JULY/ AUGUST 2021 VOLUME 23 NUMBER 4 - BAKERY, CONFECTIONERY, TOBACCO WORKERS AND GRAIN MILLERS INTERNATIONAL UNION - BCTGM
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Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union
July/ Volume 23
August 2021 Number 4
the PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
SOLIDARITY Defines Local 218
Frito Lay Strike
B BCTGM Local 218 members employed at
Frito Lay in Topeka, Kansas have shown the The outcome of this strike was a testament
world that union workers can stand up against to the tenacity and grit of the Frito Lay workers
the largest food companies in the world and in Topeka. I could not be more proud of our
claim victory for themselves, their families and Local 218 membership, the union negotiating
their communities. More than 600 BCTGM committee, and Midwest International
members hit the streets in a fight for a better Vice President Brad Schmidt, International
quality of life and to have a voice over how Representative Jason Davis and International
many hours in a week they can be forced to Business Agent/Organizer Jared Cummings.
work. While this victory will go down in the
This strike was about more than wages history books of the BCTGM, similar fights
and benefits. It was about the quality of life for are happening across North America where
these workers and their families. Despite our union workers are standing up to employers and
repeated warnings to the management of Frito demanding respect on the job and a legitimate
Lay over the last decade, current employees say over their working conditions.
were forced to work seven days a week, up to I salute our membership, who were left with
12 hours per shift. Many of the more than 800 no choice but to strike to defend the livelihoods
workers were only getting an eight-hour break of themselves and their families.
between shifts and some were forced to work The BCTGM International will always stand
double and triple shifts. Workers didn’t have with our union brothers and sisters in support
time to see their families, do chores around of their fight for dignity, justice and respect on
the house, run errands, or even get a healthy the job.
night’s sleep. This strike was about working
— Anthony Shelton, BCTGM International President
people having a voice in their futures and
taking a stand for their families.
This fight resonated across the country
and around the world and the outpouring BCTGM
News
of support for our brave union members in Official Publication of the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco
Topeka was overwhelming. Labor unions, Workers and Grain Millers International Union
10401 Connecticut Avenue, Kensington, Maryland 20895-3961
community allies, politicians, concerned (301) 933-8600
www.bctgm.org
citizens and the religious community all played Anthony Shelton, Editor
a part in this historic victory. Corrina A. Christensen, Assistant Editor
The striking Local 218 members received BCTGM General Executive Board
President Anthony Shelton • Secretary-Treasurer David Woods
global support as the International Union of Vice Presidents Shad Clark • Roger Miller
Ron Piercey • Brad Schmidt • Zachary Townsend
Food and Allied Workers (IUF) sent news
BCTGM General Executive Board Members
of the fight to union members working in Joyce Alston • Pierre Luc Ducet • Paul LaBuda
the food manufacturing industry around the Keith Morris • Mary Trujillo • Earl Lublow
Letitia Malone • Gary Oskoian • Paula Steig
world. German, Ukrainian and Dutch workers Doyle Townson • Jeff Webb • Donald Woods
BCTGM News (ISSN 1525-4860) is published bi-monthly by the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco
sent messages and photos of solidarity to the 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
strike line. Connecticut Avenue, Kensington, MD 20895-3961.
2 BCTGM News
AFL-CIO President
Richard L. Trumka
(1949 - 2021)
Our brother and leader, by the tragic loss of our Brother
AFL-CIO President Richard and friend Rich Trumka. Brother
Trumka, passed away on Trumka was a visionary leader
and powerful and highly effective
August 5, 2021, at the age voice for working men and women.
of 72. He was tireless in the defense of
The labor movement, the AFL- workers’ rights and the advancement
CIO and the nation lost a legend. of economic, social and racial justice
President Trumka devoted his life at home and around the world.
to working people, from his early Rich was a loyal and devoted
days as president of the United friend to the BCTGM. Regardless of
Mine Workers of America to his the cause or fight, he always stood
unparalleled leadership as the voice shoulder-to-shoulder with our Union
of America’s labor movement. and our members. The BCTGM is
He was a relentless champion of eternally grateful for his steadfast
workers’ rights, workplace safety, support and friendship.”
worker-centered trade, democracy The BCTGM joins with the 56
and so much more. He was also unions and 12.5 million members
a devoted father, grandfather, of the AFL-CIO in mourning the
husband, brother, coach, colleague passing of our fearless leader and
and friend. President Trumka was commit to honoring his legacy with
loved and beloved. action. Standing on Rich’s shoulders,
In a statement honoring President we will pour everything we have
Trumka, BCTGM International into building an economy, society
President Anthony Shelton said, and democracy that lifts up every
“The BCTGM is deeply saddened working family and community.
July/August 2021 www.bctgm.org 3
Senate Hearing Focuses on the
The U.S. Senate Health, testified before the HELP Committee urging the
Education, Labor, and Pensions passage of the PRO Act. Heldman has been a
vital part of three BCTGM organizing campaigns
(HELP) Committee held a at the bakery in the last 20 years, as workers’
hearing on the Protecting the efforts to organize — with up to 65% of workers
Right to Organize (PRO) Act, signing union cards — were upended by law-
breaking, union-busting campaigns led by the
comprehensive legislation that company.
will reform decades-old federal In her testimony, Heldman told the Committee
labor laws and strengthen that workplace safety “was one of the main
reasons so many of us have wanted to join the
workers’ right to organize. BCTGM since the late ‘90’s. We have been
The theme of the Senate hearing was, “The overworked, we’ve been injured on the job,
Right to Organize: Empowering American Workers disrespected by supervisors, and forced to work
in a 21st Century Economy.” Senator Patty Murray in bad conditions. We wanted a union to help
(D-WA), Chair of the HELP Committee, set the tone protect us while we were at work, to give us a
for the event stating, “While our ways of working say about the conditions we had to work under,
and our workforce may have changed, the need and to help us get just a little bit of respect from
for workers to be able to join together and have our bosses.”
a voice in their wages and working conditions— According to BCTGM International Director
without fear—remains as important as ever. Our of Organization John Price, who accompanied
labor laws are overdue for an update.” Heldman to the Senate hearing, “The PRO Act
Gracie Heldman, a long-time worker at would have prevented Hearthside from delaying
Hearthside Food Solutions in McComb, Ohio the union elections, lying about the union and
Gracie Heldman testifies before
the Senate HELP Committee.
Pictured in U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown’s office before
the hearing are (from left) Senator Brown, Gracie
Heldman, Intl. Asst. to the President Harry Kaiser
and Intl. Director of Organization John Price.
4 BCTGM News
Need for Vital Labor Law Reform
intimidating workers. And it would have
brought stiffer penalties on the company for Heldman Meets with Ohio
firing union supporters,” adds Price. Senator Sherrod Brown
“For more than 20 years we have fought
Prior to the HELP Committee hearing,
to join the BCTGM. For over 20 years I have
Heldman met with U.S. Senator Sherrod
seen the law look the other way. Nothing
Brown (D-Ohio), an original cosponsor of the
protected our right to join a union,” Heldman
PRO Act and longtime leader in the fight for
testified. “And the worst part of it all is that
comprehensive labor law reform.
the company knew that. They knew they could
At times Heldman’s eyes filled with tears
do whatever they wanted, and at worst, they’d
as she explained to Senator Brown the many
get a slap on the wrist. I’m just one worker who
ways that the company has harassed, bullied
wants to join a union. But there are millions
and intimidated her and her co-workers
more like me. We just want a fair chance.”
because of their efforts to join the BCTGM.
Joining Heldman on the panel testifying
Heldman and her co-workers at Hearthside
in favor of the PRO Act was Mark Gaston
once again lost their campaign to join the
Pearce, Executive Director of the Workers
union in 2020 because of the company’s
Rights Institute at the Georgetown University
vicious anti-union actions.
Law Center and Dr. Heidi Shierholz, Senior
“Even though people were scared, I really
Economist and Director of Policy at the
thought we had a shot to win this election. But
Economic Policy Institute.
the company had scared the workers so bad
that we were never really given a fair chance
Gracie Heldman (left) greets U.S. Senator Patty to make a decision about joining the BCTGM,”
Murray (D-WA), Chair of the HELP Committee. Heldman said. “We got closer than ever
before in this election, but it was not enough
against the company’s actions.
Senator Brown told Heldman, “Stories like
yours are exactly why I’m fighting to pass
the PRO Act. It’s the best thing we can do
to level the playing field for workers when
corporations hold all the power.”
Prior to the hearing, U.S. Sen. Sherrod
Brown (D-Ohio) listens as Gracie Heldman
(right) provides emotional details of the
many anti-union tactics used by Hearthside.
July/August
May/June 2021
2021 www.bctgm.org 5
Intl. Secy.-Treas. David Woods, plant manager Tyler
Wallace, L 334 Bus. Agt. John Jordan, Fin. Secy. Jim
Anderschat, Chf. Shop Steward Jim Cleaves.
Intl. Secy.-Treas. David Woods
Tours Historic B&M Factory
Since 1913, the four-story B&M 334 members, generations of whom have worked
bean factory in Portland, in this historic facility. It is an amazing process and
these workers are proud of what they do. It was
Maine has been churning out an honor to see our hard-working brothers and
cans of baked beans. sisters in action,” said Woods.
International Secretary-Treasurer David Woods Woods toured the facility and spent time
recently toured the 153-year-old B&M plant in talking to the union members. Photos on these
Portland, Maine to see how the baked beans are pages were taken by Local 334 Financial Secretary
made by the proud members of Local 334. Jim Anderschat who said the union workers were
“I was really happy to meet so many of the Local happy to welcome Woods.
Intl. Secy.-Treas. David Woods
(left) presents warehouse member
Joe Chason Jr. (right) with his
Sam Holbrook runs the Retorts, the process
40-year membership plaque and
that runs the beans through high pressure
emerald membership pin.
steam before going to the cooling floor.
6 BCTGM News
Valerie Hiebert
Chief Shop Steward Jim Cleaves (left) explains the displays packaged
process of making B&M Brown Bread, a unique and boxed
New England product made by L. 334 members, Underwood
to Intl. Secy.-Treas. David Woods (right). Chicken Spread.
Preston Thomas (right)
shows Intl. Secy.-Treas.
David Woods (left)
how he stirs the brick
oven beans to soak in
the sauce that is used
in the baking process.
At 71 years old,
Thomas says he still
loves working at B&M.
Hung Ha runs cans of Underwood
Chicken Spread to labeling.
L.334 Exec. Board member
Larry Kelley is pictured in the
frozen chicken processing room,
where union workers prepare the Dragon
frozen chicken to be cooked and Mojsilovic is a
processed for the Underwood label machine Jillian Pantano transports the finished baked
Chicken Spread Line. operator. beans to the floor below to be canned.
July/August 2021 www.bctgm.org 7
Tenacity and Solidarity Help E
Fierce determination and workers’ demands for a fair contract.
steadfast solidarity brought Workers at the Topeka plant went on strike on
July 5 after they had been pushed to the brink with
victory to more than 600 forced overtime and hazardous conditions amid the
striking members of BCTGM company’s soaring profits.
Local 218 at Frito Lay in The new collective bargaining agreement, which
was ratified by the Local 218 members, puts an end
Topeka, Kansas. to what union workers at the Frito-Lay plant call
For 20 days, the union members held the “suicide shifts” — back-to-back 12-hour shifts with
strike line until a new collective bargaining only an eight-hour break in between. The company
agreement was reached that addressed the had refused to address their concerns about the
8 BCTGM News
END Local 218 Frito Lay Strike
shifts, which took away time with their families and did for workers, does away with forcing workers to take
not even allow enough time to get a full night’s sleep. the “suicide shifts” and increases wages.
Local 218 Chief Shop Steward Paul Klemme, who “We want time with our families and we want
has worked at the Frito Lay plant for nine years, better management that is actually what we are
said he once worked three months straight without a really fighting for. Striking was our last option,” said
day off. Local 218 member Esther Fanning, who has nine-
“I missed a lot of time with my children when they year-old twins and says she feels like Frito Lay did
were in high school because of the shift that I worked not prioritize families or a work-life balance.
and the hours that I worked,” he said. “It’s physically “Our fight is to make Frito Lay better as a work
draining.” environment,” Klemme said. “Our job is to make it
The new contract guarantees one day off a week better for the future, for our fellow employees.”
July/August 2021 www.bctgm.org 9
Local 252G members pictured here, left to right, are Reginale Hale, Operator Tech; Jerry
Kinney, Packing Laborer; Gary Amerson, Tank Room Operator; Kevin Bradshaw, Case Handling
Operator; Vincent Mickens, Tank Room Operator; and Malcom Houston, Processing Operator.
RESILIENCE Defines Local 252G
Kellogg’s Memphis Members
Generations of BCTGM Local 252G
(Memphis, Tenn.) members at the
Kellogg’s Memphis plant have
produced Kellogg’s cereals like
Rice Krispies, Raisin Bran, Corn
Flakes, Frosted Flakes, Froot Loops
and Apple Jacks since 1958.
According to Local 252G President Rob
Eafen, throughout the pandemic, Kellogg’s
union members were considered “essential
workers” and worked hard during increased
production schedules. “Kellogg’s workers
in Memphis worked non-stop to meet
the demand for our cereals while putting Chief Shop Steward at the Kellogg Memphis
themselves at risk of exposure to COVID-19. plant is Barry Walls, 3rd shift Electrician.
We never stopped,” says Eafen.
“The hard work of Kellogg’s workers in
Memphis and our other BCTGM Kellogg’s
plants guaranteed that cereals would continue
to fill supermarket shelves and feed American
Taking time out from their break for a photo is (left
families,” notes BCTGM International President
to right) Marquita Turner, Operator Tech; Calandria Anthony Shelton.
Morrison, Laborer; Tracy Young, Tank Room According to Local 252G Vice President
Operator; Jessie Smith, Operator Tech.
Kevin Bradshaw, a Case Handling Operator
10 BCTGM Newsat the Memphis facility, the plant has its own fire, water and smoke but those things are
unique ways of making cereal that includes replaceable. None is greater than human
artesian wells that supply the water used in life,” says Bradshaw. The plant is operating
production. “The water is second to none. the Froot Loops production line only while
Good water equals good tasting food,” notes production of the remaining cereals has
Bradshaw. been sent to other facilities until the repair
In late July, the Memphis plant suffered and renovation work is complete.
significant fire damage when a conveyor belt “We thank everyone who has reached
malfunctioned and ignited combustibles in a rice out and our International Union leaders
dryer machine. All workers were immediately for always having our back. We trust that
evacuated and there were no injuries. we will get back to normal because we are
“Much of our equipment was damaged from Memphis and we are BCTGM 252G strong!”
Pictured here, left to right, are Kenny Grandberry, Sanitation
Operator; Carl Tate, Processing Laborer; Patrick Casey,
Packing Mechanic; Renard Smith, Electrician/1st Shift
Steward; and Chief Steward Barry Walls, Electrician.
Third shift workers are on their way home at 7 a.m. Pictured here, from the left, are Freeman
Jamison, Mechanic Packing; Michael Tate, Processing UTO; Chris Hightower, Tankroom
Operator; Greg Spann, Bulk Plant Operator/3rd Shift Steward; Jackie Young, Processing
Cooker; Antonio Hicks, Operator Tech; Derrick Albright, Miller; Micah Harris, Electrician;
Byron Flemming, Processing Laborer; Rajel Crump, Operator Tech; Jacob Forret, Warehouse;
Jarrod White, Warehouse; Larry Freeman, Quality Control; and Willie Shields, Warehouse.
July/August 2021 www.bctgm.org 11BCTGM-Made BAKED GOODS
fill Wegmans
Supermarket Bakeries
Cookies, pies, muffins, artisan There are 424 Local 116 union members
breads, cakes, cheese cakes, employed at the bakery where Wegmans branded
baked goods are made and shipped throughout the
bagels and numerous other
Northeast. The union-made Wegmans products are
specialty bakery items sold in shipped as far south as North Carolina. Wegmans,
106 Wegmans stores are proudly a regional supermarket chain, has stores in New
made by hard-working BCTGM York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Virginia, Maryland,
Massachusetts and North Carolina.
Local 116 (Auburn, N.Y.) workers Wegmans is a family owned and operated
at the company’s flagship bakery company, founded in 1916 in Rochester. It is one of
in Rochester, N.Y. the largest private grocery companies in the U.S.
Vahid Begovic (Shipping)
Corelis Matos Ross, Fardosa Said, Rodha
Said and Justina Nwamadi (Sweets)
12 BCTGM NewsDave Page and L. 116 Pres.
Carlos Andujar
Wegmans Union-Made Bakery Products
Local 116 members at the Wegmans Rochester, N.Y. flagship
bakery produce product for all of the chain’s 106 grocery stores
in the Northeastern U.S. All Wegmans in-store baked goods and
packaged Wegmans branded bakery products are union-made in
Rochester. Even specialty cakes are made in the Rochester bakery
and shipped directly to cake decorators in the stores.
The massive Rochester facility also houses all baking ingredients
needed by the Wegmans in-store bakeries. From flour, powdered
sugar and icing, to chocolate chips, food colors and flavorings, the
items are ordered by stores and shipped out from Rochester.
Some Local 116 baked goods to look for in a Wegmans bakery include:
Organic Artisan Breads Bagels
Rye Bread Cheese Cakes
Ancient Grain Bread Cookies
Muffins and mini-muffins French Bread
Donuts Italian Bread
Specialty Cakes & Desserts Pies
Jose Gonzalez and L. 116 Pres. Carlos Andujar and
Alexander Daniel (Parbake) Ray Colon (Shop Co-Chair) Rosa West and Val Wheems (Sweets)
July/August 2021 www.bctgm.org 13Remembering Ray Scannell, 1951 - 2021
Raymond Francis Scannell, 70, died
August 4 of Progressive Supranuclear
Palsy (PSP) following a long illness.
Ray served as the BCTGM International Union’s
Director of Research & Education when he retired
in 2014, following a 34-year career with the Union.
Scannell came to the BCTGM not long after
graduating with a Master’s degree in organizational
behavior from the New York State School of
Industrial and Labor Relations at Cornell University
in Ithaca, N.Y. His first position at the Union was
staff assistant in the Department of Research. Union Presidents: John DeConcini, Frank Hurt and David
From 1983 to 1988, Scannell was the Assistant Durkee.
Director of Public Relations and in 1988 he was Taken from his official obituary in the New York Times:
appointed the Director of Research. In 1992, “Ray was a fierce and tireless advocate for the rights
Scannell’s duties expanded and he was named of working people. He devoted most of his career to
the Director of Research and Special Projects. In the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco, and Grain Millers
2000, International President Frank Hurt named International Union (BCTGM), where he rose to the rank
Scannell the Director of the combined Research and of Director of Research and Education. His creativity and
Education Departments. brilliance as theorist, strategist, and teacher helped shape a
Scannell served as BCTGM liaison to the generation of union stewards, organizers, negotiators, and
International Union of Food and Allied Workers leaders at BCTGM and other labor unions. He contributed
(IUF), attending the 1993 Congress in Stockholm, significantly to campaigns that improved the dignity,
Sweden and the 1997 Congress in Geneva, rights, and well-being of workers in unions across the
Switzerland. Beginning in the 1990s, Scannell globe. Asked what he did at work, Ray described himself as
coordinated IUF and foreign unions’ participation a “troublemaker for corporations.””
in the Union’s various campaigns including the Ray is survived by his wife Miriam Szapiro, son
Earthgrains strike, the Hostess strike, and the Raymond Joshua Scannell (Josh), and daughter Anna
Kellogg’s Memphis lockout. Zaida Szapiro; sisters Zayda Stewart and Astrid Long; and
Scannell served under three International brother Herb Scannell.
At the invitation of U.S. Senator
Bob Casey (D-Pa.), BCTGM Local 6
(Philadelphia, Pa.) President Hank McKay
attended President Joe Biden’s “Buy
American” event at the Mack Trucks
plant in Lehigh Valley, Pa., a few miles
from the BIMBO bakery where Local 6
members are employed.
Pictured here, McKay (right) gave his
phone to President Biden (left) to take a selfie
together following the event. McKay thanked
President Biden for saving American
pensions and his support of the PRO Act.
14 BCTGM NewsThe BCTGM Power/Union
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July/August 2021 www.bctgm.org 15Printed in the U.S.A.
At press time, more than 1,000 BCTGM
members are on strike at Nabisco facilities in Aurora, Co.
Portland, Ore. (Local 364), Aurora, Colo. (Local
26), Richmond, Va. (Local 358), Chicago, Ill.
(Local 1) and Norcross, Ga. (Local 42).
“Nabisco has long profited from the loyalty and dedication
of its U. S. workers and the exploitation of its employees in
Mexico. By striking, Nabisco workers in all five locations are
saying strong and clear: stop exporting our jobs to Mexico
and end your demands for contract concessions.”
-BCTGM International President Anthony Shelton
Richmond, Va
.
Chicago, Ill.
Portland, Ore
Norcross, Ga. .You can also read
