A Strike involving 170 Members of Bakery, Confectionary, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers (BCTGM) Local 36G in Buffalo is over.  The Union Workers, who were on Strike at J.M. Smucker-owned Milk-Bone, have voted to ratify a new contract - bringing to an end a seven-week walkout.

Reflecting on the vote to accept the new agreement, BCTGM International President Anthony Shelton said: “This has been a difficult fight for our striking BCTGM Workers and their families. I could not be more proud of these hard-working Members who put it all on the line - and braved the frigid Buffalo elements - to fight for a fair contract.”

Union Members stood strong against an increased cost to their health care, low wages and the company’s blatant disrespect for the law and its Employees, the Union said.

In the end, their resolve secured a record wage increase over the course of the three-year contract.  They also received a signing bonus and holiday bonus to ease the transition back to work.  Most importantly, their health care plan will remain affordable and the Workers secured cost certainty for the duration of the contract, BCTGM Officials said.

To Directly Access This Labor News Report In Its Entirety, Go To: Milk-Bone Strike SETTLED

Meanwhile, 96% of 830 University at Buffalo (UB) Physicians, represented by the Union of American Physicians and Dentists (UAPD), have voted to ratify their first contract with their employer, University Medical Resident Services, P.C. (UMRS) - ending a year-and-a-half long stalemate in negotiations, according to The Spectrum newspaper.

Physicians’ salaries - which UAPD Members argued to be the lowest in New York State - are expected to increase by 17.3% to 34.4% over the course of three years, with Chief Residents receiving an annual $1,500 supplement.  All residents will gain a $500 bonus. 

The contract also establishes a new Labor/Management Committee, consisting of UAPD and UMRS Members, to discuss “issues related to the terms and conditions for employment.”

To ease outside costs, health insurance premiums will not be raised higher than 7% of the prior year amount.  Additionally, UB will annually contribute $2,000 per Resident to an Educational and Professional Development Fund and $40,000 to an emergency fund. 

To Read This Labor News Report In Its Entirety, Go To: UB physicians reach labor contract agreement - The Spectrum

And, AKG Workers United and the Buffalo AKG Art Museum have officially ratified the first contract after Workers organized a Union in January 2024.

The CBA is a 2.5-year agreement that covers Visitor Experiences and Retail Associates, Facilities Workers and Staff at Cornelia, the AKG’s in-house restaurant and cafe.

Included in the contract are just cause protections for fair discipline, health and safety provisions, guaranteed raises, among other improvements, Union Officials said.

“Organizing my workplace has been the most meaningful thing to ever happen to me as a worker.  I am grateful for the process for the ways in which it strengthened our community - I’ve never felt more connected to my fellow Workers - and I’m grateful for the outcome.  We worked in tandem with the Museum to develop a strong contract which will be of great benefit to both parties,” said Natalie Hayes, a Barista and Server at Cornelia. 

“We are pleased to have a ratified contract at the Buffalo AKG,” said Gary Bonadonna, Jr., Manager of Workers United Upstate New York and Vermont. “We commend the Buffalo AKG for coming to the table and bargaining in good faith.  We look forward to supporting the Workers and promoting the Museum’s success for many years to come.” 

In the coming weeks, Workers will be electing Union Stewards, drafting by-laws, and selecting Members to the Labor Management Committee.