The standoff that began in August when members of the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers Union challenged the changes in shift-length and overtime policies of Mondelez International Inc. has ended this weekend. Strikers picketed in Illinois Oregon, Colorado, Georgia and Virginia, where Mondelez operates manufacturing and sales distribution facilities.
On Saturday, the workers’ union said that its members had approved a new four-year contract with the maker Oreos, Chips Ahoy and Ritz Crackers, among other iconic snacks sold at retail stores. They are also staples in vending and micro markets.
BCTGM International president Anthony Shelton stated, “This has been a long and difficult fight for our striking members, their families and our Union. Throughout the strike, our members displayed tremendous courage, grit and determination.”
Glen Walter, an executive vice president of North America for Mondelez, said, “Our goal has always been to reach agreements that would provide our union-represented colleagues with good wages and competitive benefits, while also positioning our U.S. bakeries and sales distribution facilities for future growth and success.
“We are pleased that we were able to accomplish that goal with these new contracts and that our colleagues chose to ratify them,” Walter continued. “We have a bright future as a snacking leader here in the United States, and our employees at these bakeries and distribution sites play an important part in that future. We look forward to welcoming back our BCTGM-represented colleagues and returning to normal production and distribution to customers and consumers.”
In an updated post about the contract negotiations published at its website Sep. 18, Mondelez said that striking workers could return to their jobs this week.
