Message from the President: 

Our Union. Our Future. Our Fight

Since our last International Union Convention in 2018, the BCTGM and our members have been forced to confront some of the most difficult challenges in our union’s long and proud history; challenges that have tested our resilience and our solidarity; challenges that have further solidified our bond as a strong and fearless union family.

Each and every time, the BCTGM has risen to the challenge. With this in mind, the theme of the 2022 Convention is, “Our Union. Our Future. Our Fight.”

Read more about the BCTGM’s 41^st Constitutional Convention theme here and learn the details of delegate eligibility here.

Local 37 Jon Donaire Strike Ends in Victory

On February 23, BCTGM Local 37 (Los Angeles, Calif.) members on strike against Rich Products-owned Jon Donaire Desserts plant in Sante Fe, Calif. voted to ratify a new collective bargaining agreement, bringing an end to the strike that began on November 3, 2021.

Reflecting on the vote to ratify the new agreement, BCTGM International President Anthony Shelton stated, “This has been a long and difficult fight for our striking members and their families. With each new day on that picket line, fighting for what they deserve, our members grew in strength, courage and determination.” Click here to read President Shelton’s full statement.

In case you missed it, in late December, BCTGM members who work at Kellogg’s ready to eat cereal plants in Battle Creek, Mich., Lancaster, Pa., Omaha, Neb. and Memphis, Tenn. voted to accept the recommended collective bargaining agreement, ending the Kellogg’s strike, which began on October 5, 2021. Click here to read more about the Kellogg’s strike end.  

Shop Stewards are the Backbone of the Union

Local union shop stewards are the ears, eyes and face of the BCTGM International Union. The BCTGM International Union has long recognized the importance of shop stewards in the everyday running of the union and places significant value in shop steward training.

Check out stewards from Local 218 in Kansas City, Missouri, Local 358 in Richmond, Virginia and Local 149 in Memphis, Tennessee who started off 2022 with stewards training programs.

Local 22 in Minneapolis, Minn. Tells UNFI: HANDS OFF WORKERS' BENEFITS!

Throughout the last several months of contract negotiations, Local 22 in Minneapolis, Minn. has been fighting back demands by UNFI/Cub Foods to take the quality UNION retirement and health care benefits from BCTGM members who work in their bakeries.  In a recent episode of the BCTGM VOICES podcast, we get the full scoop from Local 22 President Wally Borgan and UNFI/Cub Foods Bakery Manager/Local 22 Bargaining Committee member Amy Nelson.

Check out BCTGM VOICES podcast: Episode 024: “Hands off Workers’ Benefits!” BCTGM Local 22 Takes on UNFI/Cub Foods in the Midwest

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