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Highlighting the real people who make up The Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers (BCTGM) Union. Communications Director Michelle Ellis brings monthly interviews and Digital Insights to inspire authentic online dialogue between leadership, organizers and current and future members.
Episodes

Sunday Apr 27, 2025
039: BCTGM Sugar Locals on Milling, Refining and Having a Voice at the Table
Sunday Apr 27, 2025
Sunday Apr 27, 2025
Most people believe the sugar they use and consume everyday comes from sugarcane, but in the United States about 60% of it is Union-made from sugar beets in the cooler climates of the northern Midwest and Western regions of the country.
BCTGM members in Michigan, North Dakota, Montana, Minnesota, Idaho and Wyoming process nearly 100% of the sugar from sugar beets – for companies like Michigan Sugar, Amalgamated Sugar, Wyoming Sugar, Southern Minnesota Beet Sugar Cooperative, American Crystal and Sidney Sugar. Much of it ends up in bags on your grocery shelves, but a lot also goes into other food products, such as BCTGM-made Kellogg’s and General Mills cereals and other sweet snacks.
In this episode, two BCTGM Local Union leaders at Amalgamated Sugar in Idaho discuss their unique jobs and the importance of their Union contracts.
Guests:
- Shawn Fowler, President, BCTGM Local 282G
- Brendan Van Sickle, President, BCTGM Local 283G
Supporting:
- David Woods, BCTGM International Secretary-Treasurer/Dir. of Organization
- Shad Clark, BCTGM International Vice President, Western Region
Comments (1)
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Very interesting! Thank you Brendon and Shawn for the education. Great job guys! 👍
Sunday Apr 27, 2025
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