As we near the end of 2011 the Officers pause to reflect the past years challenges and successes. A good many of our contracts were open this year and with a slow and sluggish economy bargaining for progressive agreements has proven to be challenging to say the least.

Funding a good Health and Welfare benefit for our members has become paramount. As benefit plans absorb cost increases from high claims experience, inflation, and federal mandates, the  financial resources left over for wage and pension increases have become harder to realize.

The settlements we are seeing range from freezes to the Employer agreeing cover the increased cost of the Health and Welfare benefit with some modest gains in wages.

At this time we have settled two other Collective Bargaining Agreements.

Members at Old Dutch Foods ratified a new Five Year Agreement. Members who served on the union negotuiating committee were; James Kennedy, Kitty Emanuel, and Darrle Norton.

Members at Ralcorp/ Lofthouse in Fridley ratified a new five year agreement. Negotiating committee members were; Kirk Heckel, Greg Terry, Scott Baumgartner, and Larry Smith.

Negotiations with Baldinger's Bakery continue. Negotiating committee members are; Alfredo Lopez, Fidencio Ramirez, and Matt Ryder.

Bargaining with Viterra Pasta Company has just begun. Serving on the Negotiating Committee are; Todd Ament, Don Bogema, and Halisi Fuluvaka.

Negotiations with Domain Feed will begin soon.

All of the Retail contracts are open in 2012.

The Officers of BCTGM Local 22