MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Five whole months—that’s how long dozens of local union members have been on strike. That means five months without pay.þþ140 employees who work for International Flavors & Fragrances (IFF) walked off the job and went on strike back in June. They have not collected a paycheck during that time period, a huge sacrifice around the holidays as workers have families to support.þþ“It’s rough, but it’s all for the better good,” said Macon Thorton, Lead Operator for IFF.þþThe workers are part of the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Local 390G (BCTGM). They are striking to keep their benefits as-is and maintain their paid breaks.þþUnion members told FOX13 the company wants to take away 30-minute paid breaks, requiring workers to clock out during their break. Changes are also expected in overtime pay.þþAccording to BCTGM International Representative Darrell Copeland, the company proposed removing 8-hour overtime pay. New contract terms would only allow workers to get overtime after they’ve reached 40-hours.þþ“We’re not asking this job to make us rich, we just want to live a decent living and with that stuff they are trying to take away, we just can’t go for that,” said Stephen Hines, a 22-year IFF employee.þþHines explained many striking union members are doing whatever it takes to hold out until an agreement is reached.þþ“A lot of these guys, all of us probably went through our savings pretty much and we’re working other jobs,” Hines said.þþFundraising efforts are underway to help the strikers support their families during the holidays. The group is also receiving national support.þþ“We’re also getting support from other local unions and unions around the country,” BCTGM member Thad Beckman told us. “We just had a local union Number 1 from Chicago that just came down here and donated to us monetarily today, and support from the Memphis community, that helped us.”þþDespite the challenges, the workers said they’re willing to stay on the line no matter how long it takes.þþ“As long as it takes,” said 22-year IFF Operator Jerry Wilkerson. “We’ve come in and we’ve made some concessions for us to last through the winter. I’m pretty sure they didn’t think we would, but they’ll see us through the winter if that’s what it takes. Winter, summer, fall whatever it takes, we’ll hold the line.”þþWe reached out to IFF, we’re still waiting to hear back.þþIn a statement the company released to FOX13 back in June, it expressed disappointment that union members had gone on strike.þþ“We are disappointed by the union’s decision to strike, although we recognize the employees’ right to do so. IFF provides competitive compensation and benefits. We remain committed to achieving a fair and competitive contract.”þþMeanwhile, union leaders set up a GoFundMe page to help striking union members support their families during the holiday season. The group set a $10,000 goal toward a holiday toy drive. To donate follow the link.
Source: fox13memphis.com
