Members of BCTGM Local 26 on strike outside of the Nabisco factory in Aurora, Colorado.
On August 17, members of Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers & Grain Millers (BCTGM) Local 26 enter their sixth day on strike fighting for a fair contract that provides improved wages, benefits, working conditions, and a commitment from Nabisco to keep jobs in the United States. Workers in Aurora, Colorado, join members of Local 362, in Portland, Oregon who are also on strike against the company.
Over the past seven years, Nabisco has closed three BCTGM-represented bakeries, downsized others, and outsourced close to 2,000 well-paying, middle-class jobs overseas. Now, Nabisco is threatening to move more jobs to México if the union does not agree to major concessions in the contract—all while Nabisco is making record profits.
“At a time when more American workers are struggling to find good-paying jobs where they can support their families, Nabisco continues to outsource jobs so that they can pay workers less, disregard workplace rights and standards, undercut union contracts and continue to pocket record profits,” said Clifton Horton, President of BCTGM, Local 26.
BCTGM members have attempted to enter into good faith contract negotiations with the company and have been met with a “my way or the highway” attitude, including the company attempting to negotiate directly with employees, a clear violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act.
Nabisco is demanding changes to workers’ schedules that will result in thousands of dollars in lost income for nearly every worker. They are also demanding newly hired workers accept a different and substandard health insurance plan. Workers have had enough and are taking a stand against continued outsourcing of jobs and complete disregard for their rights and wellbeing.
“At a time when more American workers are struggling to find good-paying jobs where they can support their families, Nabisco continues to outsource jobs so that they can pay workers less.”
Clifton Horton, President/BCTGM, Local 26
“For over a year myself and my colleagues have been essential workers, keeping the company running and Nabisco products on the shelves and in the homes of American families. We deserve fair pay, and benefits and cannot accept a contract with anything less than this,” said Rusty Lewis, Chief Steward and member of BCTGM Local 26.
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