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Representing manufacturing, production, maintenance and sanitation workers in the baking, confectionery, tobacco and grain milling industries.
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Due to a relentless anti-union campaign waged by Hearthside Foods, 600 workers at the London, Kentucky bakery have lost their Union election. The 304-222 loss coincided with eleven more unfair labor practice (ULP) charges filed on Sunday, May 5th, adding to the nine already documented during the campaign. “These newest charges are all related to the constant surveillance and intimidation the workers faced. The company issued really outrageous threats of losing their jobs—even deportation—and  several workers...

09 May, 2024

On Friday April 5, 2024, workers employed at the Hearthside Food Solutions (“Hearthside”) bakery in London, Kentucky filed for an election to be represented by the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union (BCTGM).  The bakery in London, which produces baked goods for Kellogg’s, Nabisco and General Mills, employs approximately five hundred people. The BCTGM international Union has also filed federal charges against Hearthside for multiple labor law violations committed during the organizing campaign...

09 April, 2024

The Merriam-Webster dictionary definition of solidarity is “unity (as of a group or class) that produces or is based on community of interests, objectives, and standards.” With the BCTGM, this is always the case, and our Local Unions exemplify the true meaning of solidarity through their actions. Jerry’s Broadway Bakery Local 22 (Minneapolis) Shop Steward Matt Hamada reached out to Local 22 President Wally Borgan with news that members led a bakery-wide effort to collect money...

12 December, 2023

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,...

11 December, 2023

Delight your friends and loved ones with holiday treats made by hard-working BCTGM members! Listed here is a small sampling of holiday goodies made by BCTGM members in the U.S. and Canada. Allan Candy Company (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. BCTGM Local 350T (Granby, Quebec) Annabelle Candy Company Rocky Road, Abba...

01 December, 2023

Approximately 50 allies from Labor and other advocacy organizations rallied in New York City yesterday in support of BCTGM Local 390G workers on strike against International Flavors and Fragrances (IFF) in Memphis, Tenn. The rally called attention to the strike, now in its fifth month, and urged the company’s negotiators to return to the bargaining table. Among the crowd, which gathered in front of the company’s headquarters at 521 W. 57th Street, were BCTGM International Secretary-Treasurer...

19 October, 2023

Four BCTGM Local Unions representing 1,200 members at Amalgamated Sugar have ratified a new collective bargaining agreement, which includes monumental language that protects and enhances benefits and wages. Contract negotiations began in May and became contentious as the company refused to back off some of their unfair demands. In late July, Union members rejected the company's proposal and voted to authorize a strike if a fair agreement was not reached. The pressure was on the company...

30 August, 2023

After 20 years with the International Union, Harry Kaiser, Executive Assistant to the International President, retired on July 14. He served under three International Union Presidents. Kaiser was hired by International President Frank Hurt in 2003 after serving as a political and legislative consultant to the International Union. After Hurt’s retirement in 2012, Kaiser served as Executive Assistant to International President David Durkee until his death in 2020. He continued to serve as Executive Assistant to...

24 August, 2023

BCTGM Local 390G members have been on strike against International Flavors and Fragrances (IFF) in Memphis, Tenn. since June 4.Workers had been working under the terms of their expired contract for more than a year and the company refused to negotiate a fair contract that protects the workers’ health insurance and overtime.Click here to tell IFF CEO and Executives to get back to the negotiating table! Striking members of Local 390G remain steadfast and strong...

05 July, 2023

BCTGM members have first-hand experience with the power of solidarity. The long days, nights and seasons outside your workplace fighting for a fair contract are made tolerable with the support of a larger community. Visits from other union workers who have stood shoulder to shoulder with striking BCTGM members helped bring strength and labor unity to all of our strikes. Four hundred UAW Local 12 members have been on strike against Clarios in Holland, Ohio since...

14 June, 2023

The National Labor Relations Board found merit in the BCTGM's charges that Aspire Bakeries committed numerous labor law violations during an organizing campaign at the company’s Ontario, California bakery. As a result, the Labor Board has ordered a new union election for workers at Aspire. Not long after workers at the bakery approached BCTGM Local 37 (Los Angeles) organizers about joining the BCTGM, the company hired a high-priced union busting firm to put a stop to...

12 June, 2023

Local 390G members at IFF have been working under the terms of an expired contract since last year. Negotiations halted after the company's last, best, final proposal included major health care and retirement takeaways and changes to overtime. Workers voted down the offer and hit the picket line — forgoing pay to fight for a fair collective bargaining agreement that rewards them for their hard work. Here is what Local 390G members have to say: I’m...

09 June, 2023

Each day, we'll feature members of Local 390G on strike against IFF in Memphis, Tenn. who will explain why they made the courageous decision to go out on strike. Their demands, including overtime pay after eight and no dramatic changes to their health insurance, boil down to a call for respect that they’re not getting. Going out on strike places a tremendous burden on workers and their families but workers in Memphis are fighting for their future....

07 June, 2023

On June 4th, nearly 200 members of BCTGM Local 390G went on strike against International Flavors and Fragrances (IFF) in Memphis, Tenn. The workers produce soy protein products which are used by companies including Nestle, Nestle Purina and Abbott Nutrition to manufacture baby formula, pet foods, soy-based nutritional powders and other food and beverage products. They are on strike because the company refuses to bargain in good faith for a fair contract. It is demanding to...

07 June, 2023

On June 4, after working under the terms of their expired contract for more than a year while the company refused to negotiate a fair contract protecting their health insurance and overtime, Local 390G members went on strike against International Flavors and Fragrances (IFF) in Memphis, Tenn. The Local 390G members produce soy protein products which are used by companies including Nestle, Nestle Purina and Abbott Nutrition to manufacture baby formula, pet foods, soy-based nutritional...

06 June, 2023