Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
Nearly 200 members of Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers (BCTGM) Local 390G went on strike against International Flavors and Fragrances (IFF) in Memphis, Tennessee. The BCTGM members produce soy protein products used by companies including Nestlé, Nestlé Purina and Abbott Nutrition to manufacture baby formula, pet foods, soy-based nutritional powders, and other food and beverage products.
“The BCTGM International Union stands in unwavering solidarity with our courageous Brothers and Sisters who are on strike against IFF,” said BCTGM International President Anthony Shelton. “Workers have been working under the terms of their expired contract for over a year while the company refuses to negotiate a fair contract that protects the workers’ health insurance and overtime.
“IFF, a $12 billion company, is making these demands without regard for the well-being of the hardworking men and women who make the product that is supplied to global giants like Nestlé and Abbott Manufacturing, among others. “We are proud of our members at IFF for taking a strong stand against this company’s greed and we will support them for as long as it takes to force the company to negotiate a fair contract that rewards them for their hard work and dedication and protects their future.”