The BCTGM Voices Project

Local 37 (Los Angeles, Calif.) Shop Steward Julissa Marquez discusses the unfair wage, overtime and pension issues surrounding the Jon Donaire strike.

“LIKE” the Rich’s Union Members Appreciation Facebook Page to keep up with their stories!

A follow-up to the previous episode with East-Central Region Vice Pres. Roger Miller – in this recording the workers give their inside take on the #KelloggStrike from every location.

We hear from:

• Local 252G, Memphis, Tenn.: Local Vice Pres./Kellogg’s Unitizer Operator Kevin Bradshaw
• Local 50G, Omaha, Neb.: BCTGM Member/Kellogg’s Coater Operator Victor Francia
• Local 3G, Battle Creek, Mich.: Kellogg’s Crew Leader Heather Greene & Head Proccessing Operator Donivan Williams
• Local 374G, Lancaster, Pa.: BCTGM Member/Kellogg’s Extruder Operator Andy Johnson

 

Resources from this episode (PDF):

• 5 Ways to Support the #KelloggStrike
• Social Media Flyer
• #KelloggStrike Fact Sheet
• Picket/Letter-Writing Locations & Strike Funds

 

Featured Music: Never Cross a Picket Line, Billy Bragg

 

On October 5th, nearly 1,400 BCTGM members at cereal plants in Battle Creek, Mich., Omaha, Neb., Lancaster, Pa. and Memphis, Tenn. went on STRIKE against the Kellogg Company.

In this episode, the lead Union negotiator for their contract – BCTGM East-Central Region Vice President Roger Miller – talks about the complicated sticking points which led an overwhelming 90% of the workers to vote in favor of a strike.

Resources from this episode (PDF):

• 5 Ways to Support the #KelloggStrike
• Social Media Flyer
• #KelloggStrike Fact Sheet
• Picket/Letter-Writing Locations & Strike Funds

Our thoughts on everything from strikeline leadership and community organizing to fielding press calls and captivating the working class on social media.

In this episode, we hear from:

• Richmond, Va.: Local 358 Fin. Secy./Bus. Agt. Darlene Carpenter
• Portland, Ore.: Local 364 Vice Pres./Nabisco Pest Controller Mike Burlingham and Oregon AFL-CIO Pres. Graham Trainor
• Kensington, Md.: BCTGM Int’l PR/Communications Dir. Corrina Christensen

A follow-up to the previous episode with BCTGM Int'l. Secy. Treas. David Woods – in this recording the workers give their inside take on the #NabiscoStrike from every location.

From each strike line, we hear from:

• Local 364, Portland, Ore.: Local Bus. Agt. Cameron Taylor & Vice Pres./Nabisco Pest Controller Mike Burlingham
• Local 26, Aurora, Colo.: Local Pres./Bus. Mgr. Clifton Horton & Chief Steward/Exec. Board Member/Nabisco Replenisher (Fork Lift Driver) Rusty Lewis
• Local 358, Richmond, Va.: East-Central Region Intl. Rep. Lisa Gregory & Member/Nabisco Oiler Nathan Williams
• Local 1, Chicago, Ill.: BCTGM Rank & File Organizer Jared Cummings & Member/Nabisco Utility Operator Yvette Hale, II.
• Local 42, Atlanta, Ga.: Local Union Organizer Melissa Morley & Chief Steward/Nabisco Route Driver Edwin Martin, Jr.

Follow their Facebook Page: Nabisco Workers Unite

Check the Label! Download an Action Flyer 

BCTGM Int'l. Secy. Treas. David Woods talks about the history and context behind the #NabiscoStrike - which has had members at multiple plant locations walking out in phases. At the time of this recording, there are more than 1,000 BCTGM Members on strike in four different cities.

Follow their Facebook Page: Nabisco Workers Unite

Check the Label! Download an Action Flyer 

A case study for the Topka Frito-Lay Union Members Appreciation Facebook Page - which grew by 2,000 followers in 10 days during the #FritoLayStrike. Local 218 Trustee/FritoLay Crewing Coordinator Chantel Mendenhall (the page's admin) and BCTGM Midwest International Rep. Jason Davis give us their insight.

BCTGM Midwest International Representative Jason Davis and Local 218 Chief Steward Paul Klemme talk about the labor issues which led them to strike against FritoLay in Topeka, Kansas on July 5th. Hear their stories and learn how you can support the workers on and off the picket line!

One of the BCTGM's most enthusiastic young leaders - Local 351 (Albuquerque, NM) President Andrew Gutierrez - offers his perspective on community outreach, political action and staying connected to his membership both in-person and on social media.

Digital Media Dir. Michelle Ellis gives tips for clearer, more creative social media posts and references a handful of free smart phone apps that can help you get the job done. Apps Referenced:

Photo Editing

• Tezza
• Adobe Lightroom

 

Graphics/Text Overlays

• Canva
• Word Swag

 

Designing Stories/Slides

• Unfold

 

Social Media Links/Websites

• MilkShake
• LinkTree
• Biosite