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BAKERY, CONFECTIONERY, TOBACCO WORKERS AND GRAIN MILLERS INTERNATIONAL UNIONMAY/JUNE 2002 VOLUME 4NUMBER 3STRENGTH INSOLIDARITYPULLING TOGETHERIN HERSHEY, PA.


FPOthePresident’s MessageHershey Vic<strong>to</strong>ry: A Win for Every WorkerOn June 8th, over 2,700<strong>BCTGM</strong> members inHershey, Pa. won an importantvic<strong>to</strong>ry, not only for this union, but for theentire labor movement. These workers successfullys<strong>to</strong>od up <strong>to</strong> North America’s number one confectionerycompany and <strong>to</strong>ld them they wouldnot accept the company’s proposal <strong>to</strong> shift morehealthcare costs on<strong>to</strong> the workers. The strikingworkers, who received tremendous support fromunions across the globe, stuck <strong>to</strong> their convictionsand endured the longest strike in companyhis<strong>to</strong>ry.Throughout the 44-day ordeal, we continuouslyheard about the changing nature of the workplace;about how workers had <strong>to</strong> accept responsibilityfor the rising cost of health care. That wasthe message coming from the company, and thecorporate community. Hershey’s proposal wouldhave shifted somewhere between half-a-millionand a million dollars in additional health carecosts on<strong>to</strong> the workforce in the first year, withescalating costs thereafter.But there was another message being heard,this one coming from the picket lines. It wentsomething like this: it is the workers who makeHershey products; it is the workers who havemade Hershey the household name that it is; it isthe workers who have made Hershey a safe be<strong>to</strong>n Wall Street; and it is the workers who makeHershey a very profitable company. And theworkers were not going <strong>to</strong> fall victim <strong>to</strong> what theysaw happening, not only in their own company,but <strong>to</strong> most workers in the United States. Thesestriking workers unders<strong>to</strong>od that the declininglevels of employer-provided health coverage andparticipation in job-based plans threaten <strong>to</strong>destroy the American system of work-relatedhealth insurance.These courageous workers were not fightingsolely for their own benefits, but also <strong>to</strong> send amessage that unions are the last line of defensefor workers. If it was not for the union, thoseHershey workers would have <strong>to</strong> pay 25 percent oftheir health care costs. The small percentage ofworkers in this country that pay little or no healthcare costs, are mostly union members. Theirunions, like ours, has made it very clear that providinghealth care for employees is a cost of doingbusiness.This struggle has highlighted the good thatunions can do for working families. We read inthe newspapers that unions are obsolete and donot serve any practical purpose. We disagree. Foras long as there are workers, there will be a needfor them <strong>to</strong> be represented. As worker representatives,we are not against companies making aprofit; every worker takes pride in the performanceof their employer. But we cannot stand idlyby if that profit is gained <strong>to</strong> the detriment of theworkers. For that reason, the <strong>BCTGM</strong> remainsmotivated <strong>to</strong> ensure that all workers in our industrieshave representation.Frank Hurt<strong>BCTGM</strong> International PresidentOfficial Publication of the Bakery, Confectionery, TobaccoWorkers and Grain Millers International Union10401 Connecticut Avenue, Kensing<strong>to</strong>n, Maryland 20895-3961(301) 933-8600www.bctgm.orgFrank Hurt, Edi<strong>to</strong>rCorrina A. Christensen, Assistant Edi<strong>to</strong>r<strong>BCTGM</strong> GENERAL EXECUTIVE BOARDPresident Frank Hurt • Secretary-Treasurer David B. Durkee • Executive Vice PresidentsJoseph Thibodeau • Larry Barber • Vice Presidents Jeanne Graham • Shawn J. Grimm •Harry A. Guildner • Anthony L. Johnson • Richard Johnson • Sean Kelly •Michael T. Konesko • Bobby Ray Mercer • Arthur Montminy •Robert Oakley • Randy Roark • Ronald D. Schreiber • T.J. Warren<strong>BCTGM</strong> GENERAL EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBERSJoyce Als<strong>to</strong>n • George Bol<strong>to</strong>n, • Wayne Brewer • Edward Burpo • Randy W. Fulk •Lillian Gainer • Oscar B. Giles • Micheline Labrecque • Paul LaBuda • Richard Lewis •Narcisco Martas • Herbert W. Marx • Danny Murphy • Brad Schmidt •William Sprandel • Charles Taylor • Doyle Townson<strong>BCTGM</strong> News (ISSN 1525-4860) is published bi-monthly by the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain MillersInternational Union, 10401 Connecticut Avenue, Kensing<strong>to</strong>n, MD 20895-3961. Periodicals postage paid at Kensing<strong>to</strong>n, MD and at additionalmailing offices. Subscription <strong>to</strong> new members only. Postmaster: Send address changes <strong>to</strong> <strong>BCTGM</strong> News, 10401 ConnecticutAvenue, Kensing<strong>to</strong>n, MD 20895-3961.2<strong>BCTGM</strong> News


Fourth Region CouncilMeets <strong>to</strong> Re<strong>view</strong> and PlanDBiloxi, Miss.—Delegates representinglocals in Alabama,Georgia, Florida, Louisiana,North and South Carolina,Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texasgathered in April for the annualFourth Region Council meeting.Local 149 President DavidNichols opened the meeting andInternational Vice President BobbyMercer chaired the event. FourthRegion International VicePresident Tony Johnson andInternational RepresentativesCesar Calderon, Barbara Fields,Herman Howard, Dale Nichols,Anthony Shel<strong>to</strong>n and James Riversalso attended the council meeting.Reflecting on the right-<strong>to</strong>worklaws of states within theFourth Region, <strong>BCTGM</strong>International President FrankHurt urged delegates “<strong>to</strong> drawupon their inner most strength <strong>to</strong>spread the message of how the<strong>BCTGM</strong> can bring non-unionworkers the benefits and protectionof a union contract.“There is no such thing as afree ride and we need <strong>to</strong> convinceworkers that they have <strong>to</strong>join with us in the fight <strong>to</strong> gain afair share of the pie. It will takeour best efforts <strong>to</strong> overcome thepower of the corporations andthe anti-union forces inWashing<strong>to</strong>n who have an antiworkeragenda. The aim of thosein power is <strong>to</strong> eliminate those ofus who speak up and speak outagainst atrocities committedagainst workers. We must educateand get our membersinvolved in the struggle,” he said.Hurt presented a 50-year pin<strong>to</strong> Walter Shel<strong>to</strong>n, a formerGeneral Executive Board memberwho is still a dues payingmember. Shel<strong>to</strong>n thankedPresident Hurt and said, “Thisunion—especially my ownlocal—has been good <strong>to</strong> me. Theunion has been our life!”Secretary-Treasurer/Direc<strong>to</strong>rof Organization David B. Durkeediscussed the changes in thebread industry and the implicationsfor workers in the plants.Durkee also noted the efforts inthe Bush Administration <strong>to</strong>undermine workers and helpAmerica’s wealthiest.“Kids, the uninsured, seniorsand other folks are being hurt,almost as if there is a domesticwar on workers,” Durkee said.He referred delegates <strong>to</strong> theInternational Union’s web sitewww.bctgm.org as a “greatplace <strong>to</strong> get information <strong>to</strong> informand activate your membership onwhat is really going on.”Executive Vice PresidentJoseph Thibodeau urged the delegates<strong>to</strong> become involved in theAlliance for Retired Americans, anew organization devoted <strong>to</strong>advocating legislative issues forretired workers.Assistant <strong>to</strong> the President BobHarbrant discussed the union’spolitical education program andthe need for local union participation.He urged delegates <strong>to</strong>help get members registered <strong>to</strong>vote, signed up for <strong>BCTGM</strong>-PACand educated on issues andwhat is at stake.Lew Davis, Manager of theB&C Pension Fund, made a presentation<strong>to</strong> the delegates andupdated them on changes, developmentsand activities concerningthe pension plan. He answereddelegate’s questions and reportedon the fund’s success.2002 Fourth Region CouncilMay/June 2002 www.bctgm.org 5


East Central Conference Sets PatternUnion Says No <strong>to</strong> Health Care Co-PaysPPhiladelphia—Negotia<strong>to</strong>rs whomake up the union’s East CentralBargaining Conference reached anew three-year agreement withtheir counterparts representingInterstate Bakeries Corporation(IBC). The settlement, whichcovers all IBC plants in theNortheast and as far west asOhio, was ratified overwhelminglyby the membership of Local 6(Philadelphia) in May.Approximately 1,700 membersare employed in seven IBCplants in the Northeastern U.S.The settlement also serves as thepattern for as many as 6,000<strong>BCTGM</strong> members employed atwholesale bread and cake plantsin the union’s first and secondregions. Those contracts—whichinclude Stroehmans, Maier’s andSchmidt Baking companies, aswell as a number of smallplants—will be negotiated overthe next few months.International Vice PresidentBob Oakley, who led the negotiations,noted that the agreementfocused on a number of issues,which union negotia<strong>to</strong>rs weresuccessful in addressing—increasing wages and pensionsand maintaining health benefits.<strong>BCTGM</strong> InternationalPresident Frank Hurt praised thenew contract and applauded thenegotiating committee’s efforts.“Clearly our negotiating committeewas well prepared and knewexactly what the membershipdesired,” said Hurt.The new agreement stipulatesthat covered workers will receive$1.10 in wage increases over theterm of the contract. Under theB&C Pension Plan, members willreceive a $50.00 increase <strong>to</strong> theirpension benefit level, effectivethe 13 th month of the contract.Another $50.00 increase will goin<strong>to</strong> effect in the 25 th month.One of the most significantgains, according <strong>to</strong> Oakley, is athree-cent-per hour increase <strong>to</strong>P-Plan benefit levels. Memberswill also have the right <strong>to</strong> purchaseadditional amounts ofpension from wages. In addition,the committee won a new paidholiday (Martin Luther KingDay).Of critical importance is thefact the committee rebuked thecompany’s efforts <strong>to</strong> institutehealth care co-payments. Oakleycommended the committee’sresolve when it came <strong>to</strong> the copayissue. “Our negotiating committeeknew their memberswould not support a contractwith co-pays. It was that simpleand the company understands itis a part of doing business.”International Vice PresidentArt Montminy served as theNegotiating Committee co-chair.Also serving on the committteewere—Secretary VesterNewsome (Local 57), JohnCairns (Local 6), Joyce Als<strong>to</strong>n(Local 50), and Oscar Hodgkins(Local 334).Members of the PolicyCommittee included Barry Fields(Local 6), Tom Christ (Local 12),Chester Fox (Local 33), TonyCenti (Local 50), RaymondMullens (Local 57), GeraldMcAllaster (Local 68), HaroldBliss (Local 116), Al Haight(Local 118), Paul Williams(Local 334), Tim Benjamin (Local348), Ray Richardson (Local358), Bruce Hummel (Local 464)and James Short (Local 802).Master Agreement Set With General MillsMore than 800 <strong>BCTGM</strong> members in three states will benefit from a newfour-year agreement reached between the union and Pillsbury, now asubsidiary of General Mills. The Master Agreement covers Pillsburyemployees from Locals 33G (Louisville, Ky.), 237G (Denison, Texas),and 346G (Martel, Ohio). The new contract features an increase of $8 <strong>to</strong>the pension multiplier, an increase in the minimum disability pension <strong>to</strong>$475 per month, an increase in accident benefits, an increase in lifeinsurance, and a renewal of the 1,500 Hour Disability Bank. According<strong>to</strong> International President Frank Hurt, the new agreement, which featuresno health care co-payments, “is a vic<strong>to</strong>ry for the hard-working menand women that make up the <strong>BCTGM</strong>.” The new agreement is effectiveApril 1, 2002. Local unions at each facility negotiate supplementalagreements that cover wages, work rules, seniority and other issues notaddressed in the master agreement.6 <strong>BCTGM</strong> News


How Sweet It Is! New HersHershey, Pa—<strong>BCTGM</strong>ratified a new contrastrike against HershUnion negotia<strong>to</strong>rs ledent Bob Oakley, reaprimary concerns of“Our members inprotect their hard woInternational President Frank Hurt. “Mshowed what a union can do for workiserved, their benefits increased, and aunderstands the importance of solidariopinion and they were finally able <strong>to</strong> bparties so business can return <strong>to</strong> normaThe new contract which runs until Oincreasing the amount of co-pays for he$525.00 bonus, secured protection of tand provided for wage increases of $1.“The company and the Union reachepledged <strong>to</strong> work <strong>to</strong>gether and return thWe had mutual concerns <strong>to</strong> address anvery hard <strong>to</strong> overcome those differencecome,” concludes Oakley.The spirit of solidarity is alive and w8<strong>BCTGM</strong> News


hey Contract Ends Strike!Local 464 members overwhelminglyct 1,848 <strong>to</strong> 226 ending a 44-dayy Foods, Inc. The company andd by <strong>BCTGM</strong> International Vice presichedan agreement that protects themembers, especially health care.Hershey did what they had <strong>to</strong> do <strong>to</strong>n benefits,” notes <strong>BCTGM</strong>ore importantly, these workersg families; their health care was prenewgeneration of workers nowty. There were honest differences ofe bridged <strong>to</strong> the satisfaction of bothl,” reflects Hurt.c<strong>to</strong>ber of 2005 held the line onalth care premiums, offered ahe supplemental retirement account,81 over the life of the agreement.d across the table, shook hands ande people <strong>to</strong> work as fast as possible.d the company and the Union workeds and we are pleased with the outellin Hershey, Pa.!May/June 2002 www.bctgm.org 9


U.S. Tobacco Locals Ratify ContractsIIncreased wages, improved benefitsand additional holidays areamong the contracts recently ratifiedby <strong>to</strong>bacco locals inVirginia, West Virginia andNorth Carolina.Local 233T membersemployed at Lorillard TobaccoCompany’s Danville, Va. S<strong>to</strong>rageand Reclaim Facility unanimouslyratified a new three-year agreemen<strong>to</strong>n March 11. Highlights ofthe package include a $2500bonus in the first year, and a twopercent increase in the secondand third year. Union negotia<strong>to</strong>rswere also able <strong>to</strong> increase thepension by 12.5 percent.The negotiating committeeincluded Local 233T Pres.Edmonia Irvin, V.P. MathewSydnor, Rec. Secy. JackieWitcher, and members ClarenceStewart and Walter Elliot.Local 314T membersemployed at the Liggett S<strong>to</strong>ragefacility in Danville unanimouslyapproved a new contract effectiveMay 1, 2002. The newagreement includes a five percentwage increase for all classifications,an additional holidayThe members ofLocal 2T (Wheeling,W.V.) negotiatingcommittee pose for apho<strong>to</strong> following theratification vote.Pictured here (firstrow, from left) arePres. Richard Dillon,Intl. Rep. BillDaunhauer, JohnHudock, (secondrow, from left) TedWelshans, John Duffy,Steve Leek andBrenda Thorngate.(President’s Day). The companyalso agreed <strong>to</strong> increase its 401(k)match <strong>to</strong> five percent and reducethe probationary period <strong>to</strong> threemonths.Assisted by Intl. Rep. BarryBaker, the negotiating teamincluded Local 314T Pres.Wayne Lawson, Rec. Secy.Barbara Herndon, Chief StewardFloyd Breedlove, and memberCharles Reaves.Members of Local 270Temployed by StandardCommercial Tobacco Companyin Wilson, N.C. recently ratifieda new three agreement.Standard Commercial acquiredBrown & Williamson’s (B&W)Export Leaf facility in Wilson, andformer Local 259T members nowemployed by Standard CommercialTobacco Company mergedin<strong>to</strong> Local 270T and are now coveredby the same collective bargainingagreement. StandardCommercial agreed <strong>to</strong> recognizethe former B&W workers.Standard Commercial alsoagreed <strong>to</strong> recognize employeeswho work as Quality ControlOpera<strong>to</strong>rs and Receiving TicketClerks, both formerly salariedpositions.The package includes an additionalholiday and health insurancecoverage for seasonalemployees; seniority provisions forshift preference, transfer, job postingsand layoffs; wages increases;and, former B&W employeesretain seniority for all benefits.The new contract also providesfor two new classificationsdefined as: New classification—Lead person with tasks with a25-cent additional increase inthe first year.New classification—Firemen,CDL truck driver, techniciansand assistant forklift mechanicswith an increase of $3.78 in thefirst year.The negotiations committeeincluded Local 270T Pres. TracyTaylor, V.P. Willie Pitt, Fin. Secy.Thelma Applewhite, Chief StewardJimmy Thompson (former Local259T president), and membersOatis Martin and Marvin Lynch.Local 2T secured a new threeyearagreement with SwisherInternational of Wheeling, W.V.About 120 <strong>BCTGM</strong> membersemployed at the <strong>to</strong>bacco plantmanufactures chewing <strong>to</strong>baccoand moist and dry snuff products.Workers gained an acrossthe-boardwage increase of$1.58, a five percent increase <strong>to</strong>their pension plan in the secondyear, improvements <strong>to</strong> the companymatch in the 401(k) program,a Christmas bonus, additionallife insurance and more.The local negotiating committeeswere assisted by TobaccoIndustry Vice President T.J.Warren and InternationalRepresentatives Barry Baker andBill Daunhauer.10<strong>BCTGM</strong> News


<strong>BCTGM</strong> Women’s AdvisoryCommittee Meets for a Day of ActionIInternational women’s rights,quality child care and protectingSocial Security were among theimportant <strong>to</strong>pics addressed by<strong>BCTGM</strong> women and hundreds ofactivists during the Women’sEquality Summit and CongressionalDay of Action held inWashing<strong>to</strong>n D.C. April 7-9.Members of the <strong>BCTGM</strong>Women’s Advisory Committeewere among more than sixtynational women’s groups withinthe National Council of Women’sOrganizations (NCWO) that participatedin the summit. NCWOis a nonpartisan, nonprofit coalitionof women’s organizationsacross the nation collectivelyrepresenting over six million menand women.The event featured hundredsof grassroots’ activists and leadersof the women’s movement.<strong>BCTGM</strong> women attended plenarysessions with national leaders,advocacy skills training workshops,and issue briefings withpolitical activists. The womenalso met face-<strong>to</strong>-face withMembers of Congress and theirstaffs <strong>to</strong> advance a positive agendafor women and their families.Topics covered at this meetinginclude:➣ Advancing InternationalWomen’s Rights➣ Defending Women’sHealth➣ Protecting Social Security➣ Fighting for EconomicSecurityAdditionally, <strong>BCTGM</strong>Women’s Advisory Committeemembers met <strong>to</strong> re<strong>view</strong> organizing,political and educationalMembers of the <strong>BCTGM</strong> Women’s Advisory Committee pose for apho<strong>to</strong> following their Congressional Breakfast on Capi<strong>to</strong>l Hill duringthe Congressional Day of Action in April.activities in 2001 and draft resolutions<strong>to</strong> submit for considerationat the <strong>BCTGM</strong>’s 36thConstitutional Convention in July.“It was a very productive andinspiring meeting,” notedInternational Vice PresidentJeanne Graham who chairs thecommittee. “We were able <strong>to</strong> networkwith women leaders inlabor, politics and numerousactivist organizations from allover the country. Based on whatwe learned, we wrote three resolutionsfor submission <strong>to</strong> theConstitutional Convention thissummer.”One of those resolutions concernsextending the benefits ofthe Family Medical Leave Act(FMLA) <strong>to</strong> include time off forparents who must care for a sickchild. For example, Grahamnoted that the child care needsof American women and theirfamilies have increased dramaticallynow that the majority ofwomen with children are in thepaid labor force. “According <strong>to</strong>the Department of Labor, over70 percent of all women withchildren under 18 work outsidethe home. Because the majorityof working women need <strong>to</strong> workin order <strong>to</strong> support their families,access <strong>to</strong> paid time off <strong>to</strong> carefor a sick child is essential.Without it, women riskunplanned disruptions in theiremployment which can affectjob performance, restrict opportunitiesfor their advancementand result in lower wages oreven job loss.”May/June 2002www.bctgm.org11


46th Annual WesternConference ConvenesLLas Vegas—Delegates <strong>to</strong> theWestern Conference tackled abusy agenda at their 2002 meetingheld in April.Conference President DoyleTownson opened the meetingwith a moment of silence <strong>to</strong>honor the victims ofSeptember 11. SecretaryTreasurer Laurel Kochcalled the roll and welcomeddelegates.<strong>BCTGM</strong> InternationalPresident Frank Hurtaddressed a myriad of <strong>to</strong>picswith the delegatesincluding the forthcomingconvention, local unionactivities and news. Hurtalso discussed the majorbargaining and organizingactivities and the impactthe events will have on thedelegates.Hurt reflected on thechanges the world hasexperienced sinceSeptember 11, 2001, andthe effects the tragedieshad on all of our lives. Hestressed the importance of<strong>BCTGM</strong> family and asworking people we must stick<strong>to</strong>gether.Secretary-Treasurer/Direc<strong>to</strong>rof Organization David B. Durkeere<strong>view</strong>ed the changes beingimplemented by the U.S.Department of Labor, the Enronscandal, right-<strong>to</strong>-work laws andthe “extended shelf life” of breadproducts.Executive Vice PresidentJoeseph Thibodeau spoke on theNational Alliance for Retireesand the importance of participa-Conference participants held a silent actionfor <strong>BCTGM</strong>-PAC. Pictured here, Local 9(Seattle) Fin. Secy. Lillian Gainer (left)receives the prize of her winning bid fromLocal 85 delegate Norm Fouch.tion and involvement.Assistant <strong>to</strong> the PresidentBob Harbrant outlined thelegislative challenges faced byworkers and the <strong>BCTGM</strong>political programs.Delegates watched a specialvideo on Union Busting anddiscussed the specific problemsthey encounter with anti-unionforces in their repective areas.The Conference includedmeetings of the Retail BakeryConference, The Law andLegislative Committee, The Pasta,Candy & Snack Committee,Strike and Boycott Committee,Organizing Committee, and thePublic Relations and UnionLabel Committee.The Conference ended on a<strong>BCTGM</strong>InternationalPresident FrankHurt stressed theimportance of the<strong>BCTGM</strong> familyand as workingpeople we muststick <strong>to</strong>gether.festive note as delegatesparticipated in a silent<strong>BCTGM</strong>-PAC auction.Throughout the meeting,various items were donatedand put up for bid. Theunique items were given <strong>to</strong>the highest bidder and theproceeds went in<strong>to</strong> theunion’s PAC fund.According <strong>to</strong> ConferencePresident Doyle Townson,everyone participated andhad a great deal of fun.The Western Conferenceincludes all of Region6 with local union representativesfrom Arizona,California, Colorado,Idaho, Montana, Nevada,New Mexico, Oregon,Utah, Washing<strong>to</strong>n andWyoming. The purpose of theConference is <strong>to</strong> assist in authorizedstrikes; organizing campaigns;legislative activity; unionlabel promotion; pasta, snackand candy activity. Officers ofthe Western Conference areDolye Townson, president; FelisaCastillo, vice president; LaurelKoch, secretary-treasurer; AlfredPitts, sergeant-at-arms; andtrustees Danny Polanco, CleatusCarslake and Lillian Gainer.12<strong>BCTGM</strong> News


Canadian Labour’s Social ObjectivesWWhen the Ontario SuperiorCourt of Justice ruled that theOntario government did not havethe proper legal authority <strong>to</strong>relinquish public control ofHydro One—the Ontario electricitytransmission grid—it was avic<strong>to</strong>ry for the labour organizationsand groups that vigorouslyopposed the privatization andderegulation of electricity in theprovince. The effort by organizedlabour <strong>to</strong> fight this privatizationis but anotherexample of themovement’s ability<strong>to</strong> successfullymobilize aroundimportant socialissues that affect alarge majority ofthe population.Since the late1800s, Canadianunions have soughtsocial, economicand legal changesthat would benefitworking families.Despite being challengedby a lack oflegal status, theearly Canadianlabour movementfought for improved working conditions;laws that would regulatehealth and safety, the eliminationof ‘sweatshop’ conditions,an end <strong>to</strong> the use of prisonlabour, the implementation of aneight-hour work-day and ultimately,the right <strong>to</strong> form a union.However, in addition <strong>to</strong> fightingfor changes <strong>to</strong> the conditions ofemployment, unions were alsoearly advocates for a universalhealth care system, unemploymentinsurance, increased educationalfunding, and later, subsidizeddaycare.“The social objectives of the<strong>BCTGM</strong> in Canada <strong>to</strong>day are areflection of the aims anddesires of a large segment of thecountry’s working population,”says International Vice PresidentSean Kelly. <strong>BCTGM</strong> leaders andactivists believe that the interestsof thelabour movementare notrestricted <strong>to</strong>conditions ofemploymentand working conditions.Working with labour councilsand provincial federations oflabour, <strong>BCTGM</strong> members havevocalized their support for theSince the late1800s, Canadianunions have soughtsocial, economic andlegal changes thatwould benefitworking familiesmaintenance of a publicly fundeduniversal health care system,subsidized childcare services,fair international trade standards,progressive tax policies,and the protection of importanthuman rights; issues that affectevery worker in Canada, regardlessof gender, race, or religion.As the Ontario Hydro exampleillustrates, organized labourcan successfully be a part of creatingpositive changes in societythat benefit all working families.But organized labour cannot doit alone. “Politicians at both theprovincial and federal level havebecome either <strong>to</strong>o comfortablewith the status quo, or havebeen actively supporting legislationthat is against the interestsof working people,” adds Kelly.<strong>BCTGM</strong> members and the labourmovement in general, mustmobilize workers, and not just intimes of crisis, <strong>to</strong> actively confrontthe powerbrokers inCanadian society.Politicians makepolicy and passlaws. Politiciansalso respond <strong>to</strong>public pressure.“If the labourmovement wants<strong>to</strong> repeat the successesit has hadin the past—Medicare,Canada Pension Plan, publiceducation—then it must mobilize,educate, and insist that its<strong>view</strong>s be heard and acted upon,”Kelly concludes.May/June 2002 www.bctgm.org 13


Organize!Recently members of Local 50 (New York, N.Y.) <strong>to</strong>okpart in a special organizing seminar led by Asst. <strong>to</strong> theIntl. Pres. Bob Harbrant and Intl. Vice Pres. ArtMontminy. Pictured here, Montminy asks Bobbi Whitequestions during a worker profile exercise. Locals 50members discussed organizing targets, contract negotiations,plant diagrams, research and more during thetwo-day seminar.Members ofLocal 446(Halifax, N.S.)<strong>to</strong>ok part in theannual bowling<strong>to</strong>urnament forBig Brothers andBig Sisters.Pictured here isLocal 446 Pres.David LeBlanc Bowl for Charitysurrounded bythe proud team displaying their trophy. The <strong>BCTGM</strong>team, which raised $6,500, has participated in the <strong>to</strong>urnamentfor 26 years.Member AwardsLocal 16 (Buffalo, N.Y.) recently held a special meeting <strong>to</strong>present members with 25 and 40-year membershipawards. Pictured here (from the left) are Dennis Kotlowski,Nathaniel Harris, Gregory Kruszynski, Bertha King, EdwardKachelmeyer and Joseph Karpinski.40 YearsForty years of dedicated membership in the <strong>BCTGM</strong> is aproud accomplishment recognized with a special certificate.Pictured here, Local 406 (Monc<strong>to</strong>n, N.B.) memberPaul Cormier (second from right) is presented witha 40-year certificate by Intl. Vice Pres. Sean Kelly asLocal 406 Pres. Ken Thompson (far left) and Secy.-Treas.Danny Murphy (far right) look on.Proud OfficersWorkers at the Earthgrains/Sara Lee Bakery in London, Ky.finally have a voice and local union officers. Elected bythe membership of Local 531 are (from the left) Exec.Board member Harold Smith, Fin. Secy. Treas. PatriciaSmith, Sgt.-at-Arms Joey Patterson, Exec. Board memberRamona Crawford, Pres./Bus. Agt. Daniel Baker,Bernice Martin and Vice Pres. Roy Combs.<strong>BCTGM</strong>-PACcontributionsensure thisunion’s voice isheard on Capi<strong>to</strong>lHill. Picturedhere presentinga PAC check <strong>to</strong>Sen. TimJohnson (D-S.D.) <strong>BCTGM</strong>-PAC(center) is Intl.Rep. Dan Gust(left) and South Dakota AFL-CIO Pres. and State Sena<strong>to</strong>rGil Koetzel.14 <strong>BCTGM</strong> News


Both Near and Far . . .Union Plus Travel ServiceGives You More—FOR LESS!The summer season is here, so start planningyour vacation now! Whether you’replanning <strong>to</strong> take in the sights by car, surpriseyour kids with a trip <strong>to</strong> DisneyWorld or a <strong>to</strong>ur of Europe, <strong>BCTGM</strong>Power Travel & Recreation Services canhelp you see more—for less!Ready for a Road Trip?With Union Plus, you drive in stylefor less! From luxury cars <strong>to</strong> sports utilityvehicles, union members and their familiescan receive exclusive deals from Avisand Budget car rentals.Get the royal treatment atDisney World.At the unionized Hotel Royal Plaza in WaltDisney World, working families can enjoy elegant,comfortable rooms at a discounted price.And best of all, the Hotel Royal Plaza offerscomplimentary transportation <strong>to</strong> allDisney theme parks, as well as a special“Kids Eat Free” program!See more of the world—for less!Take the vacation of a lifetime, whereveryou choose <strong>to</strong> go—Europe, Asia,Africa or Central America. As a participatingunion member, you can visitEngland, Italy, France and beyond andsave an additional $50 when you reservea Union Plus Vacation with Go-AheadVacations.For more information on thesespecial union members-onlyprograms, visit www.bctgm.orgor call the <strong>BCTGM</strong> Researchand Education Department at301-933-8600.May/June 2002 www.bctgm.org 15


Top 10 Reasons <strong>to</strong>Visit www.bctgm.org1Regular messages from<strong>BCTGM</strong> InternationalPresident Frank Hurt.Regular updates from and2about the <strong>BCTGM</strong> andthe North American labormovement.3Monthly organizingupdates from the U.S.and Canada.BushWatch—keep4track of the BushAdministration’sactions on workingfamilies issues.5Solidarity Alertsand news aboutstruggles facedby <strong>BCTGM</strong> membersthroughout North America.678Online editions of the<strong>BCTGM</strong> News.Information andinteractive <strong>to</strong>ols on the<strong>BCTGM</strong> Power Program.Labour news and updatesfrom Canada, including aspecial Health & Safetysection.Regular legislativeupdates on importantpolitical issues. Also, e-activist campaigns with onlineinteractive actions that make anoff-line impact on Capi<strong>to</strong>l Hill.9 10Links <strong>to</strong> special AFL-CIO online resourcesincluding CEOPayWatch and the “No MoreEnrons” campaign.Printed in U.S.A.

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