BAKERY, CONFECTIONERY, TOBACCO WORKERS AND GRAIN MILLERS INTERNATIONAL UNION

JULY/AUGUST VOLUME 7 2005 NUMBER 4

Pages 8 & 9 the President’s Message LABOR AS VITAL AS EVER

If we are to listen to labor’s adversaries This is the destination all unions want to reach. Individual unions and even a handful of outspoken dis- simply take different routes getting there. gruntled union leaders, they would This diversity is one of the labor movement’s greatest strengths. have us believe that the American labor No two unions are the same. Each union serves its members in the movement is on its last leg and no way it determines to be the most effective. We come together under longer a vital force in the nation’s econ- the banner of the AFL-CIO on matters of common interest such as omy and society. Nothing could be further from the truth. political and legislative action. No doubt, these are difficult times for organized labor and Unity and solidarity remain the cornerstones of a successful, American workers. The federal government is controlled by individ- effective labor movement. When some in the house of labor choose uals who detest labor unions. Working hand in glove with employer to unfairly and publicly malign the AFL-CIO, it only serves to groups that bankroll them, these political leaders are utilizing every- embolden employers and the politicians who want to destroy organ- thing in their enormous regulatory and legislative arsenal to stifle ized labor. labor’s growth and weaken our ability to organize more workers and The labor movement was founded by people with vision and improve the standard of living for all working families. courage, willing to struggle together in order to create a better life At the same time, dramatic changes in the global economy over for American workers. Seventy years ago, these men and women the past decade have caused hundreds of thousands of union mem- confronted vicious goons and thugs hired by ruthless employers bers to lose their jobs to cheap foreign labor. It is absolutely mind determined to beat workers down. boggling how so many politicians are literally fighting to give away But, the labor movement survived and grew. American jobs, leaving our country more impoverished. The same courage and conviction are embodied in today’s Despite these powerful forces against us, the labor movement labor movement. Now, we face employers no less ruthless who hire remains—as it has for more than a century—the most important modern-day thugs—high-priced lawyers and consultants trained to and successful institution for social improvement and economic do whatever it takes to threaten, coerce and convince workers to growth in America. remain unorganized. Our contracts continue to raise the standard of living for work- But still the labor movement survives. ers in every sector of the economy. Union-negotiated health insur- And it will grow! The recent tremendous BCTGM organizing ance benefits continue to set the standard for quality health care for victory in Rome, Georgia (see pages 8 & 9) has proven once again, workers throughout the country. Organized workers continue to be when we are dedicated and stay true to our principles, unorganized the most productive workers in our economy. And organized labor working people will stand up and fight for justice and fairness on has been so successful in political mobilization that the corporate the job. bosses and ultra-conservative groups have been trying to copy our In the last 100 years, our adversaries have written the obituary programs for the last decade. of the American labor movement many times. Then as now, it is So what evidence do the naysayers use to make their case that simply wishful thinking on their part. America’s unions are here to organized labor is in major decline? They constantly point to the stay because our mission will never be completed as long as there decline in the percentage of the workforce that is organized from 33 are workers who want to improve their lives and defend the princi- percent in 1955 to 8.5 percent today. ples upon which our country was founded. As we know only too well from dealing with employers, num- bers can be deceiving. Let’s look at the facts and provide some con- Frank Hurt text to these numbers. Since the merger that formed the AFL-CIO BCTGM International President fifty years ago, the number of American workers belonging to unions in the federation has consistently been in the range of 13-15 million. However, during this time period the labor force has grown nearly 170 percent, from 49.5 million to 132.5 million. In the last decade alone there has been a population and work- force explosion with the U.S. civilian adult population growing by Official Publication of the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco 27 million and the total labor force by 18 million. Workers and Grain Millers International Union Moreover, in the last 10 years, the single largest decrease in 10401 Connecticut Avenue, Kensington, Maryland 20895-3961 AFL-CIO membership came from the disaffiliation of the (301) 933-8600 Carpenters Union (550,000). Additionally, the September 11 www.bctgm.org terrorist attacks destroyed the jobs of tens of thousands of organ- Frank Hurt, Editor ized workers whose unions are part of the AFL-CIO. Finally, as Corrina A. Christensen, Assistant Editor referenced above, disastrous trade policies such as NAFTA have BCTGM GENERAL EXECUTIVE BOARD President Frank Hurt • Secretary-Treasurer David B. Durkee • led to a devastating loss of membership for AFL-CIO unions in the Executive Vice President Joseph Thibodeau • Vice Presidents Jeanne Graham • manufacturing sector. Harry A. Guildner • Anthony L. Johnson • Sean Kelly • Michael T. Konesko • Arthur Montminy • Robert Oakley • Randy Roark • Despite all of this, as a percentage of the labor force, the AFL- Ronald D. Schreiber CIO shrunk by only 1.2 percent over the last decade. This is BCTGM GENERAL EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBERS certainly disappointing but hardly the “crisis” described by the Joyce Alston • Edward Burpo • Randy W. Fulk • naysayers. Oscar B. Giles • Johnny Jackson • Paul LaBuda • Richard Lewis • Narcisco Martas • Herbert W. Marx • Danny Murphy • All in all, the labor movement has held its own in a period of Donna Scarano • Brad Schmidt • William Sprandel • Doyle Townson

historic economic, political and social upheaval. Of course every BCTGM News (ISSN 1525-4860) is published bi-monthly by the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union, 10401 Connecticut Avenue, Kensington, MD 20895-3961. Periodicals postage paid at Kensington, MD and at addi- union, including the BCTGM, wants to grow and become stronger tional mailing offices. Subscription to new members only. Postmaster: Send address changes to BCTGM News, 10401 Connecticut so that we can represent our members in the best possible way. Avenue, Kensington, MD 20895-3961.

2 BCTGM News Hershey Workers Begin 98th Season More than 150 BCTGM Local top to bottom in the central plant, special garage mechanics, store- M464 members help make sign shop, carpenter shop, paint room and game technicians. Hershey Park in Hershey, Pa. shop, plumbing shop, utility crew, Pictured here are the Local 464 one of America’s safest and most labor crew, and the electrical members hard at work preparing enjoyable summer vacation des- shop. Additionally, two crews of Hershey Park for another suc- tinations. The Park opened for its Local 464 members make up the cessful, fun-filled season. 98th season on May 6. east and west ride mechanics, the Union members staff the park machine shop, the welding shop,

ᮡ Utility worker Peggy Zimmerman maintains the park signs. ᮡ Sign artist Mike Landis touches up a chariot on the Carrousel.

ᮡ Ride mechanic Brian Willard maintains the Balloon Flite Ride.

ᮣ Utility worker Tina Miller empties a trash receptacle. ᮡ Ride mechanic Rick Nowlen inspects the safety bars on the Chaos Ride. ᮡ Glenn Hoffer maintains the beauty of Hershey Park grounds.

ᮤ Electricians Barry Thompson and Bob ᮡ Ride mechanics Bruce Winters Weitzel check the and John Saltzer inspect tracking lights on the Music on top of the Comet Coaster. Express.

July/August 2005 www.bctgm.org 3 An Unbalanced Trade Policy By U.S. Representative Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) YYou can set your watch by it. More than 8,000 Guatemalan Whenever a trade pact comes workers protested against CAFTA to Congress, its supporters warn in March; the police responded the American people that if we with tear gas. In El Salvador, don’t pass the agreement our tens of thousands protested the economy will be hurt and our agreement; the Salvadoran legis- trading partners will be devastat- lature responded by passing it in ed. the middle of the night with no An annual U.S. trade deficit notice and little debate. that has gone from $38 billion to In Costa Rica, 30,000 protest- $617 billion in a dozen years ers took to the streets last fall. makes those claims hard to And Costa Rican President Abel believe. And since Congress Pacheco announced this month passed President Bush’s trade that his country would not ratify promotion authority three years CAFTA unless an independent ago, we have lost one-sixth of commission could determine that our manufacturing jobs. Since Congress passed the agreement will not hurt the When the proponents of working poor. trade agreements have nothing President Bush’s What really makes sense is a left to sell, the name-calling and trade policy that lifts workers up misrepresentations begin. Now trade promotion in rich and poor countries alike that the Central American Free authority three years while respecting human rights Trade Agreement (CAFTA) has and democratic principals. been sent to Congress, its sup- ago, we have lost Workers’ rights should enjoy the porters are calling its opponents same guaranteed protections as isolationists, or protectionists, or one-sixth of our CAFTA provides to prescription even anti-democratic. They claim manufacturing jobs. drug companies. Environmental that those who oppose this trade and food safety laws deserve the agreement are simply special same legal standing that CAFTA interest opposed to trade, that developed in Seattle, or prime extends to CDs and Hollywood they don’t care about the poor in beef from Nebraska. CAFTA is films. the developing world, that they about U.S. companies moving The United States, with its want to pull up the ladder and plants to Honduras, outsourcing unrivaled purchasing power and keep out foreigners. For a jobs to El Salvador and exploit- its enormous economic clout, is change, let’s look at the facts. ing cheap labor in Guatemala. in a unique position to help The combined economic out- Opposition to CAFTA is deep empower poor workers in devel- put of the Central American and broad in the United States: oping countries while promoting countries is about $62 billion, workers are anxious about their prosperity at home. When the equivalent to that of Columbus, jobs, their pensions, their health world’s poorest people can buy Ohio or Memphis, Tenn. Annual care; school districts that lose American products, not just per capita income of a revenue with every plant shut- make them, then we will know Nicaraguan worker is about down; small businesses that that our trade policies are finally $2,300, less than one-sixteenth can’t compete with corporations working. of an American’s. using cheap labor to undercut This Op-Ed first appeared in CAFTA will not enable the market. The Washington Post on May 31 Central American workers to buy Opposition is just as deep and has been reprinted with per- cars made in Ohio, or software and broad in Central America. mission by Congressman Brown.

4 BCTGM News FIRST CONTRACT for Mother’s Kitchen Workers Following five months of negotia- Ftions on their first collective bar- gaining agreement, Local 6 (Philadelphia) members employed at the Mother’s Kitchen plant in Burlington, New Jersey overwhelmingly ratified the pro- posed agreement in late May. The four-year agreement features wage increases of $1.60 over the life of the con- tract, 11 paid holidays, guaran- teed vacations and personal Mother’s Kitchen workers listen leave, the establishment of a intently during the contract ratifi- joint health and safety commit- cation meeting in May. tee, the continuation of an annual bonus, the establish- ment of a comprehensive griev- Chief Shop Condran. “This shows that if Steward and ance procedure and inclusion workers stay united, and are negotiation in the B&C Pension Plan. In educated about employer’s anti- committee member Terrance union campaigns, they will pre- addition, the contract stipulates Schoolfield reviews the pro- that the BCTGM union label will vail in the end and form their posed first contract with the union,” continued Condran. appear on all Mother’s Kitchen Local 6 members. packaging. The union’s negotiating com- Mother’s Kitchen workers mittee was made up of Condran, resentation in September 2004 originally voted for BCTGM rep- Local 6 officers Barry Fields and after a highly contentious organ- Joe Medley, and Mother’s izing campaign. That campaign, Kitchen Chief Shop Steward which had begun in December Terence Schoolfield, and Shop 2003, saw the National Labor Steward Georgia Horne. Relations Board (NLRB) rule Mother’s Kitchen, which has against the anti-union activities been owned by privately-held of the company. After the NLRB Rich Products since 2003, manu- issued a re-run election, Mother’s factures a wide variety of cheese- workers voted to join the cakes, gourmet cakes, and pies. BCTGM. The Burlington plant has the According to International capacity to produce more than Representative James Condran, 60,000 cheesecakes a day and who led the organizing campaign distributes product in the and the subsequent negotiations, Northeastern United States. The the members are excited about BCTGM represents more than Following the ratification the new contract. “After the 700 Rich Products’ workers in meeting, Shop Steward Georgia Horne (left) poses lengthy organizing campaign, our Buffalo, N.Y.; Winchester, Va.; for a photo with Intl. Rep. members were really intent on Murfreesboro, Tenn.; El Cajon, James Condran. ratifying an agreement they Cypress, and Santa Fe Springs, could be proud of,” noted Calif.

July/August 2005 www.bctgm.org 5 Enjoy a BCTGM Union-Made Summer

From chips, pies and cookies to vacations, ice cream cones, hot dog buns and soda, products made by BCTGM members are essential ingredients for summertime fun. The products listed on these pages are just a small sampling of the BCTGM-made products in your respective area. However, please note that this list is not inclusive of every BCTGM local or union-made product. More than 120,000 union mem- bers work for hundreds of North America’s best food companies producing thousands of quality goods, too numerous to list.

Ice Cream & Frozen Desserts Pretzels Vitafreeze Frozen Confections: Sacramento, Calif. Frito-Lay, Inc., Rold Gold Div.: Canton, Ohio (Local 85) (Local 19) Tom Sturgis Pretzels, Inc.: Shillington, Pa. (Local 6) Ice Cream Toppings The Bachman Company: Reading, Pa. (Local 6) The Masterson Company: Milwaukee, Wisc. Snacks/Chips (Local 244) Frito-Lay, Inc.: Topeka, Kan. (Local 218) Ice Cream Cones Keystone Foods Products, Inc.: Easton, Pa. (Local 6) Norse Dairy Systems: Los Angeles, Calif. (Local 37) Humpty Dumpty Snack Foods, Inc.: Lachine, P.Q. Pickles & Relishes (Local 550) Mike-Sell’s Potato Chip Co.: Dayton, Ohio Oxford Foods LLC: S. Deerfield, Mass. (Local 57) (Local 50) Happy’s Potato Chip Co.: Minneapolis, Minn. Baked Beans (Local 22) General Mills: Bugles, West Chicago, Ill. Burnham and Morrill (B&M): Portland, Maine (Local 316G) (Local 334) Salad Dressings Cookies Keebler: Soft Batch, Rainbow Chips Delux, Pheiffer Foods: Wilson, N.Y. (Local 802) Cincinnati (Local 253) Beverages Nabisco: Mallomars, Oreo, Fudge Covered Oreo, Philadelphia, Pa. (Local 492) Tea Bags—Salada Foods/Redco, Inc., Little Barnum’s Animals, Nutter Butter, Cameo, Falls, N.Y. (Local 50) Fairlawn, N.J. (Local 719) Soda Pop—Canada Dry, 7-UP, A&W Root Stella D’Oro, Bronx, N.Y. (Local 50) Beer, Orange Crush, and RC Cola, Mother’s Archway Cookies: Oakland, Calif. Denver, Colo. (Local 26) (Local 125) Pasta Vortman’s: Fig bars, sugar wafers, chocolate chip and sandwich cookies, Toronto, Ont. New World Pasta: Fresno, Calif. (Local 85) (Local 264) Dakota Growers Pasta Co.: New Hope, Minn. (Local 22) Sweet Goods Mt. Rose Ravioli and Macaroni Entenmann’s: Bay Shore, N.Y. (Local 3) Co.: E. Farmington, N.Y. (Local 102) Safeway Bakery: Locals 114 (Portland, Ore.) Ronzoni Foods Canada (New 118 (Washington, D.C.), 68 (Baltimore, Md.) World Pasta): Montreal, Quebec IBC: Dolly Madison, Blue, Hostess sweet goods, (Local 227) cakes and pies, Emporia, Kan. (Local 218)

6 BCTGM News Bread & Rolls Bimbo: Oroweat bread, The Importance of the Francisco bun and rolls, BCTGM Union Label Beaverton, Ore. (Local 114) Mrs. Baird’s bread, hamburger and wiener rolls, Ft. In the 1890’s the newly formed National Worth, Tex. (Local 111) Tobacco Workers Union came up with a way to IBC: Wonder Bread, hamburger buns and rolls, expand their membership: they convinced Pomona, Calif. (Local 37) tobacco manufacturers that the Union Label Boudin Bakeries: Assorted sourdough bread and rolls, would help them sell their product. The Union San Francisco, Calif. (Local 24) toured towns and cities promoting the Label John J. Nissen Baking Co.: Bread, rolls, english encouraging mine workers, loggers and millers muffins, Biddeford, Maine (Local 334) to only buy tobacco which had the Union Label. Weston: Freihofer’s white, wheat, and rye The power of the Union Label allowed the Union breads, hamburger and wiener rolls, brown n’ to organize at a feverish pace, since the tobacco serve rolls, english muffins, Albany, N.Y. manufacturers were under pressure from the (Local 50) public to provide union-made product. By Sara Lee: Sunbeam, Smith’s, IronKids, 1897, 27 companies in 16 cities were using the Country Grain, Cooper’s Mill buns, rolls Label. This strategy allowed the Union to expand and bread, Mobile, Ala. (Local 149) across the country and become a powerful Kroger Co.: Bread, soft buns and rolls, Columbus, force within the labor movement. Ohio (Local 57) Today, the Union Label is negotiated into the Crackers collective bargaining agreement. Pick up a loaf Nabisco: Harvest Crisps, Wheat Thins, Ritz, Vegetable of Wonder Bread, or a box of See’s Candies, and Thins, Snackwells, Honey Maid Grahams, Potato Air you will see the BCTGM Union Label. This is a Crisps, Atlanta, Ga. (Local 42) source of pride, not only for the individuals Better Cheddar, Premium, Wheat Thins, Ritz, Air making or delivering the product, but also for Crisps, Cheese Nips, Portland, Ore. (Local 364) the Union as a whole. The Union Label demon- Ritz, Wheat Thins, Honey Maid Graham, Cheese strates that the workers who produce the prod- Nips, Chicago (Local 300) uct are skilled workers who are treated fairly and Keebler: Town House, Club, Zesta, Cincinnati, Ohio decently by their employers because they (Local 253) belong to a Union. Manischewitz Co.: Garlic Tams Matzoh Crackers, Wheat Crackers, Honey & Spice Matzoh Crackers, Note: Not all BCTGM products have a union Onion & Poppy Matzoh Crackers, Savory Garlic label. Please see the accompanying article, Matzoh Crackers, Everything Matzoh Crackers, or visit our website for a general list of Jersey City, N.J. (Local 3)

UNION MADE HOSPITALITY

Outstanding BCTGM hospitality is what you can expect at Canad Inn’s Polo Park Inn and Club Regent Casino Hotel in Winnipeg, Manitoba where all workers are represented by BCTGM Local 389. From the front desk workers to the housekeepers, cooks and bartenders, the two affiliated hotels are staffed top to bottom with BCTGM members. For more information call: 1-888-33-CANAD

In Hershey, Pa. workers at Hershey Park, the Hershey Lodge, Hotel Hershey and the Hershey Convention Center are members of BCTGM Local 464 (see page 3 highlighting the work of Hershey members!). The park offers a number of admission packages and you can be proud that by visiting the park, you’ll be supporting the work of your union brothers and sisters. For more information call 1-800-HERSHEY or visit www.HersheyPA.com.

July/August 2005 www.bctgm.org 7 KelloggWorkersWin in Rome, Ga. hen Dewayne W Tanner first attempted to form a union at began reflecting on the the Mondo plant to address last 10 years of his issues such as favoritism, pension working life in Rome, benefits, and higher wages, a Ga., he decided that majority of workers signed cards something had to be indicating they wanted union rep- done to change the resentation. However, Mondo environment in which embarked on a campaign which he and his co-workers led the pro-union majority to were being forced to dwindle and eventually lose the work. vote in favor of union representa- The former Southeastern Mills Inc.’s Mondo tion. After Kellogg aquired the plant, workers attempt- Bakery plant in Rome was acquired by the Kellogg ed once again to form a union. However, Kellogg held Company in December 1999. The Mondo plant first meetings in which the company convinced the work- began manufacturing convenience foods for Kellogg in ers that they could provide everything the union 1993. could and more. “I work 12 hour shifts, five days a week and it has This year, the Kellogg workers were determined to gotten me nowhere. Under Mondo, I was living pay organize despite resistance by the company. A majori- check to pay check in a place where favoritism, ty of the plants 584 workers signed cards requesting a harassment and discrimination prevailed. I had no formal vote for union representation. Gus Howren, a hope and no voice. We all needed the union,” recalls 21-year employee who has supported all three organ- Tanner, as he is known by his co-workers. izing efforts at the bakery notes, “We needed the After years of hard work and dedication and two union so we could have the same set of rules that previous unsuccessful attempts to join the union, the other Kellogg workers have.” workers at the Kellogg plant in Rome finally won a Despite facing seemingly insurmountable voice at work on June 3 when they voted to become obstacles, the workers can now collectively members of BCTGM Local 25 (Chattanooga, Tenn.). bargain with the company to negotiate fair Although the majority of wages, benefits, and Kellogg workers throughout the working conditions. U.S. and Canada are organized, One of the key the Rome workers had not been elements to the suc- able to unionize the facility. More cess of this organiz- than 10 years ago when workers ing campaign, says International Vice President Tony Johnson, was the involvement of rank-and-file organizers. Local 25 members Jeff Webb and Jose Cruise and Local 280 (Evansville, Ind.) organizer Jenny Butler were vital throughout the campaign. Cruise, who is employed at the Sara Lee plant in Rome, worked with International Representative Cesar Calderon in communicating with the plant’s Hispanic workers.

8 BCTGM News up, reared our shoulders back and used our collective voices to say ‘no more lies!’ In the end, the victory was ours,” Tanner concludes. The Rome worker’s “We only want vote for union representa- what workers tion is one of the largest victories for the BCTGM in Johnson also commended the hard work and dedica- at other plants recent years. “I think the tion of International Representatives James Rivers, who union will be good for this led the campaign, and John Price, who served as cam- have—to be plant because the workers paign coordinator. Also working on the organizing effort treated with can be united,” says were International Representatives Barbara Fields, Phyllis Tolbert. “The union Anthony Shelton, Bill Hilliard, and Bill Daunhauer. dignity and will help end discrimina- Local 25 officers Tommy Kelly, Tommy Weber and Larry tion with guidelines for Aultman were also important participants. respect as management to follow. The Some of the workers equated the organizing victory human beings.” union can do this because to the start of a new life. “We spoke before—but were it stands for unity.” not heard. Once again we speak but this time we BCTGM International President Frank Hurt speak as one through the union,” says David Smith. expressed confidence that the workers at the Kellogg “We only want what workers at other plants have—to plant will now enjoy the dignity, justice and respect be treated with dignity and respect as human beings that come with a BCTGM collective bargaining agree- and to be able to work in a place free of favoritism ment. “These men and women take pride in their work with equal and fair treatment for all.” and will now have the ability to negotiate a contract “There was nothing they could possibly say to that includes wages and benefits that are fair and sat- make us vote no,” recalls Tanner. “Rumors began to isfactory to them. creep around that “This is a tremendous victory for the workers and our plant would my congratulations go out to the workers as well as close down, or the crew of rank-and-file organizers and International that we would get staff,” said Hurt. fired if we voted The Kellogg workers can now begin the collective yes. We did not bargaining process to win improvements in job securi- care. We stood ty, wages, work rules and benefits. Their success also has implications on a larger scale—demonstrating that it’s possible to organize within the manufacturing sec- tor in the face of considerable difficulties. According to International Secretary-Treasurer/ Director of Organization David B. Durkee, “This triumph gives hope to all the workers attempting to organize under arduous labor laws and resistant employers.” The BCTGM represents more than 4,500 workers at Kellogg plants throughout the U.S. and Canada. This organizing victory brings 584 new Kellogg mem- bers into the BCTGM and ensures the Rome workers a voice at work.

July/August 2005 www.bctgm.org 9 TOBACCO LOCAL LEADERS READY TO HANDLE CHALLENGES

The 2005 Tobacco Presidents and Vice Presidents meeting vation and relentless efforts by anti-tobacco zealots to provided an important opportunity for local officers and the destroy the industry. International Union to address the wide range of challenges “State and local governments across the country have been facing the BCTGM’s tobacco industry membership including using tobacco to try and cure their fiscal ills. They continue to anti-tobacco government policies, organizing non-union man- increase tobacco taxes and use settlement money to replace ufacturers and the changing attitude of employers regarding the funds they have lost because of this Administration’s mis- workplace issues. guided federal tax policies. Our members and their families BCTGM International President Frank Hurt attended the meet- are paying the price every day,” Hurt said. ings and provided the group with a report on the major activities of the International over the past year, as well as “I want to assure our tobacco industry members that the Inter- developments in the other sectors of the Union. national continues to stand with you and will assist in any way we can on legislative and regulatory battles, as well as issues arising in In his address to the group, Hurt discussed the enormous collective bargaining and membership service,” he concluded. changes that have taken place in the tobacco industry over the last decade, particularly the unfortunate steep decline in Local leaders joined with Hurt in reaffirming their commit- the union’s tobacco membership—now less than 8,000. This ment to doing whatever it takes to protect BCTGM members’ decline, said Hurt, has been the result of technological inno- jobs and standard of living.

Local 446 Holds 26th Educational Conference Local 446 (Halifax, Nova Scotia) held its annual Paid Educational Conference (PEC) in May for 30 shop stewards. For 26 years, the local has held the training to edu- cate stewards on important topics like collective bargaining, legisla- tion and workers rights. Employers of the stewards pay lost wages and all expenses for the stewards to attend the conference, as Pictured here are it is defined in Local 446 members participating in their collective the educational agreements. conference. The confer- ence, held May 1- 3 at a BCTGM-rep- resented hotel, focused on griev- a session on the rights of tance of evidence leading up to ance handling and health and employees when they are injured arbitration proceedings and the safety issues. Representatives on the job. On the final day of conduct of witnesses. All ses- from the Nova Scotia Workers the conference, a Labour sions were followed by a ques- Compensation Board conducted Arbitrator discussed the impor- tion and answer period.

10 BCTGM News 2005 BCTGM International Scholarship Recipients

The BCTGM proudly announces the winners of the 2005 BCTGM International Scholarship Program. Ten $1,000 one-time awards were presented to the below students. The BCTGM International Scholarship Program is an example of the union’s commitment to higher education at a time when college costs continue to soar out of reach for many working families. Since 1962, the International has helped fulfill the educational dreams of students representing BCTGM families across North America.

David Brooks, son of Gary Brooks Sarah Kim, daughter of Sam S. Kim member of BCTGM Local 50G member of BCTGM Local 374G (Omaha, NE) employed at Kellogg (Lancaster, PA) employed at Kellogg Company. He will attend Colorado Company. She will attend Rhode State University. Island School of Design. Anthony Daroqui, son of Manny Denee Moore, daughter of Howard Daroqui member of BCTGM Local 69 M. Moore, Jr. member of BCTGM Local (Port Chester, NY) employed at George 203T (Richmond, VA) employed at Weston Limited. He will attend Philip Morris USA. She will attend Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. University of Virginia. Tasha DiLoreto, daughter of Carlo Yen Nhi Nguyen, daughter of An T. DiLoreto member of BCTGM Local Nguyen member of BCTGM Local 118 154G (London, ON, Canada) (Washington, DC) employed at Giant employed at Kellogg Canada Inc. She Food Inc. She will attend University of will attend King’s University College. Virginia. Clarissa DuBose, daughter of Adam Ohl, son of Claudia C. Ohl Monica M. DuBose member of member of BCTGM Local 347G BCTGM Local 374G (Lancaster, PA) (Danville, IL) employed at Quaker employed at Kellogg Company. She Oats Company. He will attend Butler will attend The University of Arizona. University. Cassey Ho, daughter of Bach T.K. Ho Elizabeth Sperry, step-daughter of Harold member of BCTGM Local 125 (San J. Killinger member of BCTGM Local 464 Leandro, CA) employed at Safeway (Hershey, PA) employed at Hershey Stores, Inc. She will attend University Chocolate Company. She will attend of California at Berkeley. University of Pittsburgh Honors College.

Two BCTGM Family Members 2006 Applications Receive Union Plus Scholarships Applications for the 2006 awards will be available in September 2005. To down- Cassey Ho and and Yen Nhi Nguyen, children of BCTGM load the application from the Union members, have been selected to receive 2005 Union Plus Privilege website at that time, visit Scholarship awards. Ho, daughter of Local 125 (San Leandro, www.unionplus.org/scholarships. Or, Calif.) member Bach T.K. Ho, will receive a $1,000 scholar- send a postcard with your name, return ship. Nguyen, daughter of Local 118 (Washington, D.C.) address, telephone number and interna- member An T. Nguyen, will also receive a $1,000 award. tional union affiliation to: Union Plus The two scholars are among 120 students from 40 AFL-CIO Education Foundation, c/o Union affiliated unions who collectively were awarded $150,000 in Privilege, P.O. Box 34800, Washington, scholarships from the Union Plus program. D.C. 20043-4800.

July/August 2005 www.bctgm.org 11 ECSC Meets to Reflect and Strategize SSixty-three delegates represent- living. The ing 21 local unions gathered BCTGM has May 24-26 for the annual a long histo- BCTGM East Central States ry of success Council (ECSC) meeting to share in protecting information and prepare for vari- our member- ous challenges the BCTGM and ship and labor will face in the coming we’ll fight year. any employer The event, held in Atlantic City, N.J., pro- vided a valuable oppor- tunity for local union leaders from BCTGM Regions One and Two, The ECSC delegates (left and above) to meet with Inter- listen and take notes as BCTGM Intl. national Executive Pres. Frank Hurt (below) outlines the Officers, Vice challenges labor faces. Presidents and Representatives. more. The ECSC also In his keynote set a new record for address, International their BCTGM-PAC President Frank Hurt participation and assured delegates of the financial willing to take us pledged to reach out soundness of the International on,” Hurt told dele- to their local union Union and the B&C Pension gates. members to educate Fund. Hurt also provided the International and activate them in delegates with a comprehensive Secretary- the political process. overview of the current political Treasurer/Director Also addressing environment including attacks of Organization the Council were on Social Security and new David B. Durkee discussed International Executive Vice financial reporting requirements recent labor law changes and the President Joseph Thibodeau, by the Department of Labor. vital importance of organizing. Assistant to the President Harry Hurt also discussed the status of “With the loss of U.S. jobs due Kaiser, International Vice the Interstate Bakeries Corp. to unfair trade policies, it is more Presidents Bob Oakley and Art (IBC) bankruptcy proceedings important than ever to organize Montimy, and Bakery & and the upcoming AFL-CIO con- the thousands and thousands of Confectionery Pension Fund vention. non-union workers employed Manager Lew Davis. “This last year has been very within BCTGM jurisdictions,” The delegates re-elected Local difficult for all of labor and work- said Durkee. He also highlighted 50 (New York, N.Y.) President ing people. However, I am proud the Employee Free Choice Act Joyce Alston as ECSC President, of our many successes. We will which would enable these work- Local 802 (Buffalo, N.Y.) continue to protect our members’ ers to join unions freely and Business Agent James Short as jobs, pensions, health care bene- without fear. Executive Vice President, Local 6 fits in every set of contract nego- Local union delegates pre- (Philadelphia) President John tiations. It all comes down to our sented reports to the council on Cairns as Treasurer and Local 19 ability to preserve and strength- contract ratifications, organizing (Cleveland) President Paul en our members’ standard of campaigns, political activity and LaBuda as Secretary.

12 BCTGM News Summer Reading List for Workers

returns home to North Carolina and discovers his FICTION roots from family matriarch and boyhood nemesis Mama Lucy. Pick learns through a fascinating series of flashbacks that his grandmother had been on the The Island Walkers front lines of the general textile strike of 1934, one of By John Bemrose the most dramatic and bloodiest—and least dis- The Walker family lives cussed—periods of American history. This is a sweep- in the Island, a small ing novel, at times hilarious and heart-wrenching, is neighborhood of work- altogether a great read. ing-class homes along a bend in the Attawan The Ax River of Ontario. Like By Donald E. Westlake the Island’s other resi- dents, Alf Walker has Burke Devore doesn’t need a handout or a worked at the lecture...he just needs a job. “Downsized” after 25 Bannerman’s textile mill years of loyal service as a mill manager, he regrets he since he returned from World War II with didn’t have any union protection when the blow his English wife, Margaret. Bannerman’s seems like a came, he wonders whether the whole system is a fortress for the Island, unchanging and implacable, farce...but most important, he’s desperate to get until the news comes that a Quebec-based firm has back to work in his field. purchased the mill. Firings quickly follow, a union organizer arrives, and the remaining workers scram- NON-FICTION ble to choose sides in a bid to keep their livelihoods. Bemrose writes with quiet power, unflinchingly depicting the painful aftershocks that occur when the Blue Collar Jesus: How Christianity forces of modernity collide with the forces of custom. Supports Workers’ Rights By Darren Cushman Wood The Killing of Karen Silkwood This thoughtful new (2005) book offers the most thor- By Richard Rashke ough analysis to date of workers’ rights from a reli- This is a new (2004), updated edition of the ground- gious perspective. It reveals biblical and ethical prin- breaking book about the death of union activist ciples for justice in the workplace, and explores the Karen Silkwood, an employee of a plutonium pro- vast and diverse tradition of labor activism among cessing plant, who was killed in a mysterious car the major Christian factions. From the Roman crash on her way to deliver important documents to Catholic Church to the Southern Baptist Convention, a newspaper reporter in 1974. Silkwood’s death at the author analyzes the history and beliefs that sup- age 28 was highly suspicious: she had been working port labor unions. With rich historical and theological on health and safety issues at the plant, and a lot of insights, Wood argues persuasively that labor unions people stood to benefit by her death. are legitimate instruments of God’s will for creating a The issues this book explores—whistleblowers, just society. worker safety, the environment, and nuclear vulnera- bility—are as relevant today as they were 30 years Be sure to support union workers and order your ago. This edition includes a new foreword by labor books from Powell’s Books. This union bookstore (and scholar and activist Kate Bronfenbrenner, a new pref- the largest bookstore in the entire U.S.) features new, ace, and three short chapters that explore what has used and rare books for adults and children; out of been learned about Silkwood since the book’s origi- print, e-books, technical books and school books. nal publication in 1981. When you buy on-line, Powell’s union workers receive a share of the sales revenues. The Bridge Powell’s Books, Inc. By Doug Marlette 1005 West Burnside Ave. Portland, Oregon 97209 Pulitzer prize-winner Doug Marlette, comes from a http://www.powellsunion.com union family, as this fictional but clearly autobio- Phone: 800-291-9676 graphical novel reveals. When Pick Cantrell is fired Union: ILWU 5 from his New York newspaper cartooning job he

July/August 2005 www.bctgm.org 13 Members of BCTGM Locals 57 (Columbus, Ohio) and 346G (Martel, Ohio) were joined by Intl. Pres. Frank Hurt and Intl. Rep. John J. Price at the Ohio Democratic Party dinner on May 21. Pictured here (from left to right) is Local 57 Asst. Bus. Agt. Phil Barney, Local 57 Fin. Secy-Treas./Bus. Agt. Vester Newsome, Intl. Rep. Price, Intl. Pres. Hurt, Local 346G Fin. Secy. Karen McClintock, Local 346G Vice Pres. Steph Mahle, Local 346G Rec. Secy. Will Leathem, and After leaving high school 60 years ago, Local 57 Trustee and Political Coordinator Glen Shaw. (In atten- BCTGM Local 19 (Cleveland) retiree dance, but not pictured is Local 346G Pres. Tony Pender and Adam John Local 57 Exec. Brd. Member Travis Wolf.) Boden received his high school certificate in December 2004 at the age of 78. After more than 40 years in the baking industry, Boden took the high school equivalency exam and scored 534— well beyond the 420 needed to pass. A native of Cleveland, Boden was the youngest head baker at Hough Bakery when he entered the industry in 1948. Later he went to work at the Theatrical restaurant and remained there until his 1989 retirement. Nicknamed “John the Following the Fourth Region Council meeting in Myrtle Beach, Baker”, he is still well-known throughout S.C. in April, delegates enjoyed the spring sunshine. Pictured the Cleveland baking industry for his here (from left to right) is Local 25 (Chattanooga, Tenn.) mem- elaborate wedding cake designs. Boden ber Kim Kerr, Local 103 (Orlando, Fla.) member Nancy is pictured here proudly displaying his Williams, Local 503 member (Charlotte, N.C.) Walter Lewis and high school diploma. Local 503 member Ida Joyner.

14 BCTGM News Pet Service Program

According to the American Animal Hospital Association, the average bill for a routine veterinary visit can cost $100 to $150 per visit. Treatment for your pets’ major illness or injury can easily run into the thousands of dollars.

BCTGM Pet Services is designed to help reflected on your bill. Features of the program labor union members keep their dogs, cats and include: other pets healthy and happy—at a reasonable I BCTGM Power Pet Health Insurance. price. Protect against the unexpected cost of your The BCTGM Power Pet Savings program, pets’ illnesses or injuries. Save 10 percent provided by Pet Assure, is not an insurance on regular premium rates with your program. It is a pet health care savings program BCTGM Power discount or get your first designed to provide savings for all veterinary month free when you enroll your pet into services, including routine pet health care and Quickcare First. For details and to enroll, coverage for all call 1-866-473-7387. animals. Union I Union-member-only 40 percent savings on Plus Pet Savings a Pet Assure membership. Coverage starts program may be as low as $5.99 per month. used in conjunc- I Union-member-only 25 percent point-of- tion with tradi- sale discount off all veterinarian services tional pet insur- from a growing network of more than ance to save you 2,500 participating veterinarians nation- even more wide. To find a vet in your area, call 1-888- money on all FOR-VETS. veterinary bills. I Up to 30 percent savings on pet-related Every pet is covered—including dogs, cats, products and services such as pet food, birds, fish, reptiles, horses and more—regard- grooming, boarding and pet supplies from less of age or condition. Even pre-existing con- thousands of local and national merchants. ditions are no problem. Members show their I Free pet ID tag and 24/7 locator service for Pet Assure membership card when they pay for each enrolled pet. their veterinarian services and the discount— I Online account management. You can view which applies to all services—is immediately bills and search for vets in your area online.

Union members receive 30 percent off their PETCO.com first purchase over $30 at PETCO.com.

July/August 2005 www.bctgm.org 15 Why Wal-Mart Needs to Change ® Wal-Mart is the largest employer in the world with more than $10 billion in profits. Yet,Wal-Mart lowers our wages, causes more of our jobs to be shipped overseas, and shifts its health care costs onto us, the American taxpayers. We believe it’s time for Wal-Mart to Wake Up.

® The Wake-Up Wal-Mart campaign is a grassroots movement of Americans who believe by joining together in common purpose we can change Wal-Mart and build a better America. Only You Can Change Wal-Mart SIGN UP 1. Become a part of the nationwide campaign: www.wakeupwalmart.com. ADOPT-A-STORE 2. By signing onto the nationwide campaign, you can become a local volunteer and let your neighbors know Wal-Mart can change. TELL OTHERS 3. Call your friends and family and let them know why Wal-Mart needs to change. www.wakeupwalmart.com

Printed in U.S.A.