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BAKERY, CONFECTIONERY, TOBACCO WORKERS AND GRAIN MILLERS INTERNATIONAL UNIONMAY/JUNE 2003VOLUME 5NUMBER 3BCTGMCake DecoratorsBring Smiles2003 Union Industry ShowPittsburgh, PAPages 8 & 9

thePresident’s MessageThe Crisis in the StatesThese are tough economic times,and I’m not convinced that thosein charge of spending the public’smoney realize the depth of theproblem. There have been nobreadlines nor runs on the bank, but nearly every workingfamily in the U.S. has been impacted by the monthafter month of depressing economic news.After more than a year of slash-and-burn budgeting,according to the New York Times, more than half of thenation’s states are still struggling to balance their budgetsfor the current fiscal year and the next. The conferencereport says that 27 states and the District of Columbiaare expected to have a cumulative deficit of $53.5 billion.Soaring health care costs, lagging tax revenues andinadequate payments from the federal government formandated programs have, according to the Times, eliminatedmost if not all of the advantages states thoughtthey were gaining by cutting programs.There is nothing wrong with trimming excess spendingby state governments, but the consequences of the states’budget crises are real and devastating for families and individualswho depend on the services, protections and benefitsstates provide, as well as for the workers who deliverthem. Because states must balance their budgets, they haveno choice but to increase taxes or cut spending to closebudget gaps. Sixteen states raised taxes in 2002, 24 havedone so in FY 2003 and 24 are proposing tax increases forFY 2004. Ironically, these state tax hikes have the potentialin the aggregate to offset reductions at the federal level.The states’ belt-tightening threatens to jeopardizebasic services that many people rely on. Devastating cutsin programs for the elderly and the disabled, the extremesqueeze in higher education funding and a generalassault on public services will have dire consequences forfamilies and will place added strains on the state andnational economies.The BCTGM is committed to restoring the nationaleconomy and reviving state economies. The two go handin-hand:The national economy cannot and will notrecover until the economic health of the states is restored,and state economies will continue to suffer until thenational economy resumes the robust growth it enjoyedduring the late 1990s.Additional costly budget cuts such as those the stateshave already made are not the answer to the states’ fiscalcrisis. Instead, the federal government must step up tothe plate with substantial resources to help the states. Inaddition to securing additional federal aid, the statesmust restructure their tax codes to require businesses andthe wealthy to pay their fair share.The BCTGM will lobby against and work to defeat thePresident’s misguided tax policies and FY 2004 budgetplans. These proposals will not create jobs or otherwisegrow the economy. Instead, they will further depletestates’ revenues. We will continue to push for federal legislationproviding substantial, direct and essential financialsupport to the states, including federal aid to helpstates offset some of their Medicaid costs and to meet theever-growing demands of boosting homeland security.The BCTGM will oppose further program cuts as themeans to close budget gaps. We will support state-basedrevenue-raising measures, such as eliminating corporatetax loopholes, decoupling of state tax rules from the correspondingfederal rules, and higher taxes for businesses andthose who are the wealthiest and best able to afford them.The President has asked for a lot from Americans inthese troubled and turbulent times, and workers areworking long and hard to turn the economy around. Butworking families cannot be the casualties of this economiccrisis. The BCTGM will continue to fight for the investmentsworkers need: investments in health care, education,transportation and homeland security that willcreate jobs and rebuild economic security.Frank HurtBCTGM International PresidentOfficial Publication of the Bakery, Confectionery, TobaccoWorkers and Grain Millers International Union10401 Connecticut Avenue, Kensington, Maryland 20895-3961(301) 933-8600www.bctgm.orgFrank Hurt, EditorCorrina A. Christensen, Assistant EditorBCTGM 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 • Arthur Montminy • Robert Oakley • Randy Roark •Ronald D. Schreiber • T.J. WarrenBCTGM GENERAL EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBERSJoyce Alston • 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 • Doyle TownsonBCTGM News (ISSN 1525-4860) is published bi-monthly by the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain MillersInternational Union, 10401 Connecticut Avenue, Kensington, MD 20895-3961. Periodicals postage paid at Kensington, MD and at additionalmailing offices. Subscription to new members only. Postmaster: Send address changes to BCTGM News, 10401 ConnecticutAvenue, Kensington, MD 20895-3961.The BCTGM Union Spirit in ActionWhen BCTGM Local 154G(London, Ontario) member JodyJones heard about the devastatingflood that overcame the smalltown of Badger, Newfoundland,she decided to reach out a helpinghand to the town’s 1,100 residents.On February 15, the threerivers that join near the town —Exploits, Red Indian and Badger,burst their banks forcing theentire population to flee to safety.The largest flood to sweepthrough the community in 25years destroyed most homeswhen parts of the town wereencased in ice. A state of emergencywas declared in Badger, asthe icy water began streaminginto streets—in some cases carryingaway vehicles. Badger’swater supply became contaminatedby sewage, and power andphone lines were wiped out.The Canadian Red Cross providedfor the immediate needs ofthe displaced Badger residents,many of whom escaped withonly the clothing on their backs.An appeal for $3 million waslaunched on February 19to support the relief andrecovery operations.After contacting theRed Cross, Jones learnedthey were in desperateneed of non-perishablefood. Jones — supportedby her co-workers at theKellogg’s plant — spentweeks gathering donationsof money, food,clothing, and other aid.Determined to make adifference, Jones decidedto deliver the goods inperson.“It seemed evident to me thatthere must be something I coulddo to help these people so Iarranged to take a truckload ofsupplies to the Island myself leavingMarch 18,” Jones says.“When I threw the idea outthere at the plant, they all thoughtI was nuts, and I thought, ‘Howhard can it be?’” recalls Jones.The humanitarian relief plangrew as she received donationsfrom her co-workers, friends,family and employer, KelloggCanada. Other major contributorsto the effort included the cityof London as well as theFirefighter & Police Associations,students and other local unions.According to Jones, “Supportfrom the Kellogg and Londoncommunities encouraged me tothe point where this project tookon a life of its own. Donations offuel, transportation and non-perishablefood were met. Therewas also a number of area childrenthat prepared cards and lettersthat were given to the floodvictims.”Upon arrival in Badger, Newfoundland, Local 154Gmember Jody Jones (left) presents letters and $7,000in donations from London, Ont. union members,community organizations, and local businesses.Kindness ReturnedHer idea was to return kindnessto people in the provincewho helped out during the 9/11disaster when internationalflights to the United States werediverted to Canada.“It’s a chance to let the peopleof Newfoundland know thatpeople care about them, too,”she said.Jones’ children—Frankie inGrade 4, Tia in Grade 7, and Zoeyin Grade 9—also became involved.Each of the children led their classesin writing letters of support andencouragement to the children ofBadger. They also helped load thevarious goods personally deliveredto the Jones’ home into the vanbound for Newfoundland.As planned, on March 18 the42-year-old Kellogg’s mechanicand mother of three filled a 16-cubic-foot van with cereal, soup,and other non-perishables. With$7,000 in checks and a letterfrom the Mayor of London inhand, Jones set out on the 5,600-km drive (plus ferry) to Badger.According to Jones,she arrived safely afterthe 25-hour drive andwas welcomed by thecommunity with “tears ofjoy and appreciation.They were so touched byour efforts to help.”Reflecting on the experienceJones said, “I’m justa hard working unionmember who wanted tohelp other regular peoplewho were suffering. It’sjust what I’m all about….itis what being a caringhuman being is all about.”2BCTGM NewsMay/June 2003 www.bctgm.org 3

CEO Benefits Rise Despite PerformanceAAn expanding war on terrorism,a state fiscal crisis, and a soureconomy has not been enough towrest the public’s attention awayfrom the issue of excessive executivecompensation.Newspapers, magazines andperiodicals, including the NewYork Times, USA Today, BusinessWeek, and Canada’s Globe &Mail, have all recently highlightedthis issue. A recentBusinessWeek special reportfocused on the pay trendsamongst America’s corporateleaders and found that while thevery largest pay packages—inthe hundreds of millions—havedeclined, most industries haveexperienced increases in executivecompensation.What makes this pill hard forworking families to swallow, isthe fact that CEO pay has grownat such an astronomical ratedespite the fact that all of NorthAmerica is in a recession, unemploymentis growing, and manycompanies’ performances havedeclined. During these tougheconomic times, it is primarilythe workers who are being askedto sacrifice.The facts speak for themselves.According to the AFL-CIO, executive pay has increasedat a much greater rate than anaverage workers pay. Twentyyears ago CEOs made 42 timeswhat their workers made. In2000, CEOs were making 531times what a worker makes.According to BCTGM InternationalPresident Frank Hurt,the system of compensating executivesis laden with deficienciesand problems. “There is no logicalway to rationalize the increasein CEO pay, relative to that oftheir workers. Especially whenthey are demanding our memberspay more for health care andretirement security,” notes Hurt.CEO compensation in thefood industry has continued torise despite low stock prices andless than stellar fiscal performancesfrom some of the leadingcompanies. Sara Lee Corp. is butone example of this. Accordingto the AFL-CIO’s ExecutivePaywatch website, Sara LeePresident and CEO C. McMillanraked in $17,304,615 in totalcompensation including stockoption grants in 2002. From previousyears’ stock option grants,the Sara Lee executive alsocashed out $3,490,683 in stockoption exercises. McMillanreceived this massive compensationpackage despite the fact thatthe company has not met analysts’expectations, which wereoutlined when the company initiateda restructuring two yearsago. Ironically, Sara Lee is currentlycontemplating anotherrestructuring.According to Hurt, a company’sBoard of Directors musthold CEOs accountable andbring their compensation in linewith reality. “How can directors,who have the final say over aCEO’s pay, legitimize bonusesworth millions of dollars when acompany is struggling or hasfailed to meet expectations?”noted Hurt. “And more importantly,how can a company legitimizeattacking workers’ benefits,while heaping riches on atop handful of executives?”How to Research Your CEO’s PayWant to know how much your CEO made last year? All public companiesmust file certain documents with the Securities and ExchangeCommission (SEC), including an Annual Report (10K) and a ProxyStatement (DEF 14). It is the Proxy Statement that lists top executives’compensation, including their pay, bonus, stock options, and retirementbenefits. To examine your CEO’s compensation, please go toeither www.sec.gov to view the actual SEC filings, or check out theAFL-CIO’s Executive Paywatch site, www.aflcio.org/corporateamerica/paywatch.4 BCTGM NewsBaseball, Barry Bonds and the BCTGMIIn a recent article in anAmerican Airlines publication,American Way, baseball legendBarry Bonds, who has more than600 career home runs and isnumber four on the all timegreatest baseball players list,shared why San Francisco is oneof his favorite cities in America.BCTGM-made bread andchocolate highlight Bonds’ mostsought-after San Francisco goods.When asked where he liked toshop in San Francisco, Bondsexplained, “San Francisco isknown for having the best sourdoughbread and for itsGhirardelli Chocolate. The bestplace to pick up some of thechocolate is at the original location,Ghirardelli Square, nearFisherman’s Wharf. As far assourdough bread goes, some ofthe best is at Boudin Bakery andCafé.”Boudin’s Bakery is worldfamousfor its Original SanFrancisco Sourdough FrenchBread and bills itself as the old-est business in San Francisco.Workers at Boudin Bakery andCafé are represented by Local 24(San Francisco). The bakery andcafé’ are owned by GESDCapital Partners,which recently repurchasedit. Atthe BCTGM’srecent WesternConference,GESD PartnerLou Giraudo outlinedthe group’splans for Boudin’sfuture. GESD alsorecently boughtSan Diego Baking Company andrecognized the BCTGM.Members of Local 125(Oakland, Calif.) produceGhirardelli Chocolate, America’slongest continuously operatingchocolate manufacturer.Established in 1852, Ghirardelliis one of the few companies inAmerica that controls the entirechocolate manufacturingprocess, from the cocoa bean toNew Officers TrainingPictured here are 16 new local union officers who completedthe International’s New Officers Training course in March at theGeorge Meany Center for Labor Studies in Silver Spring, Md.the finished product.Ghirardelli’s parentcompany is Lindt &Sprungli.Reflecting onBonds’ praise for theunion goods,BCTGMInternational President FrankHurt notes, “Our Union has collectivebargaining agreementswith some of the best and mostwell known companies in theworld. Our members are proud ofthe quality products they producefor the companies undercontract to the BCTGM. OurUnion has always prided itself inbeing a respected and responsibleorganization.”May/June 2003 www.bctgm.org 5

BCTGM Industry FocusNearly 10,000 BCTGM members work in thebiscuit and cracker industry throughout theU.S. and Canada. Union members work inproduction facilities as mixers, packers, shippingclerks and are part of the productionprocess from start to finish. This industrysector includes companies engaged in themanufacture of cookies, crackers, biscuits,pretzels, ice cream cones,cracker meal and crumbs, matzohand zwieback and manyother snacks.Industry LeadersThe top tier of the biscuit and crackerindustry in the United States consists oftwo companies, Nabisco Biscuit Co. (a divisionof Kraft Foods) and Keebler Foods (adivision of Kellogg Company), which nowincludes the former President Baking Co.Both companies compete in most marketsacross the U.S., and in most productcategories.The second tier of the industry is led byParmalat Finanziaria, which recentlyacquired Archway and Mother’s Cake &Cookies, both held under holding companyMA Holding. Ralcorp Holdings’ BremnerBiscuit, one of the leading private label producers,is also within the second tier. Bake-Line Group, which was created when AtlanticBaking Group acquired several facilities fromConsolidated Biscuit and Keebler, is a rising playerin the private label sector.Entenmann’s brand (George Weston) premiumcookies, Kroger and other independents bring upthe tail end of the mid tier.Biscuit & Cracker IndustryMajor Union BrandsUnion ContractsLocal unions representing workers in thebiscuit industry can affiliate to the BCTGMBiscuit Council, which holds annual meetings.Those locals representing workersemployed by Nabisco (Kraft) andKeebler (Kellogg), as well as manyothers, meet during the courseof the Council meetings andunder the guidance of theInternational Union, bargainnational agreements with each ofthe companies.Nabisco: Oreo, Ritz, Snackwell’s, Chips Ahoy,Triscuit, Premium, NillaKeebler: Fudge Shoppe, Cheez-It, Murray, TownHouse, Chips Deluxe, Wheatables,Famous AmosParmalat: Archway, Mother’sGeorge Weston: Entenmann’sFor more information onBCTGM-made products, visitthe all new BUY UNION sectionof www.bctgm.org.Western Conference MeetsIn the ‘City by the Sea’TThe national health care crisis,the economy and political actionwere priority issues addressed bydelegates to the BCTGM’s 47thWestern Conference in SanFrancisco April14-17.Conference President DoyleTownsend, Secretary-TreasurerLaurel Koch, Vice PresidentFelisa Castillo, and TrusteesDanny Polanco, MartyZimmerman and Lillian Gainerled the busy agenda, whichincluded the presentation of anambitious new actionplan for 2003-04.InternationalPresident Frank Hurtaddressed a myriad oftopics with the delegatesincluding the state ofthe U.S. economy, thestate of the union andthe challenges theBCTGM faces in representingworkers duringtrying times. Hurt urgedofficers and delegates tobecome active in the BCTGMpolitical action program andincrease their organizing effortsto strengthen the locals and theorganization as a whole.International Executive VicePresident Joseph Thibodeau discussedthe AFL-CIO Alliance forRetired Americans program andreiterated the concerns and problemswith the future of Medicare,prescription drug coverage andSocial Security.Thibodeau reminded localunion delegates to submit theircontracts and collective bargainingclauses into the B&C Pensionfund. He also discussed localunion elections and the properprocedures to follow.Assistant to the PresidentRobert Harbrant gave a presentationentitled: “2003—What doyou want it to be?” He also presentedan overview of theBCTGM-PAC program.Lew Davis, manager of theB&C Union and IndustryPension Fund, reported onrecent developments andchanges in theFund and answered questionsfrom the delegates on questionsand concerns expressed by theirmembership. Davis alsoannounced the Fund’s new website, www.bctrustfunds.org,which locals and retirees cannow access for important information.Louis Giraudo of GESDCapital Partners gave an interestingand informative presentationto the delegates on recent developmentsundertaken by GESD inCalifornia and the aspirationsand prospects for the future.Mike Johanson of the FederalMediation and ConciliationDelegates to the 2003 WesternConference listen carefully toIntl. Pres. Frank Hurt’s remarks.Service (FMCS) provided helpfulinformation and previewed theFMCS Voting Services that arenow available and answeredquestions from the delegates.The Conference includedmeetings of the Retail BakeryConference, The Law andLegislative Committee, The Pasta,Candy & SnackCommittee,OrganizingCommittee, andthe PublicRelations and UnionLabel Committee. TheConference ended on afestive note as delegatesparticipated in a specialPAC auction, organizedby Donna Scarano ofLocal 125 and MaryTrujillo of Local 9.Delegates donated alarge number of unique and valuableitems for bid. The selectionswere presented to the highest bidderand all proceeds went into theunion’s PAC fund.The Western Conferenceincludes all of Region 6 withlocal union representatives fromArizona, California, Colorado,Idaho, Montana, Nevada,New Mexico, Oregon, Utah,Washington and Wyoming. Thepurpose of the Conference is toassist in authorized strikes;organizing campaigns; legislativeactivity; union label promotion;and activity in the pasta, snackand candy industries.6BCTGM NewsMay/June 2003 www.bctgm.org 7

States’ Fiscal Crisis ConcernsBCTGM Working FamiliesAAs the stock market strugglesand unemployment rises, individualstates find themselves inthe midst of a fiscal quagmire.Since most states have “balancedbudget requirements,” andlegislation they must adhere to,many governors and state legislatorsare trying to find creativeways of closing a projected $80billion deficit for fiscal 2004. Theresult is massive cost-cutting andthe rearranging of priorities. Forexample, many states have cutor frozen funding for varioussocial services including education,health, childcare, and theelderly.“The President’s policies donot make economic sense,”notes BCTGM InternationalPresident Frank Hurt. “He wants‘no child left behind,’ but heinadequately funds education.He talks aboutHomeland Security, buthe pushes the cost ontobankrupt states. Hefavors lower taxes, buthis economic policies areforcing states to raisetheir own taxes.”Cause of shortfallBelieve it or not, inlate 2000, states were inthe best financial shapethey had been in fordecades. However, sincethen, unemployment hasrisen to six percent, thusreducing state tax revenuesand their ability topay for important programs.Exacerbating theproblem is the rising costof Medicaid and Medicare,which is increasing four timesfaster than overall state spending.Add into this lethal mix acostly war on terrorism,increased Homeland Securitycosts, a massive federal taxbreak plan, and continuing corporatetax loopholes, and statelegislators are left shaking theirheads in disbelief and wonder.The fiscal crisisand working familiesUnfortunately, BCTGM membersand all working families willlikely bear the brunt of thisfinancial tragedy. In order to balancetheir budgets, state legislatorsare cutting spending. Thesecuts are likely to precipitate layoffsin the public sector, increasesin college tuition, cuts in childcare funding, stricter eligibilityfor health services, decreases infunding for displaced workers,and cuts to education budgets.While the wealthy can afford tosend their children to privateschool or daycare and still manageto pay for increases in healthand other services, working familiescannot. This crisis will alsoimpact states’ ability to transferneeded income to its cities,impacting ambulance services,policing, highway maintenance,and services for the poor and theelderly.The BCTGM FocusThe BCTGM believes thatstates and the federal governmentmust reprioritize their thinking. Ifsacrifices must be made at thestate level, working people shouldnot have to shoulder all theresponsibility. Rather, states havethe ability to raise the necessaryfunds by closing taxloopholes for the rich,reduce excessive taxincentives for billion dollarbusinesses, legislate estatetax laws, and demandhigher discounts from drugcompanies for stateMedicaid programs. Inaddition, the federal governmentmust support itsown initiatives, likeHomeland Security, byproviding states with thenecessary financial help.For more informationand analysis on thestate fiscal crisis, visitthe Center on Budgetand Policy Prioritieswebsite: www.cbpp.org.The Race for Dignity, Justice and RespectPhiladelphiaLocal HoldsVOC TrainingBBCTGM Local 6 (Philadelphia)recently inaugurated itsVoluntary Organizing Committee(VOC) with an all day trainingsession held at its union office.International Vice PresidentBob Oakley and InternationalRepresentative Jim Condranactively assisted in the sessionthat was conducted by Assistantto the President Bob Harbrant.“It is both urgent and vital tocommit your local to organizingby enlisting the efforts of everymember,” Oakley told the group.The participants receivedinformation and engaged inworking groups and discussionsto expand their individual organizingskills. The Local 6 membersSSaratoga Springs, N.Y. is home tohorseracing’s famous Travers Cup,which is run every August in thatnorthern New York Eden. But onMay 1, 2003, “the Springs” witnesseda different kind of race—thewinners being the 19 new membersof BCTGM Local 50 (Spotswood,N.J.) who voted to join the unionby a margin of 10 to 5. Thanks totheir determination, the drivers andwarehousemen of Bakemark (CSMNV), a Dutch-owned company,now have a voice at work.CSM produces, sells anddelivers a wide range of basicingredients for virtually all segmentsof the baking industrynationwide. According to Local 50Vice President Joseph Svingala,who worked on the campaign, thebasic issues were the familiarones of Dignity, Justice andRespect. This fight for DJR wasembodied in a company policythat forced delivery drivers tooperate under a flat rate regardlessof distances travelled on theirruns. That practice, coupled withlong hours demanded of warehousemenpaid an hourly rate,compounded their dissatisfaction.Workers viewed this discrepancyas both unfair and exploitative.practiced worker interviews andwere provided with checklists,guidelines and other materials toassist them in future campaigns.The organizers discussed andanalyzed a potential target in thePhiladelphia area that had beenchecked out previously.Participants gave suggestions andbrainstormed new approaches onorganizing the location. At the endof the session, each VOC membersigned a pledge to organize a specificnumber of unorganized workersthis year. Additionally, eachperson was assigned an organizingtarget to investigate and reportIn fact, Bakemark driverand new Local 50 memberPaul Parmentier said he waslooking forward to “the unionbeing there. Now we can startworrying about our home lifeinstead of worrying aboutworking conditions. It makeslife better,” he said of the winningcampaign.In addition to Svingala andParmentier, others who workedon the organizing drive includeChuck Kleitgen, Pat Rohan andMike Hitchcock. Bargaining for afirst union contract is expectedto begin immediately.the information back to the Local6 officers for a decision on how toproceed.Local 6 VOC members whoattended the organizing seminarwere Richard Strous, JamesBoatman, Kelvin Graham,Harvard Hitchcock, TammyTubbs, Henry McKay, CarmenSmith-Clemens, Eric Thomas,Michael Mikovich, GeorgeBrooks, and Local 6 officers Pres.John Cairns, Fin. Secy. BarryFields, Bus. Agt./OrganizerCharles Goodge, OrganizerJoseph Medley, and Bus.Agt./Organizer Marie Bowman.10BCTGM NewsMay/June 2003www.bctgm.org11

TThe dedication to excellence ofLocal 317T (Greensboro, N.C.)members doesn’t stop with theproduction process. The mobilizationof members and unionrelatedactivities help define corelabor values at the local unionlevel. In all that they do, Local317T strives for excellence andhas a long, successful history insuch union principles as communityservice, education, politicalaction, collective bargaining andcommunication.In 1760, Pierre Lorillard establisheda company in New YorkCity to process tobacco, cigars,and snuff. Today, Lorillard—America’s oldest tobacco company,employs more than 1,200members of Local 317T who continuethe Lorillard tradition ofproducing some of the world’sfinest tobacco products. Here,Local 317T President Randy Fulkhighlights the local’s efforts:Community serviceNorth Carolina Local ShinesOver the last four years,Lorillard employees have contributedmore money than anyother Greensboro-area businessto the United Way of America.In 2002, Lorillard workers (bothsalaried and union) contributeda total of $645,122.Education & TrainingThe local recently completedits annual two-day stewardtraining. Local 317T negotiatedin its 2003-2003 contract thatthe company would pay lostwages to all stewards and officerswho attend this annualtraining. The local places ahigh value on regular educationand in 2002, President RandyFulk and Vice President RalphDay completed a six-dayAdvance Arbitration course atthe GeorgeMeany Centerfor Labor Studiesin Silver Spring,Md.PoliticalActionBothPresident Fulkand VicePresident Day arevery active in the legislativeissues concerning labor andtobacco. President Fulk spoke tothe North Carolina legislature(Senate and Congressional) in2000 on the continued attackson the tobacco industry, andexplained the danger of losingunion worker jobs in the industry.Both local officers also lobbiedto defeat a cigarette taxincrease in 2002. Day currentlyserves as the vice president ofthe Triad Central Labor.Local 317T members alsounderstand the importance ofpolitical action. In 2000, memberWilliam Earl Jagges was appointedby North Carolina GovernorMichael Easley to the Governor’sWorkforce Development Board.Jagges also serves as the financialsecretary of the Triad CentralLabor Council.Collective BargainingLocal 317T recently negotiateda new three-year contractwith wage increases each year ofthe pact, increases in pensionand improved life insurance forboth active and retired members.Local negotiators also increasedshift differencial pay and doubledaccidental and health leavefrom 13 weeks to 26 weeks fornon-catastrophic illnesses.CommunicationIn March Local 317T unveiledits new website, www.317T.com.According to Fulk, the localplans to use the communicationsmethod to “help inform andmotivate union workers andretirees.”HistoryThe local proudly boasts thatTobacco Industry Vice PresidentT.J. Warren and InternationalRepresentative Barry Baker haveboth served as former Local317T presidents. Fulk has beenon the BCTGM GeneralExecutive Board since 2000. Inaddition, he has served as amember of the North CarolinaState AFL-CIO Executive Boardsince 2001.OrganizingEven though North Carolinais a so-called Right-to-WorkState, less than ten Lorillardemployees are not in the union.In the last 30 years, the averagenumber of “free riders” atLorillard has remained betweenfive to nine workers.Child Care: A Union’s FightAAs a pressing national issue,accessibility to affordable, qualitychild care, is a rather newconcern for Canadians. Whilethe problem has been evident formore than fifty years, the publicagenda has tended to focus onhealthcare, unemployment insurance,welfare and retirementsecurity. However, over the pasttwo decades, the momentum forchanges in child care has beengrowing.Part of that drive comes fromthe fact that 70 percent ofwomen with school-age childrenare working outside of the home.According to the CanadianCouncil on Social Development,only 12 percent of children haveaccess to licensed care. ManyBCTGM families scramble to findthe appropriate care for theirchildren, and in many cases, areforced to pay extraordinary costs.This is one of the primary reasonsthe labour movement hastaken such an active role in pressuringthe government toincrease child care subsidies,and make care more accessibleand affordable for working fami-lies. According to BCTGM VicePresident Sean Kelly, “expensivechild care empties workers’ wallets,while a lack of care keepssingle parents out of the workforce,or forces them to possiblycompromise their child’s safety.”BCTGM InternationalPresident Frank Hurt echoedKelly’s view. “A healthy childcare system benefits the entirecommunity. Child care aids inchildren’s development, reducespoverty, promoteseconomic self-reliancefor single parents, andbalances work andfamily life.”A small but powerfulstep forward wasrecently made by thefederal and provincialgovernment’s whenthey reached agreementon a strategy forimproving Canada’schild care system. Focussing onaffordability, quality, and accessibility,the plan calls for the federalgovernment to supportprovincial and territorial governmentsin early learning andchildcare with $900 million inextra funding over the next fiveyears. While this amount willsurely have a positive impact,there are still concerns that thisis but the first step towards solvingthis problem.“The BCTGM must continueto push all levels of governmentto make our children a priority.They are the future of this country,and we cannot ignore thatfact,” said Kelly.Scabs Loose Right toVote in OntarioIn a recent case, the OntarioLabour Relations Board (OLRB)ruled that replacement workerscannot participate in adecertification vote. Moreimportantly, the decisioncould affect other areas ofOntario’s Labour Relations Act,specifically limiting replacementworkers’ right to vote onfinal offers and when ratifyingcontracts at the end of strikes.The BCTGM applauds theOLRB for recognizing thatreplacement workers do notshare a community of interestswith union workers.Federal GovernmentDebates Anti-Scab BillOn April 29, debate began inthe House of Commons onBill C-328, which would prohibitthe use of strike-breakersin the federal jurisdiction.While the bill would notimpact private-sectoremployees, such legislationshould pave the way formore provinces to pass privatesector anti-scab legislation.For updates on thisimportant issue, please checkout the Canada page atwww.bctgm.org.12BCTGM NewsMay/June 2003 www.bctgm.org 13

From the People Who BroughtYou the Weekend…Pictured here, Intl. Pres. Frank Hurt (left) presents Local 315 (SanDiego) Fin. Secy. Deborah Lacey-Zuelsdorf (right) with a specialBCTGM-PAC award. Under Zuelsdorf’s leadership, Local 315embarked on an ambitious PAC campaign and in 2001 becamethe first BCTGM local to exceed the $12.00 per member PACgoal. In 2001, Local 315 collected a grand total of $5,506,which equals an average total membership contribution of$12.02 per member. Hurt commended Zuelsdorf’s enthusiasmand notes the local conducts a model PAC program.Dedicated to ExcellencePolitical ActionLocal 492 (Philadelphia) recently held a “wildlysuccessful” BCTGM-PAC Awareness Day at theKraft-Nabisco plant, according to Local 492Pres./Bus. Mgr. Carolyn Binder, who organizedthe event. Education materials were providedand Intl. Rep. Jim Condran and local officerswere on hand to answer questions and discussthe importance of the union’s political program.Intl. Vice Pres. Bob Oakley commended thelocal for the BCTGM-PAC Awareness Day, notingthe local’s planning and effort yielded morethan 60 new BCTGM-PAC Club members.Pictured here (front of table, from left) are members Joan Hamburg, Linda Giordano, Steward JohnSperduto, Chairperson Cynthia Friday, (behind table, from left) L. 492 Fin. Secy. Edward Rogers and Binder.VacationsThe BCTGM Power vacation program hasVacation choices span the globe teamed up with Go Ahead Vacations to offermembers discounted world-class travel opportunities. Our program provider is a leading globaltravel company, with more than 100 offices in 43 countries. Interested in visiting England, Italy,or beyond? The BCTGM Power vacation program offers union adventurersendless possibilities.Take the vacation of a lifetime, whereverTravel the Worldyou choose to go—Europe, Asia, Africaand Central America. BCTGM Power developed this program withUnion Plus and Go Ahead Vacations. Go Ahead Vacations can bereached at 1-800-590-1104, or through www.bctgm.org.Sweet FarewellAt the recent Western Conference, longtime BCTGMLocal 31 (Long Beach, Calif.) member Alfred Pitts waspresented with a special clock in honor of his recentretirement. Pictured here (from left) is Western Conf.President/Local 31 Fin. Secy. Doyle Townson, Pitts,Local 85 member Norman Fouch, and Western Conf.Secy.-Treas./Local 114 Fin. Secy. Laurel Koch.Union members enjoy up to 25% inUp to 25% savings on rental carssavings from Budget and Avis.Whether it’s a car, van or SUV, BCTGM members can drive in style for less.Members simply use their BCTGM Power Credit Card when theyInstant Savingsmake their reservations for rental cars.Calling or ordering online in advance also means you pay less than at the counter — andyou can upgrade to a better car for only a couple bucks. When you order online, you can alsoprint out your confirmation for your records and to reference when you pick up your car. Toaccess Budget and Avis online visit the BCTGM Power section on www.bctgm.org.After long and dedicated BCTGM careers, General Executive Boardmembers Local 503 (Charlotte, N.C.) Fin. Secy. Charles Taylor (left) andLocal 25 (Chattanooga, Tenn.) Fin. Secy. George Bolton (right)announced their retirement at the 64th session of the GEB in PalmSprings, Calif. on March 17. Taylor joined the BCTGM in 1975 as aroute salesman for Merita. He was appointed as a member of the GEBin March 1998. Bolton, who joined the union in 1974 while working atColonial Baking, became a member of the GEB in September 1995.GEB RetireesContact Avis and Budget today to get rate quotes onReservations & Quotesrental cars and make reservations.Avis Car Rental — Get online quotes and reservations for rental cars. By phone: 1-800-698-5685 (reference union I.D. # B723700)Budget Car Rental — Get online quotes and reservations for rental cars. By phone:1-800-455-2848 (reference union I.D. # V816100)14 BCTGM NewsMay/June 2003 www.bctgm.org 15

2 1 S T C E N T U R Y W O R K E R S U R V I V A LBenefitsUnion workers are more likely than their nonunioncounterparts to receive health care andpension benefits.ConditionsWhy UnionMembershipPaysUnion workers enjoy better working conditions andreceive dignity, justice and respect.StabilityUnion workers have greater job stability becausethey're more satisfied with their jobs, receive betterpay, have better benefits, have access to fairgrievance procedures and are protected from unjustdischarge by collective bargaining agreements.ProductivityThe voice that union members have on the job—sharing in decision-making about promotions andwork and production standards—increasesproductivity and improves management practices.Better training, lower turnover and longer tenurealso make union workers more productive.CompensationUnion membership helps raise workers' pay andnarrow the income gap that disadvantages minoritiesand women. Union workers earn 26 percent morethan nonunion workers, according to the U.S.Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics.Union membership can go along way toward worker selfsufficiencyin today’s economy.Printed in U.S.A.