Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union
March/ April 2018
Volume 20 Number 2
# B C T G M O R G A N I Z E 2 0 18 • PA G E S 8 - 9
the PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
F
ORGANIZING is the BCTGM’s Highest Calling
For more than a century, the BCTGM has faced many challenges in our effort to represent our members to the best of our abilities, negotiate contracts that protect and reward our members for their efforts, and organize non-union workers looking for representation and protection on the job. Throughout the decades, through solidarity and a commitment to our ideals, we have always prevailed. In the last two decades, a new set of challenges has arisen: free trade, outsourcing of union work to non-union co-packers or to plants in Mexico, anti-union politicians, an increase in right-to-work (for less) states, new technology that allows companies to make more product with less workers, and inadequate labor laws that give employers the upper hand in organizing drives. These are all policies, whether at the corporate level, or within government, that have been put in place to take away organized labor’s power. When one in three workers in the United States and Canada were unionized in the 1950’s through the mid 1970’s, organized labor used its power to fight for working families, supporting policies that led directly to the rise of a prospering middle-class. With barely 1 in 10 private sector workers now belonging to a union, labor’s power has waned. And, as organized labor’s ranks have declined, income inequality, and subsequent attacks on our democratic institutions, have increased. However, there is one antidote to the challenges facing the BCTGM and the labor movement: organize and mobilize. For 132 years, the BCTGM has prided itself on being an “organizing union”. Despite all the plant closings we have witnessed in the food processing and tobacco sectors, the BCTGM remains a powerful and strong International Union because of our organizing efforts. We have done so by persistently surveying the landscape around us, and making bold moves in strategic ways. We have learned that to be successful you need dedicated leaders and activists who have the tools to be successful. I am proud to say that the BCTGM has some of the most talented and driven organizers in the labor movement. This is why we committed to conducting the special 2018 BCTGM Organizing Conference (see pages 8-9). The time is NOW for widespread organizing throughout North America. Recent polls show that close to 7 in 10 Americans approve of unions; the highest level since 2003 and one of the highest levels since organized labor’s heyday in the 1950’s and 1960’s. The approval rating amongst younger workers is even higher. In addition, 5 in 10 Americans think unions should have more influence over economic policy. Similar 2
trends are happening in Canada. To take advantage of this wave of support, we held a comprehensive organizing conference in Baltimore in April, bringing together International staff, local union officers and rank-and-file activists. The high level of enthusiasm, commitment, and willingness to learn new strategies and tactics was evident among all the participants. For three days, attendees participated in wide-ranging sessions on all facets of organizing, culminating in a detailed plan of action for the next year. For this plan to be successful, we need all of our Local Unions, members, and activists to make organizing one of its highest priorities. The fate of the entire labor movement depends upon it. We have had great success over the past few years organizing within the largest food companies in the world, including Bimbo Bakeries USA, Archer Daniels Midland, Cargill, Philip Morris and Hostess Brands. But there remain tens of thousands of non-union workers who desperately want the protections and benefits the BCTGM can offer. As Director of Organization John Price told the conference, there is no greater feeling for a trade unionist than helping non-union workers reach what seems unattainable: respect and dignity on the job protected by a BCTGM contract. And, so I ask of you: Start organizing drives. Take pride in organizing. Help us grow this great union. — 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 Steve Bertelli Vice Presidents Shad Clark • Jethro Head Arthur Montminy • Ron Piercey • Anthony Shelton BCTGM General Executive Board Members Joyce Alston • John Bethel • Thomas Bingler • Richard Davis Pierre Luc Ducet • Paul LaBuda • Terry Lansing 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
Political Activism and the FIGHT for a New NAFTA The BCTGM is among a crosssector group of more than 1,000 labor, environmental, family farm, consumer, civil rights, faith, small business, public health and other civil society organizations that has sent a letter to Congress outlining our shared criteria for renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). In early April, BCTGM Local 114 (Portland, Ore.) was part of a delegation from the Oregon Fair Trade Campaign, which delivered a letter to U.S. Representative Earl Blumenauer in his home office. The organization’s letter sets forth changes needed to stop NAFTA’s incentives to outsource American jobs and push down wages and environmental standards and to replace the 1994 pact with a deal that benefits North American workers. The letter is being used on Capitol Hill and in district offices all across the country. In the meeting with Congressman Blumenauer, the group pointed out that more than 930,000 American jobs have been lost to NAFTA. According The delegation met with to Local 114 U.S. Representative Earl Financial Blumenauer to discuss priorities of negotiating a new NAFTA. SecretaryTreasurer Terry Lansing, they discussed what is needed to replace the pact with a new agreement that addresses the huge disparity in labor rights, wages and environmental standards between the three countries. NAFTA renegotiations between the United States, Mexico and Canada were initiated in August 2017 and are slated to be concluded in 2018. In the letter, the BCTGM is among the 1,043 March/April 2018
BCTGM L. 114 Fin. Secy.-Treas. Terry Lansing (far left) is part of the Oregon Fair Trade Campaign, an affiliate of Citizens Trade Campaign.
groups urging Congress to demand that the NAFTA renegotiation: •
Stop outsourcing and raise wages by adding strong labor and environmental standards;
•
Eliminate NAFTA terms that promote the outsourcing of Americans’ jobs;
•
Protect consumers and the environment;
•
Make medicine more affordable by eliminating NAFTA rules that increase costs;
•
Ensure a fair playing field for American job creation;
•
Protect health and the environment by requiring that all imported goods and all services meet U.S. standards;
•
Boost the rural economy by overhauling NAFTA rules that harm family farmers; and
•
Make the NAFTA renegotiation process transparent and participatory.
The letter warns that, “In the absence of a binding and easily-enforced agreement based on these critical measures, Mexican workers will continue to be horribly exploited, American jobs will continue to be outsourced, the environment will continue to be degraded and the wages for workers in all three NAFTA countries will continue to decline.”
www.bctgm.org
3
I AM 2018: A Call to ACTION to “Reach the PROMISED LAND” On the 50th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “Mountaintop” speech, which King delivered on the eve of his assassination,
in the same place as King – Saunders took stock of how far we’ve come as Americans and how much remains to be done. “Half a century later, we can celebrate important AFSCME President Lee strides toward Saunders echoed King’s words freedom, justice from half a century before, The BCTGM delegation stands behind the podium and equality for all issuing a call to action to in the Memphis church where Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his prophetic “Mountaintop” speech people,” Saunders continue the struggle for racial on the eve of his assassination, April 3, 1968. said. “We cannot and economic justice. Saunders’s deny that there address was delivered at the has been progress and selfracial justice without economic “I AM 2018 Mountaintop correction in America since justice. They were one and the Commemoration,” part of 1968. But have we reached the same. How can you overcome AFSCME’s I AM 2018 campaign, promised land?” segregation without overcoming which, in partnership with the In his final speech, King deprivation? How can there Church of God in Christ, asks addressed AFSCME sanitation be racial emancipation without us to rededicate ourselves to workers who had walked off the economic opportunity? How the fight for justice and equality. job with a demand for dignity can there be freedom unless Speaking at Mason Temple and respect. When two of their there’s freedom from want?” in Memphis, Tennessee on April co-workers, Robert Walker and King told the sanitation 4th – 50 years to the day and Echol Cole, lost workers that he’d seen the their lives to a promised land. “I may not get malfunctioning there with you,” he continued. truck, 1,300 “But I want you to know sanitation tonight, that we, as a people, workers in will get to the promised land.” Memphis went Picking up this theme, on strike, asking Saunders asked an audience for higher wages of union members, labor and and safer working community leaders, and others, conditions. “When white nationalists AFSCME Pres. Lee Saunders (center) leads the King joined spread hate and bigotry, inciting commemorative Memphis march with Martin them in support violence and domestic terrorism Luther King III (right) and Rev. James Lawson (left). In 1968, when black sanitation workers because he knew, in Charlottesville … have we began the Memphis Sanitation Strike for higher as Saunders reached the promised land? wages and union recognition after two of their coput it, “you “When Dreamers are workers were accidentally crushed to death, Rev. Lawson served as chairman of the strike. couldn’t have threatened with deportation 4
BCTGM News
from the only country they’ve ever called home … have we reached the promised land? “When voter ID laws steal the franchise from people of color … have we reached the promised land?” He concluded that “Dr. King’s work – our work – isn’t done,” and that I AM 2018 “isn’t just a commemoration; it’s a call to action.” “A call to action to fight poverty and prejudice,” he said. “A call to action for today and tomorrow. A call to action state by state, neighborhood by neighborhood, block by block. A call to action to advance civil rights, labor rights and human rights. A call to action to reach the promised land.”
BCTGM joined thousands to march through Memphis marking the 50th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination April 4, 2018.
‘I AM 2018’ Rally Participants Urged to Continue Dr. King’s Struggle Thousands of people marched in Memphis, Tennessee, on April 4
to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s death and the 1968 Memphis sanitation workers’ strike, and to issue a call to action to continue the struggle for social and economic justice. BCTGM International Secretary-Treasurer Steve Bertelli, Assistant to the President Harry Kaiser, Vice President Anthony Shelton, International Representative David Woods and several members of the BCTGM International General Executive Board and local union officers were among the labor and religious leaders, community activists, elected officials, union members, working families and others, who retraced Dr. King’s steps from Beale Street to Mason Temple carrying signs and wearing shirts that read “I AM 2018.” Dr. King walked the 1.5 miles to Mason Temple shortly before his assassination in 1968, when he visited Memphis in support of
AFSCME sanitation workers. The workers had walked off the job to demand higher wages, safer working conditions, and the recognition of their union, AFSCME. They carried now-iconic signs that read: “I AM A MAN.” There were speakers at the Mason Temple and in front of the Lorraine Motel, where Dr. King was shot. The events culminated with the ringing of bells at 6:01 p.m., the exact time the shooter opened fire. The bells rang 39 times, for each year of Dr. King’s life.
www.bctgm.org March/April 2018 2018 www.bctgm.org
5
Nestlé Purina PetCare Quality Assurance Workers say UNION
W
hen the quality assurance workers at the Nestlé Purina PetCare plant in Edmond, Oklahoma realized the benefits production workers enjoyed thanks to a BCTGM collective bargaining agreement, they set out to become members of Local 366G (Oklahoma City). Local 366G represents the 235 workers in production, processing, sanitation, maintenance, and the warehouse. And on April 19, the 17 workers of the Nestlé Purina Pet Care quality assurance department
YES!
joined the ranks of the unionized plant by voting to become members of the BCTGM. Local 366G President James Perez, Vice President Darrian Haggins, and Secretary-Treasurer Gerald Miller, together with rank-and-file members worked relentlessly to organize the quality service workers. According to BCTGM International Representative David Woods, the workers maintained solidarity despite being forced to endure a barrage of anti-union tactics by the company including captive audience meetings and management intimidation. “I am very proud of the quality assurance workers who had the courage to resist the company’s anti-union propaganda and anti-union strategy throughout the 23-day period between filing for a union election and being able to vote to become members of Local 366G,” recalls Woods. The Nestlé Purina Pet Care quality assurance workers and their supporters were overcome with joy and excitement once the final votes were counted and their union victory was official.
Photo: Quality Assurance workers at the Nestlé Purina PetCare plant in Edmond, Okla. voted overwhelmingly to join BCTGM Local 366G. Pictured here are (standing, left to right) L. 366G Pres. James Perez, L. 366G VP Darian Haggins, member John Thomas, BCTGM Intl. Rep. David Woods, member Chiedza Kanyumbu; (kneeling, left to right) L. 366G Fin. Secy. Gerald Miller, members Liliana Scifo, Marty Rogers, Ashley Johnson, and Jason Krawic.
Atlanta Local visits U.S. Representative John Lewis
B
CTGM Local 42 (Atlanta) Business Manager Zack Townsend calls his recent meeting with U.S. Congressman and Civil Rights hero John Lewis, “One of my life’s greatest honors.” Townsend and Local 42 Recording Secretary David Cooper visited the Congressman’s Atlanta offices recently to present him with a BCTGM-PAC donation on behalf of the International Union. Congressman Lewis is the U.S. Representative for Georgia’s 5th congressional district, serving since 1987, and is the dean of the Georgia congressional delegation. His district includes three-quarters of Atlanta. Lewis, who as chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) was one of the “Big Six” leaders of groups that organized the 1963 March on Washington, played many key roles in the Civil Rights Movement and its actions to end legalized racial segregation in the United States. He has served as a Chief Deputy Whip since 1991 and Senior Chief Deputy Whip since 2003. 6
L. 42 Bus.Mgr. Zack Townsend (right) and Rec. Secy. David Cooper (left) presented Congressman John Lewis (center) with BCTGM-PAC donation on behalf of BCTGM International.
Lewis has been awarded many honorary degrees and is the recipient of numerous awards from eminent national and international institutions. In 2011, U.S. President Barack Obama presented Lewis with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the country’s highest civilian honor. BCTGM News
Stewards Help Build
In Fairlawn, N.J., East-Central Reg. Intl. Vice Pres. Art Montminy led a training for the stewards of Nabisco/Mondel ē z.
the STRENGTH of the Union
Stewards in Chicago, Milwaukee, Fairlawn, N.J. and Greensboro, N.C. have successfully completed education programs developed by the BCTGM International Research and Education Department. “Steward education is vital to every local union,” notes Midwest Region International Vice President Jethro Head, who led steward training seminars for Locals 1 (Chicago) and 244 (Milwaukee). “Stewards make collective bargaining agreements meaningful by helping their co-workers enforce the contract and defend their rights on a day-to-day basis,” Head adds.
BCTGM Local 719 members employed at the Mondelēz Nabisco bakery recently completed a shop steward training led by East-Central Region International Vice President Art Montminy. In Greensboro, N.C., BCTGM International Representative Randy Fulk said the class focused on reviewing the important roles and responsibilities of shop stewards. Topics covered by the International’s steward education program include grievance investigation, understanding the contract, roles and responsibilities of the steward, legal rights, health and safety in the workplace and communicating with union members. All programs featured presentations, small group activities and active discussions and debates.
In Greensboro, N.C., Intl. Rep. Randy Fulk reviewed the roles and responsibilities of shop stewards employed by ITG Brands.
BCTGM Intl. Midwest Reg. Intl. Vice Pres. Jethro Head led a stewards training for L. 244 in Milwaukee.
L. 1 hosts an annual educational seminar for all stewards in Chicago.
March/April 2018
www.bctgm.org
7
L. 1 (Chicago) Organizer/ Bus. Agt. Rochelle Ross and Intl. Rep. Brad Schmidt.
BCTGM ORG Midwest Intl. Vice Pres. Jethro Head, L. 372A (Indianapolis) Pres. Richie Griffin, L. 1 (Chicago) Fin. Secy.-Treas. Beth Zavala and L. 167G (Grand Forks, N.D.) Pres. John Riskey.
A select group of 32 talented BCTGM organizers from throughout North BCTGM Intl. Pres. joins Dir. of Org. John Price for the America traveled to conference. the Maritime opening of the organizing Training Center in Linthicum, Md. to discuss strategy, sharpen skills, share stories of success and failure and refresh their activist souls to continue the BCTGM’s core mission: bring the benefits of union membership to the unorganized. International Vice Presidents, Representatives and Organizers were among the participants that also included rank-and-file union members and local union officers from California, Oregon, Texas, North Dakota,
L. 85 Fin. Secy. (Sacramento, Calif.) Gerardo Gil, L. 83 (Buena Park, Calif.) Fin. Secy.-Treas. Karrie Setters, L. 19 (Cleveland) Organizer Jim Franklin and L. 114 (Portland, Ore.) Rec. Secy. Alejandro Ahumada.
Intl. Pres. David Durkee and Intl. Dir. of Organization John Price welcome BCTGM organizers from throughout North America.
Southern Reg. Intl. Vice Pres. Anthony Shelton (left) and L. 25 (Chatanooga, Tenn. Bus. Agt./ GEB member Jeff Webb outline a communication plan.
8
BCTGM News
East-Central Intl. Vice Pres. Art Montminy and East-Central Region organizers discuss common barriers faced in organizing.
GANIZE 2018! Kansas, Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, North Carolina, Tennessee, Florida, Georgia, Ontario, Quebec and Manitoba. The special conference was planned and led by BCTGM International Director of Organization John Price and Director of Research & Education Matthew Clark. BCTGM International President David Durkee opened the special conference by welcoming the organizers with encouragement saying, “We are counting on you all to lead this union. To stand up for working people and to go out and organize. Because there is no more important cause – the future of our union depends on your efforts to activate workers to fight for their right to a union contract and dignity and justice on the job.”
L. 42 (Atlanta) Bus. Mgr. Zach Townsend, Intl. Rep. Jason Davis, L. 111 (Dallas) organizer Claudia Contreras and L. 149 (Memphis) Pres./GEB member Letitia Malone.
Inlt. Rep. David Woods (seated, left) and Canadian Intl. Vice Pres. Ron Piercey (standing, right) lead a group discussion with Canadian Region organizers.
L. 280 (Evansville, Ind.) Fin. Secy./Bus. Agt. Mary Neu (left) and Intl. Organizer Elce Redmond.
March/April 2018
www.bctgm.org
9
BCTGM Canada Made: D
I
n the early 20th Century, Fleer Chewing Gum Company in Philadelphia had been trying for years to produce a gum formula that allowed bubbles to be blown and was less sticky than regular chewing gum. In 1928, an accountant at the gum company, Walter Diemer, who liked to experiment with gum recipes in his spare time, accidentally stumbled upon a unique formula. Compared to standard chewing gum, Diemer’s recipe was less sticky and more flexible than other
Errol Abrams
Muoi LOI
10
chewing gums, characteristics that allowed for bubbles to be blown. At the time of his experiment, pink dye was the only color available at the factory so Diemer used it to color his new gum. Pink remains the industry standard for bubble gum. Using a salt water taffy wrapping machine, Diemer wrapped one hundred pieces of his creation and took samples to a local candy shop and it sold out in a single day. Realizing they had a new, wonderful
Yen Hong and Phung Ngoc Huynh
Paul Guillen
Jemariathas Anthonipillai
BCTGM News
DUBBLE BUBBLE GUM type of gum, Fleer Chewing Gum Company marketed Diemer’s new gum as “Dubble Bubble.” To help sell the new bubble gum, Diemer personally taught salespeople how to blow bubbles so that they in turn could teach potential customers. Dubble Bubble featured a color comic strip, known as the Fleer Funnies, which was included with the gum. The featured characters, ‘Dub and Bub’, were introduced in 1930. The beloved treat was distributed to the troops during World War II. In 1998, Dubble Bubble was purchased by Concord Confections. In 2004, Tootsie Roll Industries acquired Concord and today the
Prince Boakye
Lan Thikim Hong
gum is sold in more than 50 countries. Today, BCTGM Local 264 (Toronto) members continue to produce the famous treat. Pictured on these pages are the proud union workers who produce Dubble Bubble products at the Concord, Ontario gum factory.
Tri Vuong
Phuong Tran and Muoi Tran
Piratheeb Monaguru
2018 www.bctgm.org March/April 2018 www.bctgm.org
11
Rare Congressional Joint Select Committee to Take on Pension Crisis The U.S. Congress has responded to the powerful call from working men and women and retirees across the country to take action to address the growing pension funding crisis.
and eight from the House of Representatives, evenly divided between Democrats and Republicans. The Committee is charged with coming up with a legislative solution to the multiemployer pension funding problem by November 30, 2018. The establishment of such Joint Select Committees is very rare, indicative of the importance and urgency of the issue. The Committee will hold at After careful review and consideration, the least five public hearings. BCTGM has determined that the Butch Lewis Act Since the BCTGM began its education and of 2017 (S. 2147) and the companion legislation in mobilization campaign on this vital legislation in the House of Representatives, the Rehabilitation January, more than 5,000 union members and for Multiemployer Pension Act (H.R. 4444), is the retirees have utilized the BCTGM E-Activist Center most effective legislative proposal to address the to email letters to their respective U.S. Senators and pension crisis. The legislation calls for long-term, Representatives. This action most certainly made a low-interest loans for pension funds. difference in moving the process forward. In early February, Congress established the Joint Please continue to stay up-to-date on this Select Committee on the Solvency of Multiemployer issue and utilize the BCTGM E-Activist Center Pension Plans. The Committee is comprised of 16 to send letters to your respective Senators and House and Senate members, eight from the Senate Representatives to let them know how vital it is for action on this issue. It is particularly important to communicate with those Senators and Representatives who have been appointed to the Select Committee (see box). Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown, sponsor of the Butch Lewis Act (S.2147), serves as Co-Chair of the Committee. Representative U.S. Senators Richard Neal of Massachusetts, sponsor of the companion legislation to the Butch Lewis Democrats – Brown (OH) Co-Chair, Manchin (WVA), Act in the House of Representatives (H.R. Heitkamp (ND) and Smith (MN) 4444) also serves on this Committee. Republicans – Hatch (UT) Co-Chair, Alexander (TN), We must keep up the pressure on Crapo (ID), Portman (OH) Congress to support S. 2147/H.R. 4444, long-term, low-interest loans to pension funds. This is the most effective way to U.S. Representatives strengthen pension plans and avoid retiree benefit reductions. Democrats – Neal (MA-1), Scott (VA-3), Norcross BCTGM activists have responded with (NJ-1) and Dingell (MI-12); incredible enthusiasm and emailed Senators Republicans – Foxx (NC-5), Roe (TN-1), Buchanan (FLto support S. 2147. Now, we are asking 16), Schweikert (AZ-6) every supporter to make the same strong effort with U.S. Representatives.
Joint Select Committee on the Solvency of Multiemployer Pension Plans
Go to bit.ly/protectourpension to contact your Representatives! 12
BCTGM News
Disney Workers T
FIGHT for
he majority of Disney resort workers in Anaheim and Orlando face severe economic hardships thanks to low pay, according to a new report, Working for The Mouse. The report reveals that Disneyland Resort employees in Anaheim, Calif. are experiencing high instances of homelessness, food insecurity, unpredictable work schedules, extralong commutes, and low wages. While there is national attention on the minimum wage with successful local efforts to raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour, the report reveals that more than 85% of union workers at Disneyland earn less than $15 an hour. Despite steep increases in the cost of housing and other necessities, Disneyland workers have suffered steady pay cuts and continue to struggle to make ends meet. BCTGM Local 83 (Buena Park, Calif.) represents more than 100 candy makers at Disneyland. The Local 83 members make hand dipped specialty apples, as well as hand dipped pineapple and strawberries and candy canes during the winter holidays. Local 83 has joined with 10 other unions that
Livable Wages
represent Disney workers to form the Coalition of Resort Labor Unions (CRLU) to call attention to the hardships faced by the resort workers. The report reveals that the average hourly wage for Disneyland Resort workers dropped 15% from 2000 to 2017, from $15.80 to $13.36 and nearly three-quarters of workers report that they do not earn enough money to cover basic expenses every month. In January, Disney CEO Bob Iger promised all U.S. employees that he would distribute $1,000 bonuses to workers thanks to the tax cut passed by the Trump Administration. However, Disney has since refused to grant 41,000 of its union employees the bonus unless they accept the company’s bargaining proposal. Some 80,000 cast members at the Disney parks received the $1,000 tax cut bonus without having to negotiate while the lowest paid workers at Disney continue to fight for livable wages in a new collective bargaining agreement. It is expected that Disney will gain $2 billion in additional revenue from the federal tax cut.
Workers Day of Action: Philadelphia On February 24, in cities across the U.S., thousands of working people held rallies and marches and united to demand an end to an economy that’s rigged in favor of the wealthiest and most powerful. Pictured here at a Workers Day of Action in Philadelphia is BCTGM Local 6 members Corey Walter (left), Anthony Downing (center) and AFLCIO President Rich Trumka. March/April 2018
www.bctgm.org
13
BCTGM Salutes 2018 Harvard Trade Union Program Graduate
B
BCTGM Assistant to the Strategic Campaign Coordinator Nate Zeff says being a graduate of the 2018 Harvard Trade Union Program (HTUP) is an experience that will allow him to help build the strength and power of the BCTGM International Union. Zeff was selected by BCTGM International President David Durkee to attend the 2018 program. The Harvard Trade Union Program was established in the early 1940’s and is considered to be the pre-eminent programs in North America devoted to developing trade union leaders and activists. The BCTGM boasts several other graduates of the HTUP including President Durkee in 1991; Strategic Campaign Coordinator Ron Baker in 1986; Southern Region International Representative Jason Davis in 2016; and, Southern Region International Representative David Woods in 2017. The 107th Session of the Harvard Trade Union Program, “Preparing Leadership for the Challenges of Today and Tomorrow” was held January 8 – February 16 at Harvard University in Cambridge, Mass. The program focused on Strategic Planning, Organizational Theory, Leadership, Union Governance, and Capital Strategies, amongst other topics. The program is organized by an interdisciplinary team of Harvard faculty and guest speakers. Among
the featured speakers and instructors at this year’s session were Richard Freeman, Harvard Economist; Arnold Zack, Harvard Law School Senior Research Associate, Arbitrator and Mediator; Barry Bluestone, Professor of Political Economy at Northeastern University and prominent labor economist; David Weil, Former Administrator, U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division; and many other esteemed teachers. Tom Perez, former Secretary of Labor under President Obama and the current chair of the Democratic National Committee, was the keynote speaker at the John T. Dunlop Memorial Forum Lecture on February 6. Perez addressed the future of organized labor and the challenges of income inequality in the Zeff reflected on his feelings about being the fourth BCTGM representative in 32 years to successfully complete the esteemed trade unionist program saying, “I can easily say HTUP was the most exciting and influential school experience I’ve ever had. I want to thank President Durkee and Secretary-Treasurer Bertelli for giving me the opportunity to attend this prestigious Harvard Trade Union Program. It was a privilege to be there, and I know it’s my responsibility to bring what I have learned back to benefit the union members who made it possible.”
In Memoriam: Carolyn J. Jacobson Carolyn Jacobson, retired longtime director of the International Union’s Public Relations Department and a lifelong activist, died on March 23 after a two-year battle with cancer. She was 67 years old. Following her retirement from the International Union, Jacobson went on to create the Contraceptive Equity program and the Cervical Cancer Prevention program for union women, as projects of the Coalition of Labor Union Women (CLUW) Foundation. She was a founder and permanent member of the Board of the Berger Marks Foundation, which supported union women’s leadership development and union women organizers. Renowned for her role in mentoring union women and advocating for womens’ health issues, Carolyn authored, “The Next Generation: A Handbook for Mentoring Future Union Leaders.” 14
BCTGM News
FREE College Benefit
Union Members and their families can earn an Associate Degree with NO out-of-pocket cost. Free College benefit for you and your family.
The BCTGM Power Free College Benefit offers working families an accessible, debtfree and convenient higher education opportunity. You, your spouse, children, financial dependents and grandchildren, can all take advantage of this exciting opportunity.
Zero out-of-pocket cost. Members and their families can earn an
Acssociat Degree online, with no out-of-pocket costs. A last-dollar scholarship covers the difference between any Federal grants and your tuition, fees and e-books at Eastern Gateway Community College (EGCC).
Eastern Cateway credits are transferable. Eastern
Gateway Community College is a public, non-profit school in the University System of Ohio and is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Credits you earn can transfer to other schools, potentially saving you thousands of dollars.
Visit UnionPlusFreeCollege.org or call 1-888-590-9009 to learn more about exciting this unionmembers-only opportunity! March/April 2018
www.bctgm.org
15
Printed in the U.S.A.
Support our Nabisco Brothers and Sisters in the Fight to PROTECT ALL OF OUR PENSIONS
The fight of our Brothers and Sisters at Nabisco to protect their pensions, jobs and retirement scurity is a fight that affects ALL of our Union’s members and retirees.
If Mondelēz International is successful at withdrawing from the B&C Pension Fund, the pensions of all active members and retirees will be at severe risk. We are at a critical moment in this fight. Active members and retirees from across the Union must stand and tell Mondelēz, “Hands OFF our Pensions!”
How You Can Make a Difference:
CHECK THE LABEL and Boycott Nabisco Snacks Made in Mexico. If a Nabisco package says “Made in Mexico,” leave it on the shelf and DO NOT BUY. Then educate your grocers and fellow consumers.
SHARE on Social Media. Look for BCTGM International
Union and Nabisco 600 Workers - BCTGM on Facebook. ‘Like’ our pages, and you’ll receive daily updates from the Union and front lines of the Mondelēz/Nabisco Campaign. Comment and share posts to get involved!
LEARN MORE at fightforamericanjobs.org. Go to
our website and browse photos, videos and articles about the Mondelēz/Nabisco Campaign, including updates about the fight to protect our pensions and how YOU can become involved.