Western Conference Hosts Strike Panel Discussion
Representing manufacturing, production, maintenance and sanitation workers in the baking, confectionery, tobacco and grain milling industries.
bctgm, bakers union, tobacco union, candy union, food workers, food workers union, grain millers, grain millers union, mondelez, nabisco, snack union,
22287
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Western Conference Hosts Strike Panel Discussion

Included as special feature of the 2022 Western Conference, Local Union leaders and representatives discussed the lessons learned, inspirations and strengths gained through the 2021 strikes.

The panel discussion included Local 26 (Denver, Colo.) President Cliffton Horton, Local 364 (Portland, Ore.), Business Agent Cameron Taylor, Local 364 Financial Secretary Mike Burlingham and BCTGM International Representative Karrie Setters. Moderated by BCTGM Director of Digital Media Michelle Ellis, the panel shared stories of the challenges and issues that threatened and strengthened picket line solidarity.

Setters discussed the Jon Donaire strike and the importance of finding strength and unity in the face of company tactics to break union solidarity. Horton discussed tensions faced on the Nabisco picket line in Denver and the creative ways he found to keep morale high.

Taylor credited his contract-educated Nabisco members for their strength during the strike and Financial Secretary Mike Burlingham detailed resources they offered to help families hold the line โ€œone day longerโ€ than the company.

Local 364 also maintains a private group for members on Facebook which was active throughout the strike. Burlingham offered his perspective as a moderator of the page on the various ways it kept striking Nabisco members informed and educated during the strike.

At the conclusion, each leader answered the question, โ€œWhat is the most important lesson you learned in the last year?โ€ Echoed in each answer was the importance of keeping members educated and maintaining solidarity.