Sánchez statement on BCTGM Local 37 collective bargaining agreement
WASHINGTON – On Wednesday, Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers, and Grain Millers (BCTGM) International Union Local 37 workers on strike at the Jon Donaire Desserts plant in Santa Fe Springs, California voted to ratify a new collective bargaining agreement with Rich Products Corporation. Since the strike began in November 2021, Congresswoman Linda T. Sánchez (D-CA) has been fighting on behalf of the workers at the Jon Donaire Desserts plant, many of whom are Latina women, for fair wages, high-quality health insurance, and better working conditions. Sánchez joined workers on the picket line twice in the last two months.
Reflecting on the vote to ratify the new agreement, Congresswoman Sánchez issued the following statement:
"This agreement is a victory for BCTGM Local 37 workers, their families, and workers across the country standing up for fair wages and respect in the workplace. This was not an easy fight, and I know the workers at the Jon Donaire Desserts plant made great sacrifices to hold the picket line throughout this months-long strike. I was proud to stand with them in solidarity – at the picket line in Santa Fe Springs and in Washington, D.C. – and I am proud to stand with them as they ratify an agreement that will deliver fair wages, excellent benefits, and better working conditions."
Since November 3, 2021, more than 100 BCTGM International Union Local 37 workers at Jon Donaire, have been on strike demanding better working conditions, livable wages, and high-quality health care benefits.
Earlier this month, Sánchez joined AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler, LA FED President Ron Herrera, and other local leaders to stand in solidarity with BCTGM Local 37 workers at the picket line in Santa Fe Springs, California.
In January, Congresswoman Sánchez led 24 of her colleagues in sending a letter to Robert E. Rich Jr., Chairman of Rich Products Corporation, strongly urging his company to engage in good faith conversations and reach an agreement with the striking workers.
You can view the full letter and list of co-signers here. The letter reads:
Dear Mr. Rich,
We write to you today regarding the contract negotiations between the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers, and Grain Millers (BCTGM) International Union Local 37 at the Jon Donaire Desserts plant in Santa Fe Springs, California. We strongly urge you to engage in good faith conversations and reach an agreement as soon as possible.
The more than 100 union workers at Jon Donaire, who make cakes for Baskin Robbins, Safeway, and Cold Stone Creamery, have been on strike since November 3, 2021. Most of these workers are Latina women who are on strike – many with their children. We are concerned about the duration of the strike and the detrimental impact failure to reach an agreement continues to have.
As others have noted, Rich Products made over $4 billion in revenue last year because your employees worked throughout the pandemic to keep production moving. Currently, workers in Santa Fe Springs report an average wage of $17 an hour. In comparison, workers at Rich Products' facility in Murfreesboro, Tennessee make, on average, $6 more per hour than those in Los Angeles. Given the high cost of living in Los Angeles, MIT calculates that an adult must make at least $19.35 an hour to support oneself, and more if they have children.
We strongly urge you to continue to negotiate in good faith to achieve a reasonable bargaining agreement in this matter. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
###