Service + Solidarity Spotlight: BCTGM Members on Strike Against Corn Nuts

Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our regular Service + Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.

Forty members of Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers (BCTGM) Local 85 have gone on strike at the Corn Nuts plant in Fresno, California. Workers who make the beloved snack food say that management is unilaterally changing their health care coverage by increasing deductions from workers’ paychecks, increasing deductibles and increasing maximum out-of-pocket expenses.

“We are on strike at Corn Nuts because the company is not bargaining in good faith,” said Local 85 Financial Secretary Jerry Gil. “The company is reluctant to reach an agreement, is surface bargaining and changing the terms and conditions of the workers’ medical plan without notifying the employees or bargaining with the union before making these drastic changes.”

Here’s how you can support the workers on strike:

1. Join the picket line or drop off food, drinks and supplies at 4343 E Florence Ave., Fresno, CA.
2. Email letters of encouragement directly to the strikeline organizer, Jerry Gil, so he can share them with workers: Jerry@BakersUnion85.com.
3. Spread the word on social media by following BCTGM on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and use the hashtag #CornNutsStrike in your posts.