Tenn. lawmakers show support for Memphis workers in Kellogg’s strike

Letter signed by Sen. Raumesh Akbari, two dozen lawmakers calls for CEO to recognize sacrifices made by workers through the pandemic

MEMPHIS— Two dozen Tennessee lawmakers signed a letter in support of the Memphis workers who are on strike after contract negotiations with the Kellogg’s Company have stalled.

“We stand in solidarity with the men and women who work in your Memphis production facility and we urge you to hear these workers. Please negotiate a fair contract that respects and honors the sacrifices they have made for the Kellogg’s Company,” they wrote.

The letter, addressed to the CEO of the Michigan-based cereal maker, was organized by Sen. Raumesh Akbari (D-Memphis) and includes the signatures of 24 lawmakers — half from Shelby County.

Kellogg’s Memphis facility produces dry cereal products that are distributed around the world.

Workers with the Bakery, Confectionary, Tobacco and Grain Millers International Union Local 252G in Memphis, Tenn. went on strike earlier this month.

Negotiations have been ongoing since the workers’ contract with Kellogg’s expired in 2020. Union members continued working under an extension of the previous contract for a year, which ended in October.

Kevin Bradshaw, vice president of BCTGM Local 252G in Memphis, told Forbes that workers have strained to keep up demand through the pandemic working “mandatory daily overtime, fifteen hours a day, seven days a week non-stop.”

To support the #KelloggsStrike workers, visit BCTGM.org.

The full letter is posted below.