Coronavirus
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,
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The COVID-19 pandemic is disproportionately affecting women, particularly women with children and women of color. While both women and men are suffering the economic fallout of the virus, it is women — already more likely to be living in poverty than men, already more likely to be earning a smaller paycheck, already with less savings, already more likely to be in precarious jobs — who are being disproportionately squeezed. "These setbacks -- characterized by some economists as the nation’s first female recession -- stand in sharp contrast to the dramatic progress women...

Statement from AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) removing SARS-CoV-2 airborne transmission information from its website: Scientists across the world have been saying for months that the coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) travels distances through the air. The CDC finally acknowledged that on Friday but today abruptly retracted that recognition. This is a total and blatant disregard for science and keeps workers from getting the protections we need. This is yet another...

The coronavirus pandemic has amplified many workers' desires for workplace protections — both against losing their jobs and against the virus. Faced with unsafe working conditions or precarious employment, workers are turning to the BCTGM for help. "Employers may or may not provide the safety tools that workers need. And yet workers know that if they speak up and refuse to work without the proper safety measures, they'll be fired."BCTGM International Director of Organization John Price. Under...

As the COVID-19 pandemic ravages the country, working people are looking for ways to join together to form a union in their workplaces and negotiate for strong health and safety protections. The AFL-CIO has launched a new “Am I Safe at Work?” web tool to raise awareness of what a safe workplace should be, and how a union can help achieve those goals. The Am I Safe at Work web tool contains fundamental information to empower...

After months of delay, Senate Republicans have revealed a “bill” that spectacularly fails to meet the moment. It does nothing to address state and local budget crises and our cratering economy. As COVID cases spike and unemployment remains high, we need Senate Republicans to stop delaying and immediately turn to the crisis at hand. They cannot leave Washington again until the next relief package includes at least $1 trillion in federal aid to our states,...

Across the country, BCTGM members are taking action to pressure the U.S. Senate to pass the HEROES Act. It is the legislation we need to get America back on track. The HEROES Act includes an effective, comprehensive solution to the multiemployer pension funding crisis that would provide long-term security for pension funds, including the B&C Fund, and for beneficiaries.  Tell the Senate: Pass the Heroes Act! Additionally, the HEROES Act would protect frontline workers, make vital investments,...

The AFL-CIO has compiled an extensive state-by-state list of resources for workers impacted by the pandemic. The website separates resources under the following categories: Emergency Paid Leave; Health Insurance; Housing and Food Assistance; and Wages and Benefits. Please click here to visit the site and share with anyone impacted by COVID-19. ...

Many BCTGM members have worked throughout the COVID-19 pandemic to provide foods and snacks for North American families, while others have had hours reduced or had their plant temporarily closed. As states make plans for re-opening the economy, officials must remember that workers who have risked exposure to a deadly disease during this pandemic will never return to the same, old “normal”.    The National Council for Occupational Safety and Health (National COSH), has released a report...

Today, AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka unveiled the safety conditions working people are demanding before the economy is reopened. “We must do what the federal government has refused to: protect America’s workers. We should not be focusing on when we can reopen the economy but rather on how we should reopen it to ensure the health and safety of working people.”- AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka Safety First: Working People’s Plan for Reopening the Economy the Right Way: Workers...

BCTGM Local 6 (Philadelphia) members began baking bread again Easter weekend at the former Stroehmann Brothers Bakery in Hazelton, Pa. The bakery, owned by BIMBO BAKERIES USA, was closed last fall and was reopened to meet the increased demand for bread during the Coronavirus health crisis. Union members were recalled to begin production on April 10. Rosella DebiasDawn GillotScott Stauffer, Ed Bielen and Mike ScarlatoCindy WolcheskyChf. Steward John Tate Citing the importance of the health and safety...

As Congress and the federal government respond to COVID-19 and the economic crisis, the AFL-CIO is taking the lead with affiliate unions by advocating for the needs of working families. The labor movement is insisting that the next stimulus package include stronger workplace safety guidelines and more resources to protect front-line workers. The AFL-CIO is asking Congress for investments that will keep all workers employed and protect hard-earned pension benefits Provide funding for state and...

BCTGM Local 374G (Lancaster, Pa.) members are working hard to continue production of America's beloved Kellogg's cereals to help keep breakfast on the tables of Americans during the Coronavirus health crisis. Due to the COVID-19 national emergency, Kellogg's has increased production as well as its role in providing weekly donations to area food banks and community based youth and family organizations. L.374G members Cody Rakus and Jim Hockenberry.L.374G members Jim Hockenberry and Ron Laukhuff Cereals made...

On April 8, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) substantially weakened workplace protections for essential infrastructure workers – like BCTGM members – from COVID-19. The new CDC guidelines for businesses allows employers to require workers who have been exposed to COVID-19 to continue to work following exposure, provided they remain asymptomatic and some additional precautions are implemented. “This recommendation to put essential workers back to work after being exposed to COVID-19 is irresponsible and...

Payroll Tax Cut Scheme is a Severe Threat to Social Security  The following statement was issued by Richard Fiesta, Executive Director of the Alliance for Retired Americans, regarding President Trump’s April 7 statement that he supports cutting the payroll tax that funds Social Security and Medicare.  “During President Trump’s press conference yesterday with members of the Coronavirus Task Force, he made cavalier yet deeply disturbing comments that a permanent payroll tax cut would be a...