BCTGM Local 165G Members Win at White Lily Foods!

October 30—Following marathon negotiations between the BCTGM and White Lily Foods Company, an agreement was reached and all issues in this dispute have been resolved.

The nationwide hand-billing activities at McDonald’s, Waffle House and Hardees were very instrumental in bringing this lockout to an end. Of course, there is now no need for further activity, unless you wish to express your appreciation to the managers of these outlets for their communications with White Lily, which helped bring the company back to the table.

BCTGM International President Frank Hurt thanks everyone who actively and effectively participated in the hand-billing program. “The tremendous success of this campaign is another fine example of the power of BCTGM Solidarity!”

When contract negotiations broke down between the union and White Lily Foods Co. on July 24, the company locked out 68 members of BCTGM Local 165G at its Knoxville, Tenn. plant. At the center of the lockout was the company's demand that workers accept higher health care deductibles, no pension increase, forced overtime and low wage increases.

Local 165G members, whose contract expired May 31, make White Lily and Pioneer brand flour and mixes for muffins, brownies, biscuits and other dry mix products. The company also supplies restaurant chains Hardee's with biscuits, McDonald's with “McGriddles” and the Waffle House with waffles and grits. The company's dry mix products are sold in grocery stores throughout the U.S.

According to International Vice President Tony Johnson, “Throughout this entire ordeal, the workers' solidarity was unwavered.”