21 Jan International Officers March the Picket Line with Striking Local 37 Jon Donaire Workers
An overwhelming atmosphere of solidarity met BCTGM International President Anthony Shelton and International Secretary-Treasurer David Woods as they walked the picket line outside the Jon Donaire Desserts plant in Santa Fe Springs, Calif. with striking members of Local 37.
Workers at the plant, who make and decorate ice cream cakes for food chains including Ralphs, Walmart and Baskin-Robbins, have been on strike fighting for a livable wage and a fair contract since November 3. Jon Donaire is owned by Rich Products.
โThe International Union will stand with you for as long as it takes to win this fight. One day longer, one day stronger,โ International President Shelton said during a short address to the striking workers.
Miguel Perez, who has worked in the warehouse as a forklift operator and inventory control for 12 years said the visit by President Shelton brought a sense of optimism to the picket line, which the workers refer to as โthe strike zone.โ
โIt was great to see President Shelton. He walked side-by-side with us and really helped give us hope,โ says Perez. โToday is day 80 of this strike. This visit was so encouraging to everyone. It will help us hang in there longer knowing we have the support of our International Union President.โ
Cristina Lujan, who has worked on the line at the Jon Donaire Desserts plant for 19 years, said the visit by the BCTGM International Officers helped the workers โrecharge our batteriesโ as the strike enters its third month.
โThey marched with us and spent time talking to everyone. There is an even greater feeling of solidarity on the picket line,โ says Lujan.
The Los Angeles Federation of Labor Community Services delivered a truck filled with groceries, diapers, hand sanitizer, face masks and other necessities to the workers. According to Lujan, the outpouring of support by the labor community in the Los Angeles area has been tremendous. Deliveries from the Los Angeles Federation of Labor arrive every two weeks.
โWe are still strong out here, every day, and we will be here waiting for as long as it takes to win a fair union contract,โ Lujan concludes.