Local News

Fredericton, New Brunswick

BCTGM Local 406 - 2025.10.17

There was a march on the streets with a police presence to control traffic for our safety, they did a great job and were very pleasant to all participants.

The organizers did a great job, and we had good chant leadership, “What do we want, PAY EQUITY, when do we want it, NOW!”, “Pay equity, YES! Violence against women, NO!”, and many more including the bilingual versions.

Many speeches were made talking about the issue of pay equity and violence against women.

This march marked the 25th anniversary of the World March of Women and was organized by the New Brunswick Coalition for pay equity.

Representatives of the Elsipogtog First Nation played a meaningful role in the 25th anniversary World March of Women in Fredericton. Their participation was highlighted by an opening song performed by an Indigenous woman, which set a respectful and inclusive tone for the event. This act is significant in Indigenous culture, as songs and ceremonies often serve to honor the land, the people present, and the purpose of the gathering.

The presence of Elsipogtog First Nation representatives at the march underscored the importance of Indigenous voices in the ongoing struggle for pay equity and the fight against gender-based violence. Their involvement also reflected the broader commitment of the World March of Women to intersectionality and solidarity with Indigenous communities. The opening song, rooted in Mi’kmaq tradition, was a gesture of welcome and spiritual grounding, reminding participants of the deep connections between social justice, cultural respect, and reconciliation.

Many others were in attendance including N.B. premier Susan Holt, Minister responsible for Women’s Equality, Lyne Chantal Boudreau, Leader of the N.B. Green party David Coon, lieutenant governor general, Louise Imbeault and even the Mayor of Fredericton Kate Rogers.

Also, the President of the N.B. Federation of labour, Chris Watson, President of the Moncton and District Labour Council, Melissa Brown, Rosie the Riveter, and my own Business agent George Leaman.

After the march we were all invited to attend a luncheon at the Government House which included more speakers.

It was an honour to March in support of these great causes.

You can find some professional coverage of the event here at: NB Media Co-op

Here are some photos I took

2025.10.17 Rosie the Riveter

2025.10.17 Susan Holt - Premier of New Brusnwick

2025.10.17 Indigenous singer

Indigenous singer video Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada

Elsipogtog First Nation and lieutenant governor general, Louise Imbeault

Group photo

George Leaman at Government House New Brunswick

Local 406 attends 8th BCTGM Canadian Council

50 delegates were in attendance from BCTGM local unions representing workers in Quebec, Ontario, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Manitoba and Alberta gathered this week for the 8th BCTGM Canadian Council

Five executive members from our local 406, George Leaman, Peter Irvine, Mike Gallant, Neil Dillon, and Dave LeClerc—were selected to attend the BCTGM Canada Council. Up to five delegates are permitted to participate in this event.

The event was well represented by delegates from across Canada, and two vacancies were successfully filled through elections. A speaker representing Samuel Champlain provided an informative overview of Quebec’s history, while additional presenters offered valuable perspectives on employment and labour matters, demonstrating notable expertise and professionalism.

The event featured a compelling speech delivered by President Magalie Picard of the Fédération de Travailleurs–Quebec Federation of Labour, as well as an informative presentation on strategic negotiation preparation by Melanie Laroche from the University of Montreal.

International President Anthony Shelton, International Secretary Dave Woods, Executive Assistant to the President Matthew Clark, and Canadian International Vice President Ron Piercey spoke on the significance of serving members and gave updates on recent organizing efforts and labor actions.

Looking ahead, the Council remains committed to fostering strong communication and unity among its delegates and members nationwide. Building on the momentum from this meeting, we plan to pursue new initiatives focused on member engagement and support, while continuing to address key labour concerns. Our leadership encourages ongoing dialogue and collaboration, ensuring that every voice is heard as we navigate future challenges together. With the unwavering backing of our international representatives and the dedication shown by all involved, we are confident in our ability to advocate effectively for our members and uphold the values that define our organization.

I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to our gracious hosts Sylvain Gagne and all in Quebec City for their warm hospitality and for making us feel truly welcome. I feel like I have made new friends, brothers and sisters.

Finally, special thanks to George Leaman, our Business agent, for making this happen. Great job, George. Thank you Brother.

Thank you to everyone who made this event possible and all those who participated.

Sincerely,

Pete Irvine

President BCTGM Local 406

Some photos from the event:

2025.09.19 Canada Council - Quebec City - left to right: Dave Woods - International Secretary, Ron Piercey - Canadian International Vice President, Anthony Shelton - International President

2025.09.19 Canada Council - Quebec City, Sylvain Gagne - International Representative, our wonderful host # 5 left to right

2025.09.19 Canada Council - Quebec City - Anthony Shelton - International President

2025.09.19 Canada Council - Quebec City - Matthew Clark - Executive Assistant to the President

2025.09.15 Canada Council - Quebec City - Room Shot

2025.09.19 Canada Council - Quebec City - Local 406 Upfront, clockwise from top left: George Leaman, Peter Irvine, Neil Dillon, Mike Gallant, Dave LeClerc

2025.09.15 Canada Council - Quebec City - Anthony Shelton swearing in the newly elected Executive

2025.09.15 Canada Council - Quebec City - Sunrise view from hotel room

2025.09.15 Canada Council - Quebec City - Hotel Chateau Laurier Quebec - The location of the event

2025.09.15 Canada Council - Quebec City - View from hotel room right side

2025.09.15 Canada Council - Quebec City - Peter Irvine - President BCTGM Local 406 - ready for the Banquet

2025.09.15 Canada Council - Quebec City - George Leaman - Business Agent BCTGM Local 406

BCTGM Local 406 - 2025.04.29

Message from the President of BCTGM Local 406 - Pete Irvine

Another year of steward training complete. The was very good participation from the new stewards and seasoned vets alike. The school, as always, was very informative and is a necessary part of every stewards training.

I would like to personally thank our trainers Ron Piercey (Vice President Canadian Region) and Karl Walker (National Organizer), for their training, wisdom and insight into all things union. They have done many steward schools and make them feel professional. Thank you.

I would also like to thank Chris Watson the current president of the New Brunswick Federation of Labour for finding the time to speak at our training.

Overall I feel like the training was an absolute success and want to congratulate and thank all the stewards who attended this year.

Finally, special thanks to George Leaman, our Business agent, for organizing and facilitating this year's school. Great job, George. Thank you Brother.

2025.04.25 Group Solidarity fist pump

2025.04.25 Ron Piercey

2025.04.25 Steward School - Guest speaker Chris Watson - president of the New Brunswick Federation of Labour

2025.04.25 Steward School with Karl Walker and Ron Piercey

2025.04.25 Banquet - Pam,Pat,Ron,Karl,Justin

2025.04.25 Awards

BCTGM Local 36G (Buffalo, NY) - 2024.12.18

source_facebook_Milk-Bone Workers On Strike

2024.12.18 - Press Release by:

• International President Anthony L. Shelton -- RE: Milk-Bone Strike SETTLED_pdf

Canada Post on strike - 2024.12.13

BCTGM local 406 President Peter Irvine presents check of support to CUPW local 78 to first VP Howard Winston. Another day longer! Another day stronger! This posted today on BCTGM Local 406 Business agent George Leaman’s Facebook page. George Leaman has been stopping in on the CUPW strike lines to show our support and solidarity for the Canada Post striking workers whenever possible. . George is also the Vice president for small unions with the Federation of labour New Brunswick and sits on the Moncton & District Labour Council. It is important in times like this that we help our community members and let them know they are not alone. Solidarity forever!

BCTGM Local 406 Supports CUPW Local 78, Canada Posts Striking Workers! Solidarity Forever!

Site under maintenance

Notice from Local 406 President, Pete Irvine - 2024.12.13

I am now starting to manage our local website. Please be patient while I learn to repair links, upgrade, update and maintain this site. I look forward to the challenges this presents to me and participating in creating a website that has regular updates. Thank You.

Canadian Locals Embrace

Organizing Program

Article from International News

Faced with plant closings and the relentless outsourcing of North American manufacturing jobs, BCTGM local unions in the United States and Canada are renewing their commitment to organizing and establishing programs to bring non-union workers into the BCTGM

In the past 10 years, BCTGM locals in Eastern Canada have suffered significant membership losses. In 2007, the Hershey Company closed the iconic Moir's bakery in Halifax, Nova Scotia and moved production to a facility in Mexico. More than 550 BCTGM Local 446 (Halifax) members lost their jobs. In 2015, more than 100 members of Local 446 were laid off when Canada Bread closed its Halifax bakery. Subsequently, Local 446 merged with Local 406 in Moncton, New Brunswick in 2016.

In the last 10 years, BCTGM locals in Eastern Canada have suffered significant membership losses. In 2007, the Hershey Company closed the iconic Moir’s bakery in Halifax, Nova Scotia and moved production to a facility in Mexico. More than 550 BCTGM Local 446 (Halifax) members lost their jobs. In 2015, more than 100 members of Local 446 were laid off when Canada Bread closed its Halifax bakery. Subsequently, Local 446 merged with Local 406 in Moncton, New Brunswick in2016.

Meanwhile, Local 406 has not been immune to the same challenges. Hundreds of union members were lost when Canada Bread closed bakeries in Moncton and Grand Falls, while also eliminating sales route drivers and making them independent operators. According to BCTGM International Canadian Vice President Ron Piercey, the only way to confront such membership losses is to organize. “There are thousands of non-union workers in Eastern Canada who want to belong to a union. In fact, Stewards discuss different strategies for talking to workers at nonunionworkplaces. Intl. Dir. Research/Education Matthew Clark and L. 406 Officers particpated in a rally supporting Sackville, N.B. public sector workers. Protesters stormed the town council meeting at the Sackville City Hall and demanded city officials bargain fairly with its unionized workers. 6 BCTGM News many of these workers are friends or family of our very own members. So, it is our job to reach out to them, educatethem on the benefits of belonging to the BCTGM as well as the larger labor movement, and organize them into our union,” said Piercey.

In an effort to assist the Eastern Canadian locals in rebuilding their membership through organizing, the International Union conducted a comprehensive organizing program in April. More than 35 stewards from New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland participated in the intensive two-day program that focused on teaching stewards and rankand-file union members how to organize.

Part of the education program helped stewards identify non-union Shop Stewards from New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland gathered in Moncton, N.B. for a two-day steward training focused on organizing non-union workers and utilizing shop stewards in the process. workplaces that they had family or friends working in, as well as other non-union workplaces of interest. The program also focused on teaching the stewards how to “talk union” with non-union workers. Stewards participated in role playing sessions to hone their skills. The program was run by International Vice President Piercey, International Representative Karl Walker and International Research & Education Director Matthew Clark

As part of the International’s education efforts, Clark accompanied the local union leadership on site visits to nonunion targets, helped create an organizing target database, and networked with other Canadian worker organizations in the region.

According to BCTGM International Director of Organization John Price, the International Union will be doing similar programs throughout North America in an effort to encourage more grassroots organizing. “Our local unions want to help organize and many have embraced the challenge. They want to be part of a rejuvenated labor movement that will help working families across North America,” concludes Price.