Striking BCTGM Memphis Workers and Supporters Rally at IFF’s NYC Headquarters

Allies from the NYC Labor Movement rallied in New York City on Wednesday in support of BCTGM Local 390G workers on strike against International Flavors and Fragrances (IFF) in Memphis, Tenn. The rally called attention to the strike, now in its fifth month, and urged the company’s negotiators to return to the bargaining table. Among the crowd, which gathered in front of the company’s headquarters at 521 W. 57th Street, were BCTGM International Secretary-Treasurer David Woods, East-Central Region Vice President Roger Miller and members of BCTGM Local 53 (NYC), Local 6 (Philadelphia, Pa.), and Local 118 (Washington, D.C.).

The rally also drew New York-based supporters from SAG-AFTRA, IATSE Local 764 and Local One, RWDSU/UFCW Local 338, Utility Workers Union of America and UWUA Local 1-2, AFSCME DC 37, and striking UAW Local 3039 members from the Stellantis plant in Tappan NY. The NYC CLC was proud to be able to help organize and get the word out.

Local 390G President Cedric Wilson traveled to the event from Memphis with fellow IFF members, after sending a letter to CEO Frank Clyburn requesting to meet during his visit. “IFF executives have heard from labor leaders, Congressional leaders, local and state politicians, civil rights groups and faith leaders. And despite this, the company continues to demand concessions from its workforce in Memphis and refuses to return to the bargaining table,” he wrote to Clyburn on October 9th.

While no meeting came to fruition, the labor allies delivered a strong message and union negotiators stand ready to resume negotiations as soon as possible. “Our striking members at the IFF plant have stood their ground and sacrificed so much in order to preserve their benefits and overtime premiums,” said BCTGM President Anthony Shelton. “It is time for this company’s negotiators to return to the table and find a way forward.” See more photos here and read more about the strike here.