(BUFFALO, NEW YORK) – An Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) Strike has been initiated by Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union (BCTGM) Local 36G, which represents165 Members who are employed at the J.M. Smucker Company Plant in Buffalo that produces Milk-Bone brand dog treats.

The Workers are fighting against an increased cost to their health care, low wages and the company’s blatant disrespect for Labor Law and its Employees, Union Officials said.

“The Members had hoped to improve their sub-par medical plan when they entered bargaining,” BCTGM International Vice President and Chief Negotiator Roger Miller said. “Instead, the company proposed to increase the cost of it.  This is a deal-breaker, especially since it would offset any wage increase they were able to win.”

The BCTGM Bargaining Committee also denounced a four-page communication sent by the company to the Workers during negotiations, illegally threatening and intimidating its Union Workforce and their families, Union Officials said. 

“We met with the company one last time to avoid a Strike.  The final straw that pushed the Membership onto the street was the company’s regressive bargaining, in an offer that took steps backwards from its previous offer,” Miller said. “Charges are being filed with the National Labor Relations Board for threatening and intimidating the Workers, as well as the flagrant attempt to move us backwards in negotiations.”

BCTGM International President Anthony Shelton issued the following statement in support of the Striking Union Members in Buffalo: “The BCTGM International Union stands in unwavering solidarity with our courageous Brothers and Sisters who are on Strike.  We are proud of the strong stand they have taken in spite of the scare tactics of this company, which boasted ($8.2 billion) in revenue for 2024.  The BCTGM International will support them for as long as it takes to force the company to negotiate a fair contract.”

To Directly Access this Labor News Report, Go To: BCTGM | The Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union | Workers on Strike at Milk-Bone in Buffalo, N.Y.

Photo Courtesy Of The BCTGM.