 42 other organizations and AFL-CIO BCTGM Intl. Pres. David Durkee (right) discusses the BCTGM’s stand against unfair affiliates as part trade policy with U.S. Rep. Sandy Levin of the campaign (D-Mich.). Rep. Levin is the ranking member of the House Committee on Ways and Means. to build a May/June 2014
movement for economic justice. Rally speakers included Reps. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.), Keith Ellison (D-Minn.), Sander Levin (D-Mich.), Mike Michaud (D-Me.), Mark Pocan (D-Wis.), and Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.). MSNBC’s Ed Schultz, who covered the rally, laid it out plainly: Free trade agreements hurt American workers. “Americans have every right to be outraged that this country is even thinking about this. This is a corporate deal. It’s driven by Wall Street. It’s been BCTGM Intl. Pres. David Durkee (left) done in secrecy. thanks U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison (D-Minn.) for Doesn’t that his support of the locked out Local 252G bother you at all?” Kellogg workers in Memphis, Tenn. asked Schultz After the rally, CWA activists and partners visited the offices of every member of Congress, proving that our alliance is united in the fight for fair trade deals.
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SWEET NEW BEGINNING
for TWO MORE
HOSTESS Bakeries In April, members of the Local 372B Hostess Indianapolis organizing committee traveled to Chicago to meet with Local 1 officers and Schiller Park workers. The Indianapolis group discussed their organizing victory and the group’s shared common concerns and issues with the new Hostess. The petition for an election in Schiller Park was filed by the organizing committee following this visit.
Never doubt the power of a promise. That message resonated loud and
clear after workers employed by Hostess Brands LLC in Schiller Park, Ill. and Columbus, Ga., voted to join the BCTGM. On May 15, Hostess Brands LLC workers in Schiller Park voted overwhelmingly to join BCTGM Local 1 (Chicago) – the local union that represented them for many years prior to the bankruptcy and liquidation of the former Hostess. Two weeks later on May 30, workers at the Columbus Hostess bakery voted to join BCTGM Local 42. In March, workers at the Hostess Brands LLC plant in Indianapolis voted to join BCTGM Local 372B. The victory in Columbus marked the third organizing win in the past three months at plants that had been shut down in 2012 during the liquidation of the old Hostess Brands, but reopened in 2013 under new ownership. 4
“When Hostess went through liquidation in early 2013, we made a promise to re-organize every new plant that was reopened. And we have kept that promise,” reflects BCTGM International President David Durkee. In addition to the Hostess cake plants, the BCTGM has successfully organized the former Hostess bread plant in Billings, Mont. now owned by U.S. Baking. According to Local 1 Business Agent Rochelle Ross, workers at the Schiller Park bakery were very excited to vote. “Voting began at 3 a.m. When voting was complete, Local 1 volunteers counted the votes and the Hostess members elected stewards, board members and their negotiating committee,” notes Ross. BCTGM News
Immediately following the overwhelming vote to bring the union back into the Schiller Park Hostess plant, L.1 members elected shop stewards and a negotiating committee. Pictured here (standing, from left) is the newly elected stewards Joseph Lorenz, Angela Mitchell, John Lorenz (Chief Steward), Connie Hill, Eugene Sadler and Jorge Gonzalez with L. 1 officers (seated, from left) Fin. Secy. John Howard, Bus. Agt. Rochelle Ross, Pres. Donald Woods, and Bus. Agt./Rec. Secy. Beth Zavala.
Connie Hill was a Local 1 member working at the Management. The new Hostess Brands LLC reopened Schiller Park bakery when Hostess liquidated. “I was a four snack cake facilities: Schiller Park, Columbus, union member while I was working at the old Hostess Indianapolis, and Emporia, Kan. According to – so I know what it was to work with a union. I worked International Vice President Jethro Head, the workers at the plant for 20 years. I started in production and in Emporia are anxious to have their voices heard. ended up in sanitation,” recalls Hill. “The workers at the Hostess plant in Topeka have “I didn’t like coming back to work without a seen the courage demonstrated by the workers in union. I felt uncomfortable so I decided to help with Schiller Park, Indianapolis and Columbus, and now getting the union back into the plant. I needed to feel they want to show what they are made of,” says Head. secure in my job. I wanted justice and respect that And the momentum of these Hostess organizing come with being a union member,” Hill concludes. efforts continues to grow. According to Director of Patricia Brown echo’s Hill’s sentiments. Brown, Organization John Price, “The workers at the two who began work at the Columbus bakery in 2011, says bread plants that Flowers recently reopened have she is relieved that she had the chance to rejoin the contacted us, and quite honestly, I think they have been BCTGM. Brown said the dignity that comes with a motivated by the organizing they have seen at Hostess.” union contract should never be taken for granted. “We always had a voice on the job when we had the union in here. We were never forced to work twelve or even fourteen hour days. We needed union representation in here like never before. We want to feel respected and not talked down to. It is easier to do your job good when you feel valued. And my union gives me that,” Hill notes. In July 2013, the snack cake unit of Hostess In Columbus, Ga., Hostess workers and BCTGM supporters celebrate their successful effort to bring the union back into the bakery. Pictured is (from left to right) Intl. Rep. Brands was resurrected David Woods, Jackie Collier-Bellamy, Richie Hester, L. 42 (Atlanta) Vice Pres. Tyrone by two private equity Walker, L. 103 (Orlando) Fin. Secy. Jason Davis, L. 149 (Memphis) Pres. Latitia Malone, companies, Metropoulos L. 42 Bus. Agt. Zachary Townsend, Paul Massey, retired L. 42 Bus. Agt., and Valeria & Co, and Apollo Global Stephens, chief steward Hostess Columbus, Ga. May/June 2014
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GENERAL MILLS Master Agreement SETTLED
T
he BCTGM General Mills Bargaining Conference agreed to two new four year master agreements that cover approximately 2,000 members at General Mills and its subsidiary, Pillsbury. The two master agreements, which expire May 12, 2018, are separate contracts, but were negotiated simultaneously for workers nationwide. The Conference is made up of delegates from all participating General Mills and Pillsbury locals. A policy committee from 14 different bargaining units voted overwhelmingly to accept the master agreement and it was ratified on April 25. Negotiators held two bargaining sessions in Kansas City and one in Minneapolis before concluding on April 25. The BCTGM negotiating committee, led by International Vice President Art Montminy and assisted by International Representative Blaine Williams, included Tom Bingler, Business Agent Local 36G (Buffalo, N.Y.); Conrad Boos, Financial-Secretary Local 218 6
(Kansas City, MO.); Roger Miller, President Local 33G (Louisville, KY.); Antonio Castro, President Local 59G (Lodi, CA.); and Dan Warren, President Local 316G (West Chicago, IL.). The committee determined that one of the primary objectives should be maintaining and strengthening health care coverage for workers. According to Montminy, the membership wanted health insurance and pensions to be the priority in negotiating the new master contract. “These were tough negotiations, but in the end, both sides negotiated in good faith and we came up with a settlement that rewards our members for their hard work and dedication and will enable the company to remain one of the most profitable food companies in the country,” concludes Montminy. The company agreed to provide health benefits with no contributions from the members. Wages are negotiated at the Local level. “The company wanted the workers to pay health care costs
but we took a strong stand against it and they will not be paying for it. We negotiated improvements, and added child well care, immunizations, and woman’s health care. The committee did a great job,” notes Montminy. Other provisions of the settlement include three different pension increases, an increase in retiree health care, and increase in accidental and sickness disability – up to $425 from $400, and numerous contract language improvements. The master agreements cover workers in 14 locations: Buffalo Cereal and Buffalo flour (Local 36G); Pillsbury Martel, Ohio (Local 57); Pillsbury New Albany, Indiana (Local 33G); two separate General Mills facilities in Minneapolis (Local 22); two separate units in West Chicago, Ill. (316G); two separate units in Lodi, Calif. (Local 59G); a flour mill in Kansas City, Mo. (Local 218); a flour mill in Great Falls, Mont. (Local 109G); General Mills Carlisle, Iowa (Local 389G); and a flour mill in Vernon, Calif. (Local 37). BCTGM News
The Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union
Delegates-Elect to the
39TH CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION Article III, Sec. 6 of the International Union Constitution calls for the publication
of the names of the Delegates-Elect to the regular Convention of the International Union. The pages that follow list the Delegates-Elect whose credentials have been received within the time limit designated by the International Union Constitution. Local Union delegations are listed in numerical order by Local.
INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT
INTERNATIONAL SECRETARY-TREASURER
David B. Durkee
Steven V. Bertelli
INTERNATIONAL VICE PRESIDENTS
GENERAL EXECUTIVE BOARD
Jethro A. Head • Arthur L. Montminy
Joyce C. Alston • John W. Bethel, Jr.
Robert Oakley • Ron Piercey
Thomas Bingler • Edward E. Burpo
James M. Rivers • Randy D. Roark
Linwood “Butch” E. Henley • Paul LaBuda Stephane Langlois • Terry W. Lansing
INTERNATIONAL REPRESENTATIVES
Earl W. Lublow • Gary S. Oskoian
Eric R. Anderson • James E. Condran
Paula A. Steig • Doyle D. Townson
Randy W. Fulk • Sylvain Gagne
Jeffrey A. Webb
Dennis M. Howard • Marco A. Mendoza Bradford P. Schmidt • Anthony L. Shelton
DIRECTOR OF ORGANIZATION
Karl E. Walker • Blaine Williams • David G. Woods
John J. Price
AUGUST 6 - 12, 2014 • PLANET HOLLYWOOD RESORT & CASINO • LAS VEGAS, NEVADA May/June 2014
www.bctgm.org
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LOCAL 1 CHICAGO
LOCAL 13G HASTINGS, MN
LOCAL 31 LONG BEACH, CA
LOCAL 53 NEW YORK
Tempest L. Cunningham Sheila J. Farley Veronica Hopkins John H. Howard Mary R. Ross James E. Sterling Donald L. Woods Beth R. Zavala
Jacob A. Ostendorf
Deborah L. LaceyZuelsdorf Michael D. Marchese Patricia M. Ortiz
Keith A. Chrisman Jared M. Cummings Joseph Rodriguez Patrick T. Rohan Carlos M. Toro Joseph M. Weinbel Calvin H. Williams, Sr.
LOCAL 19 CLEVELAND
Teresa S. Sprouse
Michael E. Galassi Abraham “Abe” Herskovitz Daniel Kolar Phil Lukic Charles A. McGee James Rumsey Edward Thomas
LOCAL 3G BATTLE CREEK, MI
LOCAL 19G OGDEN, UT
LOCAL 2T WHEELING, WV
Trevor J. Bidelman Johnny R. Mitchell
LOCAL 4 ST. LOUIS, MO Corey D. Williams
LOCAL 6 PHILADELPHIA Anna-Lisa Fabian Alexander E. Fattore Kenneth E. Fisher Fred K. Hinkle Kevin G. Looney Henry “Hank” J. McKay Erik C. Moore John T. Tate
LOCAL 9 SEATTLE Bill Ginger Randy J. Kavanaugh Robert M. Odegard Kirk Shin Cheryl A. Stone Mary F. Trujillo
LOCAL 10G CEDAR RAPIDS, IA Mark Randall
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Clark A. Luck
LOCAL 22 TWIN CITIES, MN
LOCAL 33G LOUISVILLE, KY Roger L. Miller Travis D. Redford
LOCAL 36G BUFFALO, NY Jay L. Hayes Richard Morris Joseph W. Nosbisch
LOCAL 37 LOS ANGELES
Todd J. Ament Debra L. Mickelson Ronald G. Mohrland Bruce J. Peglow Matthew H. Ryder Michelle M. Toche
Martha R. Beltran Ramon Garcia Jesus Hernandez Jose Hernandez Felipe D. Lopez Gregory T. May Norma A. Olivas
LOCAL 24 SAN FRANCISCO
LOCAL 42 ATLANTA
Joseph W. Biringer Oscar L. Hernandez Rene A. Luna Juan D. Mejorado Bartolo Rodriguez
David C. Cooper Darrell R. Lane Gwendolyn F. Pangelinan Ruby P. Thomas Zachary L. Townsend
LOCAL 25 CHATTANOOGA, TN LOCAL 48G KEOKUK, IA Angela A. Ferguson Lavon Hines Thomas W. Kelly Dapheny L. Williams
Tommy W. Buckert
LOCAL 26 DENVER
David L. Clark John M. Dredla Kathryn L. Jones Steven M. Shulters Joseph E. Smejkal
Mike Fushimi Daniel R. Severt
LOCAL 50G OMAHA, NE
LOCAL 55 ST. LEONARD, QC Catherine Brisebois Leo Castonguay Stephane Covell Jeef Kasonga-Muamba
LOCAL 57 COLUMBUS, OH Phillip L. Barney Randy L. Kocheran Keith E. Reed Danny E. Wright
LOCAL 58G TOLEDO, OH Stephen L. Simon Edward G. Sorina
LOCAL 59G LODI, CA Darius Bracy Antonio Castro
LOCAL 62G MANKATO, MN Kent C. Williams
LOCAL 65 TULSA, OK Jason D. Thomas
LOCAL 66G BATTLE CREEK, MI Mark Gregory
BCTGM News
LOCAL 68 BALTIMORE
LOCAL 102G LAFAYETTE, IN
LOCAL 167G GRAND FORKS, ND
LOCAL 252G MEMPHIS, TN
Maida L. Bilson Rodney Lightfoot, Sr.
David Barnard
James “Kevin” K. Bradshaw
LOCAL 103G DECATUR, IL
Chad Boushee Dwight Gerszewski Kevin Jerik John G. Riskey
Patrick L. Burcham Joseph L. Lee Trevor P. Petro
LOCAL 176T DURHAM, NC
Shawn M. Turner Douglas Walters
LOCAL 69 PORT CHESTER, NY Lynn C. Nicholas Ruben Rodriguez
LOCAL 70 GRAND RAPIDS, MI
LOCAL 114 PORTLAND, OR
Jose G. Calvario Felipe Cantu Mark L. Heintzelman Orin S. Holder Malcolm D. Montgomery Daniel R. Starr
Eugene D. Beaudoin Shad K. Clark Darren S. Hamann Terry L. McCleery Armando Zavala
LOCAL 81 TRAVERSE CITY, MI Dan L. Bristol, Jr. Sally A. Stowe
LOCAL 83 BUENA PARK, CA Karrie A. Setters
LOCAL 85 SACRAMENTO, CA Gerardo Gil John W. Weidenbach Martin “Marty” P. Zimmerman
LOCAL 98G SPOKANE, WA Cyrus A. Fairley
LOCAL 100G CEDAR RAPIDS, IA
LOCAL 181 TORONTO Salah A. Haidar
LOCAL 196T OWENSBORO, KY Paulette “Lulu” L. Moseley
LOCAL 116 SYRACUSE, NY
LOCAL 203T RICHMOND, VA
William R. Andre Randy S. Cook
LOCAL 118 WASHINGTON, DC Thomas J. Johnson Marissa R. Ramos Yandoc
LOCAL 125 SAN LEANDRO, CA Rene Castillo David Cheong Jesus Flores Alfonso Haro David Morgan Donna Scarano
LOCAL 149 MEMPHIS, TN
Christopher T. Eby
Letita Malone Evanthony R. Wilson
LOCAL 102 NEW YORK
LOCAL 163 HOUSTON
Raymond A. Aquilino
Donald R. Pierce
May/June 2014
Bryant D. Clinton
LOCAL 253 CINCINNATI
LOCAL 256G SHARONVILLE, OH Dennis D. Rodgers
LOCAL 260G CARO, MI Randy L. Joles
LOCAL 261G SEBEWAING, MI Robert C. Sherman
William E. Charity Romel A. Edmonson Toby K. Hawley Keith E. Morris, Sr. Scott E. Trammell
LOCAL 262G CROSWELL, MI
LOCAL 218 KANSAS CITY, MO
Rick A. Bowker Jeffrey M. Jacobs
Mark R. Benaka Conrad C. Boos Debbie L. Long Mark A. McCarter
LOCAL 232 PHOENIX Robert Kingsby, III
LOCAL 252 CALGARY, AB Dale B. Crozier Mark Robar Jacqueline M. Wright
www.bctgm.org
Ed Pesina, Jr.
LOCAL 263G BAY CITY, MI
LOCAL 264 TORONTO William “Bill” Hegedus Agnelo Rodrigues Harry P. Singh Michael D. Smith Errol Stephenson Luisa I. Valentim Giuseppe “Joe” Zaffino
LOCAL 270T WILSON, NC Tracy A. Taylor
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LOCAL 280 EVANSVILLE, IN
LOCAL 325G GIBSON CITY, IL
LOCAL 364 PORTLAND, OR
LOCAL 410 ST. JOHN’S, NF
James M. Burnett Angela J. Early Marlin R. Esche
Daniel M. Allen
Cameron J. Taylor Victor T. Weekes
Gerard M. Rose
LOCAL 282G HEYBURN, ID
Girard J. Bist Nikee R. Craine-Kanitz
James E. Martinez Silas G. Smith
LOCAL 283G TWIN FALLS, ID Mark W. Livingston Ron W. Story
LOCAL 284G NAMPA, ID Crawford W. Cook Rob L. Cook
LOCAL 285G SIDNEY, MT Karlon S. Schmitt
LOCAL 300 CHICAGO Gilbert G. Burch, Jr. Don W. Haynes Luigi Malfeo Deborah J. Wise
LOCAL 316G WEST CHICAGO, IL Richard E. Henderson Danny J. Warren
LOCAL 317T GREENSBORO, NC Tanya K. Barrett Christine Brooks Derrick P. Byrd Jimmy L. Inman Robert R. O’Banion
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LOCAL 326 DETROIT
LOCAL 366G OKLAHOMA CITY, OK James T. Perez
LOCAL 334 PORTLAND, ME
LOCAL 369G RENVILLE, MN
John C. Jordan
Alan C. Grosklags Wayne D. Trager
LOCAL 342 BLOOMINGTON, IL James “Mike” M. Johnson
LOCAL 348 FRAMINGHAM, MA
LOCAL 372A INDIANAPOLIS, IN Cliffiord W. Stone
LOCAL 433 SIOUX CITY, IA Gregory L. Barnes Karen R. Bates Stephen A. Howard
LOCAL 446 HALIFAX, NS David LeBlanc Mike A. Nieuwenstein
LOCAL 464 HERSHEY, PA
Huguette Aubin
Merlin P. Adams, Jr. Randall L. Bleiler Frederick J. Boltz Kevin L. Boltz Diane E. Carroll Colleen M. Garrison Michael W. Saylor Sharon M. Sheetz Randall S. Stamm
LOCAL 350T GRANBY, QC
LOCAL 389 WINNIPEG, MB
LOCAL 468 VANCOUVER, BC
Sylvain Amirault
Larry J. Phillips Ambroise J. Sarrasin
Brian E. Clarke Robert Dombrowski David W. Temple
Timothy F. Benjamin Juan F. Figueroa
LOCAL 350 ST. LEONARD, QC Daniel Gendron Richard LaBelle
LOCAL 351 ALBUQUERQUE, NM Earl L. Reed
LOCAL 358 RICHMOND, VA
LOCAL 374G LANCASTER, PA Rodney C. Brown Thomas D. Steiner
LOCAL 382 ST. LAMBERT, QC
LOCAL 401 SALT LAKE CITY, UT Robert C. Rogers Boyd E. Russell
Ted C. Constable Willie W. Matthews Robert E. Turnage, Jr.
LOCAL 401G MUNCY, PA
LOCAL 359T HOPEWELL, VA
LOCAL 406 MONCTON, NB
William E. James, III
Louis P. Boudreau Kenneth “Kenny” R. Thompson
Edward C. Blair
LOCAL 492 PHILADELPHIA Thomas A. Jones, Jr. John J. Lazar Daniel J. Melendez
LOCAL 719 FAIRLAWN, NJ Stan Milewski Bruce G. Popolizio
BCTGM News
SUMMER FUN THE BCTGM POWER WAY!
Summer is more enjoyable with BCTGM Power entertainment discounts because you can afford it. Union members can use BCTGM POWER/Union Plus Entertainment Discounts – including movie tickets, video and theme park discounts to relax and enjoy the summer.
Theme Park Discounts
Savings up to $19 per ticket at theme parks across the country - including Adventure Island, Busch Gardens, Hershey Park, SeaWorld, Paramount’s Great America, Six Flags and Universal Studios.
Major League Baseball
Sight-seeing savings at theaters, Broadway shows, museums, aquariums, zoos and sporting events like Major League Baseball in major cities.
Movie Theaters
DVD Rentals
Save up to 40% at national chains for those big summer blockbuster movies (most of which are made with union talent and technicians).
Get discount DVD rentals at Blockbuster when you buy movie rental coupons in advance.
Order tickets online at UnionPlus.org/Entertainment or call 1-800-565-3712, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST. and reference member ID number: 744387769. Also, learn more about Advantage points and start earning points toward free entertainment.
Start planning your fun today!
Visit: UnionPlus.org/Entertainment May/June 2014
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BCTGM DESCENDS on Kellogg Shareholders Meeting
B
CTGM members from five states and Canada descended upon the Kellogg Company annual shareholders meeting in Battle Creek, Mich. on April 25 to protest the company’s illegal lockout of more than 220 Local 252G Memphis, Tenn. cereal workers. Hundreds of union members, and community activists joined the BCTGM outside the W.K. Kellogg Auditorium for a rally. Locked out 252G members, who traveled to Battle Creek to take place in the shareholders meeting and planned events, were
introduced by BCTGM Local 252G President Kevin Bradshaw. They were joined by BCTGM members from Locals 3G (Battle Creek), 19 (Cleveland, Ohio), 50G (Omaha, Neb.), 66G (Battle Creek), 154G (London, Ontario), 253 (Cincinnati), 374G (Lancaster, Pa.), 81 (Traverse City, Mich.) and 70 (Grand Rapids, Mich). BCTGM International President David Durkee addressed the crowd shortly before the shareholders meeting. Durkee reflected on the perseverance and solidarity of the locked out Memphis Kellogg workers and explained the plight of several of Kellogg families with extraordinary medical issues who are being forced to survive without health insurance. Following his remarks, Durkee, International BCTGM Intl. Pres. David Durkee (left) talks with Secretary-Treasurer locked out L. 252G member Daniel Barlow Steve Bertelli, (center) and his wife who traveled to Battle Creek to take part in the shareholders events. Bradshaw and a
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number of locked-out Kellogg workers, entered the shareholders meeting. Brandon Rees of the AFL-CIO Office of Investment presented a proposal to the shareholders that would require the Kellogg Company to submit a “human rights risk assessment.” President Durkee rose in favor of the proposal and delivered a strong statement to shareholders in support of the proposal. “We wholeheartedly believe that shareowners, as well as consumers, would benefit from a robust human rights risk assessment at Kellogg Company. Certainly shareowners deserve to know if a human rights issue is percolating within the company that may negatively impact shareholder value. Consumers deserve to know whether or not a company like Kellogg, whose image is built around wholesomeness and family, is truly abiding by its own stated principles, but also the laws and regulations in the countries it is conducting business,” Durkee told the shareholders. BCTGM News
COPPER to Submit $15 Million Grant Application to W.K. Kellogg Foundation Outside the W.K. Kellogg Foundation headquarters the day prior to the shareholders meeting, BCTGM Local 252G members held a press event to announce a grant application would be formally submitted to the Foundation on behalf of the locked out workers’ families. COPPER, or the Coalition for the Organizational Protection of People and Equal Rights (COPPER), will put forth a $15 million grant application which, if awarded, will be used to cover the lost wages, benefits, and health insurance of Local 252G members and their families incurred during the first 184 days of the lockout. The grant would also be used to cover other losses including educational expenses and depleted savings. At press time, the application was near completion. In addition to Local 252G, COPPER includes numerous community, religious and civil rights organizations as well as Memphis activists. The Foundation owns about 22 percent of Kellogg’s total shares, making it the company’s largest shareholder. Local 252G President Kevin Bradshaw explained the intention of the grant request, saying, “This grant is for the children of the Memphis lockout, who are the innocent victims of this misguided iron-fisted, profit-at-all-costs, global plan Kellogg calls ‘Project K.’”
“I remained hopeful that this situation would resolve soon for many days, but as these days turned to weeks, and these weeks to months, I am starting to wonder why nobody is listening to my plea. It hurts to be ignored.” – Kara Butterfield, 15, daughter of Jeff Butterfield, Local 252G locked out Kellogg worker
L. 252G Pres. Kevin Bradshaw, together with locked out Kellogg workers and families, details the financial and emotional turmoil of the lockout during a press conference held outside the W.K. Kellogg Foundation headquarters in Battle Creek, Mich.
May/June 2014
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Alston was joined at the awards ceremony by fellow L. 53 officers. Pictured here, from left to right, is Bus. Agt. Joe Rodriguez, Fin. Secy. Joe Weinbel, Alston, Vice Pres. Calvin Williams, and Bus. Agt. Pat Rohan.
BCTGM’s Joyce Alston Named ‘Labor Leader of the Year’
BCTGM Local 53 (Rutherford, N.J.) President Joyce Alston recently was recognized for her unwavering dedication to New Jersey’s working families as “Labor Leader of the
Honoree Alston, Business Honoree George Brestle, and Legislative Honoree Assemblyman Thomas Giblin, were chosen Year” at the New Jersey State AFLbecause of a “steadfast CIO’s 21st Annual Labor Awards. dedication to making New Alston also serves as a member of Jersey a better place to live, the BCTGM International General work, and raise a family.” L. 53 (Rutherford, N.J.) Pres. Joyce Executive Board member. For more than 30 years, Alston delivers brief remarks According the state federation, the New Jersey AFLwhile accepting the award. this year’s honorees – Labor CIO has celebrated labor, business and government International Vice President leaders with Art Montminy attended the awards that honor awards ceremony on June 10. leaders who work “Joyce’s loyalty to members of the collectively to BCTGM is evident in everything improve life for she does. It is outstanding that workers in the state. she is awarded publically for BCTGM her untiring commitment to the International working people of New Jersey,” Pictured here, from left to right, is BCTGM Intl. Pres. David President David notes Durkee. Durkee, Intl. Vice Pres. Art Montminy, N.J. AFL-CIO Pres. Charles Wowkanech, Labor Honoree Joyce Alston, N.J. AFLDurkee, SecretaryAlston is a member of the CIO Secy.-Treas. Laurel Brennan, BCTGM Intl. Secy.-Treas. Treasurer Steve New Jersey State AFL-CIO Steve Bertelli and BCTGM Asst. to Intl. Pres. Harry Kaiser. Bertelli, and Executive Board.
Region 5 GEB Member At the 91st session of the BCTGM International General Executive Board (GEB) in Washington D.C. on May 17, BCTGM International President David Durkee (left) swears in Local 350 (Montreal, Quebec) President Stephane Langlois (right). Langlois was elected to serve on the GEB at the March 31 meeting in Las Vegas. During Constitutional Convention years, the GEB meets in May to craft Resolutions to submit to delegates for consideration during the Convention. 14
BCTGM News
Penford Foods organizing committee included (from left to right) ______________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ _____________.
PENFORD FOODS Workers Join BCTGM Local 9 When workers at the Penford Foods plant in Seattle became fed up with the company’s elimination of benefits and a subjective and unfair discipline policy, they contacted the BCTGM. Workers wanted the protection of a union contract and a grievance procedure as a way to solve workplace issues. In fact, during the last several years the company had frozen the workers’ pension plan and taken away other benefits. The campaign began in January when Penford worker Josh Bailey contacted BCTGM International Representative Eric Anderson about union representation. Baily formed an organizing committee and began educating his fellow workers on the benefits of joining the union. “The workers expressed the feeling that they were not
respected by Penford Foods workers proudly show off their union pride following their vote to join BCTGM Local 9. Pictured here management for (from left to right) is Josh Nice (kneeling) Jose Rodriguez, the hard work Lionel Langston, Jose Angulo, Allen Luvaas, Joshua Bailey, and dedication and Bud Schmidt. they gave the company,” notes Anderson, who led the organizing campaign assisted by Local 9 (Seattle) Financial Secretary Bob Odegard. Workers voted on May 2 to become members of BCTGM Local 9. Negotiations facility has been operational for for a first contract are presently approximately 25 years. underway. Penford has a long history The Penford Foods facility dating back to the 1890’s. They are is a starch recovery plant. Potato a publically traded company, and companies like Frito-Lay, Lambhave facilities in Idaho Falls, Idaho; Weston and others deliver Richland, Wash.; Plover, Wis.; Cedar starch to the plant where it is Rapids, Iowa; North Charleston, then processed into sugar. The S.C.; and Berwick, Pa.
2014 BCTGM Scholarship Winners The BCTGM International proudly announces the winners of the 2014 BCTGM International Scholarship Program. Five $2,000 one-time awards were presented to students. The winners were chosen from a total of 107 applicants from the U.S. and Canada. The BCTGM International Scholarship Program
Scott Lau, son of Checn Lau, member of BCTGM Local 125 (Oakland, Calif.), employed at Svenahrd’s Swedish Bakery. Scott will attend the University of Southern California. May/June 2014
Julianna Vidales, daughter of Eugenio Vidales, member of BCTGM Local 364 (Portland, Ore.), employed at Frito-Lay. Julianna will attend the University of Notre Dame.
is an example of the union’s committment to higher education at a time when college costs continue to soar out of reach for many working families. Since 1962, the International has helped fulfill the educational dreams of students representing BCTGM families throughout North America.
Alexander Mikhalkevich, son of Vladimir Mikhalkevich, member of BCTGM Local 19 (Cleveland, Ohio), employed at Dannon. Alexander will attend Ohio State University. www.bctgm.org
Alice Deng, daughter of Janet Deg, member of BCTGM Local 125 (Oakland, Calif.), employed at Ghirardelli Chocolates. Alice will attend the University of California Berkeley.
Alex Quan, son of Ve Kiu Quan, member of BCTGM Local 264 (Toronto, Canada), employed at Voortman Cookies. Alex will attend the University of Waterloo. 15
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