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on Building a Stronger Union through ORGANIZING2013 Fourth Region CouncilNew Initiatives,ProgramsDurkee also described theInternational’s new initiatives toimprove membership educationprograms, expand the use of socialmedia, and identify and trainyounger members.Meeting many of thecouncils’ delegates for the firsttime, International Secretary-Treasurer Steve Bertelli sharedhis personal background andextensive BCTGM experience asa local union officer, InternationalRepresentative and InternationalVice President. Bertelli alsoprovided delegates at each of themeetings with a comprehensivereport on the recently-concludedlockout at American Crystal Sugar.Newly-appointedInternational Director ofOrganization John Price discusseda number of organizing campaignsin which the International andlocal unions are currently engagedand reviewed recent NationalLabor Relations Board and courtdecisions that impact organizing.Price encouraged local officersto reach out and work with himto develop effective strategies forsuccessful local union organizingcampaigns.B&C Funds AdministrativeServices Manager Steve Brock andPension Fund Manager John Beckprovided delegates to each of thecouncils with a detailed reviewand explanation of the successfulRehabilitation Plan for the B&CFund, which ensures the Fund’sIntl. Pres. David B. Durkee (left) swears in newofficers at the East Central Council meeting.stability for many years to come.In reflecting on the springcouncil meetings, Durkee notes,“The high level of enthusiasmand solidarity I found at each ofthe meetings is very encouraging.Council officers and delegatesresponded positively to theorganizing challenge. Thesemeetings made it very clear thatwe have emerged from someof the toughest times in thisorganization’s proud history as astronger, more resilient union witha bright future.”May/June 2013 www.bctgm.org 5