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Representing manufacturing, production, maintenance and sanitation workers in the baking, confectionery, tobacco and grain milling industries.
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Press Release MARCH 31, 2020 United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) International President Cecil E. Roberts issued the following statement today, mourning the passing of BCTGM International Union President David B. Durkee: โ€œDavid Durkee was one of my heroes in the labor movement. He fought like a lion on behalf of his members, unafraid to take on giant international corporations with courage, conviction and determination to preserve their jobs, their pensions and their communities. His ability to...

31 March, 2020

Statement by AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka on the passing of Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers (BCTGM) President David B. Durkee: AFL-CIO 3/31/20 Statement  The entire labor movement is saddened by the death of Dave Durkee. We have lost a brother, a friend and a fierce defender of working families. Dave spent his life fighting for workersโ€™ rights and advocating for a fair and just society. His dedication to our movement and our...

31 March, 2020

The BCTGM International Union is deeply saddened to announce the passing of BCTGM International Union President David B. Durkee, who died March 30 after a long and valiant battle with cancer. He was 66. Brother Durkee's distinguished 47-year career as a member and leader of the BCTGM was marked by an unwavering, untiring and relentless commitment to protecting and advancing the rights and standard of living of union members and their families. There was no fight...

30 March, 2020

While the vast majority of companies that employ BCTGM members have enacted new emergency policies to protect the health and welfare of its workers during the Coronavirus pandemic, a few have not. One such company is the Sara Lee Frozen Bakery in Traverse City, Michigan. Owned by the $7.5 billion private equity firm Kohlberg and Company, management has not offered any added protections or incentives to workers who have continued to work as part of the...

30 March, 2020

COVID-19 is a new disease and we are still learning much about it, including how it spreads. The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) has developed a training tool that is designed to aid in the development of awareness-level courses for workers in a broad array of industries and will be updated with new information as the situation evolves. COVID-19 is a new disease and we are still learning much about it, including how...

30 March, 2020

The BCTGM supports the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act (H.R. 748). This legislation includes a number of economic supports Americaโ€™s workers immediately require including an expansion of the unemployment insurance program, increased funding for schools, hospitals and state and local governments, and relief for the airline industry conditioned on the protection of worker rights. Given the urgency of the situation, Congress should pass this bill and President Trump should sign it today.ย  As...

27 March, 2020

Late last night, the Senate unanimously passed a $2.2 trillion coronavirus relief package. On its own, this bill will not be enough to revitalize our economy and keep people safe as the pandemic expands, but it is a step in the right direction. Congress will still need to act to protect workers. Through strong workplace protections and safety measures, we can continue doing our job and keep the rest of us healthy. Wins for workers in the...

26 March, 2020

BCTGM Workers play a vital role in helping ensure the continuity of the U.S. food supply The BCTGM represents thousands of workers at food processing facilities throughout North America who are working around the clock to keep grocery shelves stocked and food on the tables of working families in the United States and Canada.  The food processing sector has been deemed an โ€˜essential industryโ€™ by federal and state governments in the United States. The importance...

25 March, 2020

Bimbo Bakeries USA has announced plans to recall BCTGM bakers to re-open a bread bakery in Hazleton, Pa. to support the recent surge in demand caused by the COVID-19 health crisis. BCTGM Local 6 (Philadelphia) represented workers at the bakery until the bakery was closed last fall. The company will recall all of the former workers and voluntarily recognizes Local 6 as the exclusive bargaining agent for all employees. The company will implement a rapid...

24 March, 2020

On Saturday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act after negotiations with the White House. The bill provides certain workers with two weeks of paid sick leave and up to 12 weeks of paid family and medical leave at 67% of the person's normal pay. The bill, supported by the President, is headed to the Senate. However, the bill does not provide this leave to workers at companies with more...

16 March, 2020

BCTGM members across North America work for many different employers, each of which will have different policies surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. It is important for you to know what measures your employer is taking to ensure your safety. If you are unsure of your rights at this time, please consult your local union leaders. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) the measures for protecting workers from exposure to, and infection...

14 March, 2020

There is currently no vaccine to prevent Corona virus infection, the best way to protect yourself from infection is to avoid being exposed to this virus. Ways to protect yourself and others from coronavirus: Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.Avoid close contact with people who are sick.Stay...

13 March, 2020

Because we spend so much of our public lives at work, all workers need guidance on assessing their risk of exposure. Those who work in front line healthcare and transportation may be at the highest risk, while others will be at lower risk. (Click here to download this flier from the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health) HEALTH RIGHTS AT WORKYour employer is responsible for providing proper training, relevant personal protective equipment, and record-keeping of possible...

13 March, 2020

The world is on the verge of a deadly coronavirus pandemic due to COVID-19 and the disease is now spreading quickly throughout the United States. The impact of the outbreak already has been far reaching and the threat is growing. Current estimates demonstrate that more than 19 million workers in the United States would have an elevated risk of exposure to the COVID-19 virus in the event of a widespread outbreak, a significant portion of...

13 March, 2020

About the Coronavirus Outbreak โ€œCOVID-19,โ€ a new coronavirus, has been identified as the cause of a cluster of severe pneumonia cases that emerged in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China in December 2019. Thousands of contacts are under observation and hundreds of cases have been confirmed in Wuhan. Additional cases have been identified in Japan, South Korea, Thailand and the United States.  About โ€œCOVID-19โ€ The virus is a coronavirus, which is a large family of viruses that can infect animals and/or...

13 March, 2020