Members of Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers Local 36G have been on strike at J.M. Smucker Company’s Milk-Bone dog treat factory in Buffalo, New York, since Oct. 28. They’re demanding a significant wage increase and affordable health care plan. These issues resonate with workers everywhere. And their fight has won widespread support from other BCTGM locals and area unions.
Four members of Bakery Workers Local 114 from Franz Bakery in Springfield, Oregon, traveled to Buffalo to join the strikers on the picket line. Workers at the bakery voted Nov. 20 to accept a new contract after a three-week strike. The local says on its website, “The new three-year agreement features an historic wage increase, retroactive pay, maintenance of health benefits and retirement improvements.”
On Nov. 20 Milk-Bone strikers, the visiting Local 114 members, BCTGM international officers and others brought the fight to Smucker’s corporate headquarters in Orrville, Ohio. Steve Palumbo, chief steward of the striking local, posted photos and videos of the protest on the Milk-Bone Workers on Strike Facebook page. “BCTGM LOCAL 36G and its members will not back down from corporate greed,” he wrote.
Milk-Bone striker Cathy Kennedy told the Militant that mechanics who are working in the plant said management is telling them that the company plans to wait out the union. “Waiting for us to accept the lousy offer they gave us. Good luck with that,” she said. “Management also told them that we ‘didn’t understand’ the medical plan they offered us. We did understand. We’re not idiots.”
Tony Serra, one of the day-shift picket captains, described discussions he has had with newer workers. “They’re thanking us for standing up. I tell them, ‘It’s your future. I’ve got 38-plus years in the industry, you’ve got to stand for what you believe in.’”
Liz Murray, the wife of striker John Murray, baked a tray of cookies and decorated them with slogans like “United we bargain,” “Divided we beg” and “Never cross the picket line.”
Members of BCTGM Local 81 from Traverse City, Michigan, traveled to Buffalo with a large assortment of supplies for the pickets.
“Teamsters Local 449 keeps coming back with firewood and hot dogs, United Auto Workers members from the Tonawanda engine plant brought truckloads of wood, and the Teachers Federation brings coffee and donuts every week,” Serra told the Militant. “Local 3 of the National Association of Letter Carriers came by with refreshments after reading about the strike online. People showing up is phenomenal!”
The strikers are now receiving unemployment benefits. One striker set up a GoFundMe page to raise funds for picketing supplies. “We’re pretty dug in, getting ready for the long haul,” Serra said.
The picket lines are up 24/7. Bring solidarity and join them at 243 Urban Street in Buffalo!