BCTGM May-June 07.indd

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Local 334 Ratifies New Contract at B&M In early April, 140 members of Local 334 (Portland, Maine) working at B&M Baked Beans in Portland, Maine ratified a new collective agreement. The five-year contract features annual wage increases, as well as an annual pension increase, an increase in dental coverage, and an increased accident and sickness benefit. The union was also able to secure a reduction in members’ cost on future benefits. According to International Vice President Art Montminy, the negotiations were very professional and cordial. “We have a very good relationship with the company and the negotiations reflected that. Both sides were open and straight forward and the result was a very good contract for our members,” said Montminy. Local 334 has represented the workers at B&M Baked Beans since 1968. The local also represents workers at Tate & Lyle, J.J. Nissen Co., and National Starch & Chemical Co. The Local’s negotiating committee was made up of Business Agent John Jordan, Financial Secretary Eric Heath, and members Bob West, Conrad Lausier, Mike Tapley, Bob Holbrook, and Ed Throgmorton. Montminy assisted the local during the negotiations. B&M Foods has been in existence since the mid-1860s when George Burnham and Charles Morrill began a canned meat and vegetable company. In 1868, B&M became a major producer of canned corn. When the corn growing area in the U.S. shifted from the Northeast to the Midwest in the 1920s, the company was forced to diversify and began marketing canned baked beans. The company underwent a series of ownership changes beginning in the 1960s until B&G Foods acquired the company from Pillsbury in 1999. B&G Foods produces, sells and distributes seasonings, sauces and canned goods under the following brand names: B&G, B&M, Brer Rabbit, Emeril’s, Grandma’s Molasses, Joan of Arc, Las Palmas, Maple Grove Farms of Vermont, Ortega, Polaner, Red Devil, Regina, San Del, Ac’cent Sa-Son, Trappey’s, Underwood, Vermont Maid and Wright’s. The Burnham & Morrill negotiating committee poses for a photo. From left to right is Bob West, Ed Throgmorton, Bob Holbrook, Mike Tapley, Conrad Lausier, and Local 334 Business Agent John Jordan. 10 BCTGM News
Regional Councils Set Action Agendas This spring, three BCTGM regional councils held highly successful annual meetings. Each of the meetings focused on expanding organizing opportunities, improving communication between locals and preparing for the crucial 2008 national elections. A key topic at the meetings was the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA), the most important labor law legislation in 70 years. Locals in each region pledged their support to the International’s legislative effort to enact EFCA, which will dramatically improve organizing opportunities within all BCTGM industries. Fourth Region Council In early April, delegates representing a dozen local unions from throughout the South met in Memphis, Tenn. for the Fourth Region Council meeting. Delegates shared information and ideas on a wide range of topics including strategies for signing up new hires for BCTGM membership and developing effective local union grassroots political action programs. In discussing this year’s Council meeting, International Vice President Tony Johnson said, “Our locals are anxious to go out and add to the organizing, merger, bargaining and political successes of the past few years.” Fourth Region Council Western Conference San Diego was the site of the 51st Annual Western Conference meeting April 30-May 3. Delegates enjoyed a comprehensive agenda with informative speakers and productive committee meetings. Because of the large number of negotiations within the region this year, the meeting offered a valuable opportunity for locals to share information and strategies for bargaining success. International Vice President Randy Roark described the meeting as “very valuable to strengthening BCTGM efforts in the west.” Western Conference East Central Council In late May, the East Central Council convened its annual meeting in Atlantic City, N.J. Delegates addressed the major changes in BCTGM industries that affect union members within the First and Second Regions. The Council reflected on ways to build on the tremendous political successes of the 2006 Congressional elections in the 2008 presidential election. “The Council’s annual meeting helps us stand strong in solidarity and continue meeting challenges in order to protect the livelihood of our members,” said International Vice President Bob Oakley. BCTGM International President Frank Hurt addressed each council. “I came away from this series of council meetings reassured that the foundation of the International Union, our local unions, remains rock solid,” concludes Hurt. The regional councils also heard from Secretary-Treasurer/ Director of Organization David B. Durkee, Executive Vice President Joseph Thibodeau, Assistant to the President Harry Kaiser and B&C Pension Funds Manager Lewis Davis. May/June 2007 www.bctgm.org 11
Page 1 and 2: BAKERY, CONFECTIONERY, TOBACCO WORK
Page 3 and 4: A rtisan Bakers Ratify First Contra
Page 5 and 6: Ask the Local Officer: Why Organize
Page 7 and 8: DRUG COMPANIES Can’t Quit George
Page 9: Policy Solutions to Shipping Jobs O
Page 13 and 14: CLC Prepares for Possible Election
Page 15 and 16: ake the most of your time off the j

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