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Representing manufacturing, production, maintenance and sanitation workers in the baking, confectionery, tobacco and grain milling industries.
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On June 1, sixty-five members of BCTGM Local 1 (Chicago), went on strike at the Teasdale Latin Foods facility in Hoopeston, Ill. Teasdale Foods manufactures canned beans and hominy, sauces, spices and tortillas at plants across the country. The striking workers at Hoopeston, can, pack and distribute a variety of beans that are sold under the Teasdale brand, as well as under store brands including Walmart, Giant, Aldi and Jewel. The hard-working members are fighting against changes...

04 June, 2025

Most people believe the sugar they use and consume every day comes from sugarcane, but in the United States 60% of it is Union-made from sugar beets in the cooler climates to the north. BCTGM members make nearly all of the U.S.-made sugar from sugar beets. BCTGM Intl. Pres. Anthony Shelton tours the Twin Falls, Idaho Amalgamated Sugar Co. facility with Asst. Plant Mgr. Jorge DeVarona. “This time of year our farmers are planting sugar beet seeds...

28 May, 2025

“As a lifelong Union activist myself, I have found much fulfillment in retelling the stories of social justice activism through my art,” says retired AFSCME Council 31 Local 3506 Member and Artist Activist Stephanie Weiner. “A lot of my art is about Union organizing in the Southwestern U.S., especially New Mexico.” Weiner first learned of BCTGM Local 351’s (Albuquerque, N.M.) 2018 ‘Union T-Shirt Day’ from watching archived Union interviews at the University of New Mexico. “Andrew’s interview...

16 April, 2025

On April 5, BCTGM members gathered with labor allies and community members across the U.S. to tell President Trump, Elon Musk and Republicans in the House and Senate: Hands Off Our Unions! According to BCTGM International President Anthony Shelton, this is personal for BCTGM members. “In only two months, the Trump Administration has gutted federal agencies, paralyzed the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) and eliminated important health and safety protections for workers across our industries,” Shelton...

08 April, 2025

The needs of workers and workplaces alike are ever-changing, and the only way to stay at the forefront of this change is to gather often and learn together. The BCTGM prides itself on its commitment to education. In 2024, the International Union co-sponsored 36 Local Union training programs involving over 850 shop stewards and officers from 44 Local Unions. The International provides resources and materials for these trainings, which are taught by highly capable International Vice Presidents...

14 March, 2025

From a single, small confectionery in 1939, Schnuck’s Markets, Inc. has grown into a leading regional supermarket chain with 115 stores in Missouri, Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin. BCTGM Local 4 (St. Louis, Mo.) members at Schnuck’s Market Bakery in St. Louis are behind the cakes and other sweet goods that get shipped to the chain’s retail grocery stores for sale. “Our members not only bake the cakes in this facility, they elaborately decorate them,” says Midwest Region...

12 March, 2025

20 members of BCTGM Local 3G (Battle Creek, Mich.) have initiated an Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) strike against Knappen Milling Co. in Augusta, Mich. The workers, who make Knappen Milling Baking Flour, are fighting against low wages, safety concerns, and for a Union security clause to be written back into their contract following the repeal of a decade-long Right-to-Work law in their state. “Our wage increases have consistently lagged behind industry standards, and the percentage increases are...

11 March, 2025

BCTGM International President Anthony Shelton issued the following response to President Donald Trump’s decision to apply tariffs on Canada: The BCTGM International Union believes that the Trump Administration’s decision to apply a 25% tariff on goods entering the United States from Canada is unnecessary, misguided and potentially devastating for both Canadian and American workers, including thousands of BCTGM members. If the President is truly committed to bolstering manufacturing in the United States, he would be better served...

06 March, 2025

170 members of BCTGM Local 36G (Buffalo, NY) on strike against J.M. Smucker-owned Milk-Bone have voted to ratify a new collective bargaining agreement. This brings an end to the seven-week strike that began on October 28. Reflecting on the vote to accept the new agreement, BCTGM International President Anthony Shelton stated, “This has been a difficult fight for our striking BCTGM workers and their families. I could not be more proud of these hard working members who...

18 December, 2024

The BCTGM International Union is deeply saddened to announce the passing of BCTGM International Director of Organization John Price, who died on December 2, 2024. He was 64. 2018, Rallying for Pensions in Columbus, Ohio John was a tireless organizer and someone who never backed down from a challenge, particularly if there was an opportunity to bring new members into the BCTGM. John began his Union career in 1979, as member of Local 6 employed at Bake Rite...

04 December, 2024

On October 28th, 165 members of BCTGM Local 36G went on strike against Milk-Bone (owned by J.M. Smucker) in Buffalo, New York. The workers are fighting against an increased cost to their health care, low wages and the company’s blatant disrespect for the law and its employees. You can download a Fact Sheet on their strike here. Here are THREE ways you can help BCTGM Local 36G HOLD THE LINE: 1) Join the picket line or drop off...

25 November, 2024

BCTGM Local 114 members who work at the Franz Bakery in Springfield, Ore. have voted to accept a new collective bargaining agreement. Approval of the contract ends the BCTGM’s strike at the bakery which began on October 31, 2024. In commenting on the ratification, BCTGM International President Anthony Shelton states, “Our striking members at Franz Bakery courageously stood their ground in order to achieve a fair contract. It’s not an easy decision to hit the streets...

21 November, 2024

“Republican politicians can say they are pro-worker, but they have to show they are pro-worker by recognizing workers’ crucial right to organize and bargain,” Georgetown Professor/Labor Historian Joseph McCartin told the BCTGM Voices Project podcast on October 31. The podcast discussion, recorded a week before the 2024 presidential election, was moderated by BCTGM Communications Director Michelle Ellis and joined by Organizing Director John Price. It provided a look-back on the legislative journey of Labor through the...

07 November, 2024

October 31, 2024 – Nearly 200 members of BCTGM Local 114 (Portland, Ore.), who make Franz bread products for United States Baking Company in Springfield, Ore., have initiated a ULP strike against the company. The workers are striking over scheduling issues, work-life balance and low pay relative to the industry. “Our Franz members want a more just and fair scheduling system. We have proposed following Oregon’s new 'Predictive Scheduling Law' that would give our members more notice on...

31 October, 2024