July 1, 2013

NW13-021

To: NW Council Representatives

From: Joel Funfar (NW VP), Bob Wilkerson (SPEEA Treasurer), Orlando De Los Santos (R-50), Judy Mogan (A-10), Ron Mathes (D-6), Tony Hickerson (K-2),

Theryl Johnson (P-5), Joseph Asaif (P-2), Kerry Fultz (P-2), Brent McFarlane(E-22) .

Subject: Pre-submitted New Business: Support of IAM Local 79 District 160. On strike at Belshaw Adamatic Bakery Group.

Background

Contract issues at Belshaw initially revolved around wages, health and welfare, and pension. The union had put a proposal on the table that would have saved the company more than $20,000 per month in health and welfare costs, asking only that some of those savings be passed along to the membership in the form of a wage increase. The company balked at the proposal.

But now, an over-arching issue has now emerged — the company has announced that they have hired permanent replacement workers, a move that resulted in the unanimous rejection of the company’s latest contract proposal on May 10. This escalation of offense by the company has only strengthened the resolve of the membership on the picket line.

Formerly part of the Aga Rangemaster Group, Belshaw Bros. was acquired by Italian conglomerate Ali SpA in 2007. That global connection is what moved the Trade and Globalization Department of the IAM to request support from Geneva, Switzerland-based IndustriALL Global Union, which represents 50 million workers in 140 countries in the mining, energy and manufacturing sectors. The IAM is an affiliate of the organization. The eyes of workers around the world have now focused on the intransigence of a seemingly small company in Auburn.

Since March 24, members of the International Association of Machinists Local Lodge 79 have been out on strike at Belshaw Adamatic Bakery Group in Auburn. The company has announced the hiring of permanent scab replacement workers, an escalation of offense by the company has only strengthened the resolve of the membership on the picket line.

Sign electronic letter to Belshaw management — Help striking Belshaw workers win their fight for justice by sending a message to Belshaw Adamatic Bakery Group. Tell them to stop their unfair treatment of Local 79 members and negotiate a fair agreement.

http://www.goiam.org/camptrack/help-striking-iam-members-at-belshaw-adamatic-bakery/

IAM Local 751 has given $1000.00 to these workers.

Motion

It is moved that the NW SPEEA Council supports IAM Local 79, District 160 by requesting the SPEEA Executive Board giving, up to $1000.00 out of the annually budgeted labor support fund to help them in their strike.