11 Dec Another Year of Remarkable Strength, Unbreakable Solidarity

By: Anthony Shelton, BCTGM International President

With the end of the year upon us, it is important to review how our Union responded to the challenges that arose before us. As we evaluate these challenges, it gives us an opportunity to plan effectively for the future.

In 2023, the BCTGM once again provided solid proof that we never walk away from a tough fight when it comes to protecting the livelihoods of our members.

In Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Local 100G members successfully won a strike against Ingredion in February after nearly six months on the picket line. The solidarity and support our members received from BCTGM Local Unions and members across North America was pivotal to ensuring a successful outcome. I am proud to say that not a single member crossed that picket line during the strike.

In June, members of Local 390G, employed at International Flavors and Fragrances (IFF), a $12 billion food ingredient giant, went on strike to protect their overtime and health benefits. As I write this, the strike by our courageous members at IFF in Memphis, Tenn. continues.

Support for these workers has been unwavering: local and national politicians have rallied and written letters, the AFL-CIO has pledged resources, and BCTGM Local Unions from all over the country have traveled to Memphis to walk the line with their striking Union brothers and sisters.

Being on strike during the holiday season is especially tough. Please consider donating to the Local 390G IFF Workers’ Strike Fund by visiting GOFUNDME.com and searching for “IFF Strike.” Once again, the BCTGM shows what solidarity in action looks like.

We take on these fights because we know that good contracts build strong communities. When we win a battle for a good contract it benefits not just the members who are covered by that contract, but other workers and families. Throughout 2023, our Local Unions, with support from the BCTGM International, have negotiated new contracts that dramatically raised workers’ wages, protected their benefits and enhanced their quality of life. Our members demanded to be recognized for the value they bring to the table and many were willing to strike if challenged. Employers know that BCTGM members are willing to take to the street when forced and this was reflected in the excellent contracts that we won throughout North America in 2023.

We have learned how vital it is to the survival of this Union that we build on this strength and solidarity and expand the ranks of the BCTGM. In 2023, Locals in California, Colorado, Virginia, Pennsylvania, New York and Ohio–to name a few–concluded organizing drives of varying sizes. Locals in Right-to-Work-For-Less states also made tremendous strides organizing non-members and increasing union density in our plants.

I am proud of how much the BCTGM has accomplished over the last year. And while many challenges lie before us, we will build on the spirit of this great Union and meet these challenges with the courage and strength that we demonstrated in 2023.