The AFL-CIOβs 2023 edition of Death on the Job: The Toll of Neglect uncovered some startling newsβthe rate of death on the job for Black workers grew to the highest number in nearly two decades. Latino workers have the greatest risk of dying on the job, and their fatality rate has grown by 13% over the past decade. These increases in worker fatalities are not even attributable to COVID-19. There were 343 workers who died on...
Julie Su is the most qualified candidate to be Secretary of Labor and best choice to advance President Joe Bidenβs agenda for an inclusive economy. Su is a nationally recognized expert on workersβ rights and civil rights who has dedicated her distinguished legal career to advancing justice on behalf of poor and disenfranchised communities.In her 17 years as a civil rights lawyer, Su brought landmark lawsuits in coalitions representing African American, Latino, Asian American, and...
Lindsay-Goldberg Owned Company Charged with Violating Federal Labor Law BCTGM Local 37 (Los Angeles), has filed federal charges against Aspire Bakeries, for multiple labor law violations committed during an organizing campaign at the companyβs Ontario, California bakery.Aspire Bakeries, producer of Otis Spunkmeyer, La Brea Bakery and Oakrun Farm Bakery brands, is owned by the $17 billion private-equity firm Lindsay-Goldberg, which acquired Aspire in 2021 for $850 million.Soon after workers at the Ontario bakery approached BCTGM Local...
This year, for Black History Month, the AFL-CIO is highlighting union leaders who are currently active making Black history across the labor movement. This week the AFL-CIO highlighted the BCTGMβs very own Veronica Hopkins. Veronica became a member of the BCTGM 23 years ago, when she went to work at the Post cereal plant in Naperville, Illinois. The plant, now owned by MondelΔz International, was part of the nationwide Nabisco strike in 2021. As an...
More than 120 members of BCTGM 100G (Cedar Rapids, Iowa) on strike against Ingredion Corporation in Cedar Rapids voted to ratify a new collective bargaining agreement, bringing an end to the nearly six-month strike that began on August 1. Reflecting on the vote to accept the new agreement, BCTGM International President Anthony Shelton stated, βThis has been a long and difficult fight for our striking members and their families. With each new day on that picket line,...
Bureau of Labor Statistics data released today showed union membership in the United States grew by more than 273,000 in 2022, despite fierce and often illegal corporate union-busting. While the data also showed a slight dip in nationwide union density, the real story is that hundreds of thousands of workers overcame the odds to join a union last year in a system rigged against them. Corporate giants such as Amazon and Starbucks are spending millions of...
In a scathing letter to Ingredion CEO James Zallie, U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders (D-Vermont) called the company's treatment of its workers "absolutely unacceptable." BCTGM Local 100G (Cedar Rapids, Iowa) members at Ingredion have been on strike since August 1, 2022 - more than 23 weeks. The January 13 letter by Senator Sanders outlines the outrageous proposals by Ingredion that would cut vacation, force 12-hour shifts without overtime pay and diminish seniority. "The time has come...
Local 11 of the International Association of Fire Fighters based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa released a statement supporting BCTGM Local 100G members on strike at Ingredion and warning of a public safety emergency should the company continue to operate using unskilled (SCAB) labor: "We are urging Ingredion to bargain a fair and equitable contract for all of the BCTGM members employed in Cedar Rapids. As public safety professionals, the IAFF knows well the dangers that...
With more than 130 years of ongoing milling operations, the Toledo Flour Mill in Toledo, Ohio is the largest soft wheat flour milling operation in North America and one of the largest of its kind in the world. The Toledo Flour Mill began operations in 1892 and became part of the National Biscuit Company (Nabisco) in 1926. Workers at the Toledo Mill have been proudly represented by BCTGM Local 58G for more than 50 years. Flour...
A toy drive led by members of Local 84 and Hostess Brands brought holiday joy to children in Columbus, Georgia. Hostess Brands was eager join with the Union after seeing the success and happiness brought to the community following the back-to-school backpack giveaway at the Mildred Library. BCTGM International Representative Darrell Copeland worked closely with Allen Elementary School in Columbus to identify students who would needed the most support this holiday season. More than 30...
Delight your friends and loved ones with holiday treats made by hard-working BCTGM members! Allan Candy Canes (Hershey Company) Allan Traditional Candy Canes (Peppermint, Cherry and Mini Peppermint), Allan Holiday Collection Candy Canes (French Vanilla & Gingerbread, Butterscotch & Cappucino, Mini Canes), Allan Fruit Buddies Candy Canes, Allan Chewy Candy Canes.Local 350T (Granby, Quebec) Annabelle Candy Company Rocky Road, Abba Zaba, Look, Big Hunk and U-No.Boyer Candies: Mallo cups, Peanut Butter cups, triple twist pretzels.Local 125 (San Leandro, Calif.) Brown...
BCTGM Local 85 members who work at the Corn Nuts plant in Fresno, Calif. have voted to accept a new collective bargaining agreement. Approval of the contract ends the BCTGMβs strike at the Hormel-owned Corn Nuts production facility which began on August 15, 2022.In commenting on the ratification, BCTGM International President Anthony Shelton states, βOur striking members at the Corn Nuts plant courageously stood their ground and sacrificed so much in order to achieve a...
After nearly two months on strike, BCTGM members at Hormelβs Corn Nuts plant in Fresno, California are traveling to the Companyβs Global headquarters to demand an in-person meeting with the CEO. WHO: BCTGM Local 85 members from California, Minnesota BCTGM members, labor allies WHAT: Demonstrate outside Hormel HQ and call on CEO Jim Snee to meet WHERE: One Hormel Place, Austin, MN 55912 WHEN: Wednesday, October 19, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. After two months of rising tensions and no agreement,...
At Voortmanβs Bakery in Burlington, Ontario, BCTGM Local 264 (Toronto, Ontario) members warmly welcomed a small group of Ukrainian refugees who came to work at the bakery. Over the months since the war in Ukraine began, Canada has welcomed more than 82,000 Ukrainians fleeing their country, allowing them to make a fresh start in Canada.In the bakery, word spread quickly about the most pressing needs of the newly arrived Ukrainian workers. From clothing, bedding, furniture and...
Two months ago, delegates to the 41st Constitutional Convention of the BCTGM came together in solidarity and unity to set this Unionβs agenda for the next four years.Since that time, I have been working tirelessly with Secretary-Treasurer David Woods, our Regional International Vice Presidents and International staff to bring that Convention agenda to life. ORGANIZING: The BCTGM is organizing all around the country and hitting the streets to talk to workers in non-union workplaces about the...