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Signing off on the finalagreement, the Keeblernegotiating committeeposes for a photo.KEEBLER MEMBERSRatify New Master AgreementIt’s no secret that the BCTGM negotiates some ofthe finest contracts in the food industry. This provedtrue yet again after BCTGM members employed atKeebler Company agreed to a new Master Agreement inearly May.The four-year contract covers members employedat Keebler facilities in Grand Rapids, Mich., Cincinnati,Ohio, and Columbus, Ga. Keebler is a subsidiaryThe Kellogg Company. The BCTGM representsapproximately 4,500 members at Kellogg Company inboth the biscuit and ready-to-eat-cereal sectors.Highlights of the new contract include a wageincrease of $2.15 over the course of the contract,increases in accident and sickness benefits, improveddental coverage, a pension increase, and maintenance ofall health benefits.BCTGM members employed at Keebler make someof the best known and loved cookie and cracker brandsin the United States, including Chips Deluxe, PecanSandies, Townhouse, Zesta, Rainbow Chips Deluxe,Club, Cheez-It, Graham and Eggo.The negotiations were led by BCTGM InternationalRepresentative Jim Condran, in consultation withInternational Vice President Bob Oakley. Local unionrepresentatives on the negotiating team included Local42 (Atlanta) Business Agent Johnny Jackson, BusinessAgent Zack Townsend, members Tyrone Walker andJon Cockrell; Local 70 (Grand Rapids, Mich.) FinancialSecretary/Business Agent Orin Holder, PresidentMark Heintzelman, and member Rani Vitali; Local253 (Cincinnati): President Doug Walters, FinancialSecretary/Business Agent Shawn Turner, andRecording Secretary Michael Shoemaker.According to Condran, the negotiating committeewas well prepared to defend their member’s prioritiesduring the week-long negotiating session. “Ourcommittee knew exactly what the membership deemedmost important and based on our extensive researchwe knew what the company could afford,” saidCondran.“In the end, this agreement is a win-win situationfor both our members and the company. Our membersremain well compensated for their hard work,and Kellogg’s retains its qualified and productiveworkforce that has made it one of the top foodcompanies in the country,” concludes Condran.Finalizing changes to the union’s proposal is L. 70 Pres.Mark Heintzelman (left) and Intl. Rep. Jim Condran.May/June 2013 www.bctgm.org 7