CHECKOUT MAGA ZINE FALL 2019 - VOL XXVIII NO 4
Our Members at Work: Homewood Health page 16
Shop for a Union-Made Breakfast page 27
Labour Day page 12
What’s Inside UFCW LOCAL 175
UFCW LOCAL 633
President Shawn Haggerty
President Marylou Mallett
Secretary-Treasurer Kelly Tosato
Secretary-Treasurer Julie Hinsperger
Recorder Karen Vaughan
Recorder Brian Kozlowski
Executive Assistants Sylvia Groom Jim McLean
HEALTH & SAFETY: Health & Safety Representatives: Ron McGuire, Mary Shaw
145 Union News
76 Welcome New Members
12 10 Labour Day
16 Members at Work
22 22 Training & Education
23 18 Fundraising & Community Action Network
Retirements
WORKERS’ COMPENSATION: Intake Representative: Georgina MacDonald; Workers’ Compensation Representatives: Joanne Ford, Phil Hames, Sarah Neath
208 Negotiations
Country Estates, Bonnie Place, Pino's Get Fresh Dexterra, and more!
LEGAL: Director: Fernando Reis; Counsel: Shauna Fabrizi, Mary Hurley, Matthew Jagodits, Jane Mulkewich ORGANIZING: Director: Rick Wauhkonen; Organizing Representatives: Linval Dixon, Tim Hum, Jeffery Lu, Meemee Seto, Amy Tran TRAINING & EDUCATION: Director: Rob Armbruster; Coordinator: Kelly Nicholas; Engagement & Media Relations Strategist: Tim Deelstra COMMUNICATIONS: Communications Representative: Laurie Duncan; Senior Communications Representative: Jennifer Tunney REGION 1: Director: Kelly Tosato; Union Representatives: Colby Flank, Tracy Stubbs REGION 2: Director: John DiNardo; Union Representatives: Farman Ali, Orsola Augurusa, Rick Daudlin, John DiFalco, Casey Magee, Christina Mayberry, Tony Nigro
Homewood Health Centre
21 Workers Comp Return to Work: Part One
REGION 3: Director: Daniel Mercier; Union Representatives: Shannon Epp, Paul Hardwick, Dean McLaren, Jacques Niquet, Joe Tenn; Servicing Representative: Sandra Proulx REGION 4: Director: Chris Fuller; Union Representative: Dave Forbes; Servicing Representatives: Colleen Cox, Virginia Haggith, Jennifer Hanley, Tim Kelly, Sabrina Qadir, Arlene Robertson, Chris Watson REGION 5: Director: Angela Mattioli; Union Representatives: Jehan Ahamed, Ashleigh Garner; Servicing Representatives: Rolando Cabral, Joce Cote REGION 6: Director: Rob Nicholas; Union Representatives: Sam Caetano, Matt Davenport, Jason Hanley, Lee Johnson-Koehn, Lionel MacEachern, Mike Mattioli, Brad Morrison, Melody Slattery, Mario Tardelli, Fred Teeple REGION 7: Director: Sharon Kempf; Union Representatives: Diane Sanvido, Steve Springall; Servicing Representatives: Dan Bondy, Todd Janes REGION 8: Director: Sandra Rogerson; Union Representatives: Jeff Barry, John Beaton, Matt Belanger, Jim Hames, Derek Jokhu
PROVINCIAL HEAD OFFICE 2200 ARGENTIA ROAD MISSISSAUGA, ON L5N 2K7 TEL: 905-821-8329 TOLL FREE: 1-800-565-8329 FAX: 905-821-7144
CAMBRIDGE OFFICE 6628 ELLIS ROAD, CAMBRIDGE, ON N3C 2V4 TEL: 519-658-0252 TOLL FREE: 1-800-267-1977 FAX: 519-658-0255
Spring Cell Training plus new in-class courses HAMILTON OFFICE 412 RENNIE STREET HAMILTON, ON L8H 3P5 TEL: 905-545-8354 TOLL FREE: 1-800-567-2125 FAX: 905-545-8355
LEAMINGTON OFFICE 261 ERIE STREET SOUTH LEAMINGTON, ON N8H 3C4 TEL: 519-326-6751 TOLL FREE: 1-888-558-5114 FAX: 519-326-0597
OTTAWA OFFICE 102-177 COLONNADE ROAD OTTAWA, ON K2E 7J4 TEL: 613-725-2154 TOLL FREE: 1-800-267-5295 FAX: 613-725-2328
ISSN No. 1703-3926 CHECKOUT is an official publication of Locals 175 & 633 of the United Food & Commercial Workers (UFCW)
27 24 Shop Union Shop for a Union-made Breakfast
SUDBURY OFFICE 230 REGENT ROAD SUDBURY, ON P3C 4C5 TEL: 705-674-0769 TOLL FREE: 1-800-465-1722 FAX: 705-674-6815
THUNDER BAY OFFICE UNIT 206A 1000 FORT WILLIAM RD THUNDER BAY, ON P7B 6B9 TEL: 807-346-4227 TOLL FREE: 1-800-465-6932 FAX: 807-346-4055
UUWO
President’s Message
Shawn Haggerty
Make Your Vote Matter Every year around Labour Day, I write about what it means to be a working person. With a federal election coming up on October 21, defining what it means to be a worker is more important than ever. We take a lot for granted in this country – from universal health care, to our labour laws, to the assumption that we’re all treated equal. Truth is, it's all very fragile. There are consequences to not voting. A lack of voter turnout helped elect Doug Ford and he’s done nothing but damage our province. There’s a reason that Ford has taken a step back leading up to the federal election; the federal Progressive Conservatives (PCs) are scared because Ford’s popularity is plummeting – and Ontario is a huge swing province with a lot of influence in the election. Our votes matter. Ford halted minimum wage increases, cut paid sick days, backtracked on coverage for child and dependent pharma care, and ended the Basic Income pilot project. He reduced funding for Autism care. He is threatening 7,000 good union jobs at the Beer Store because he thinks voters can be duped by his promise of easier access to booze. Make no mistake – all of those things take money OUT of the pockets of working people. According to an editorial in the Financial Post: "In the 2018-19 fiscal year, the PC government spent a total of $163 billion — a whopping $4 billion more than the Liberal party had planned. The province’s debt rose by nearly $12 billion."1 I’m afraid Scheer would be
no different at the federal level. While our current federal government is far from perfect, it has made some significant improvements in the lives of working people; things that could be undone easily by conservative leadership. This includes: • Expansion of the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) to improve payments and raise the ceiling. • Better federal labour laws with improved vacation rights, and the addition of emergency job-protected leaves of absence for victims of abuse or sexual violence. • Making labour standards a key part of our trade agreements. • Repealing anti-Union laws that forced unrealistic financial reporting and eliminated federal card-based certification. The global economy is growing and changing and we have a role to play as voters and consumers. Our choices have an impact on the behaviour of industries, corporations, and governments. We can't turn away from inequalities, hatred, and economic oppression: We must face them head on and choose a government that envisions a more equitable and sustainable future for generations to come. Our government should protect: • • • • • •
Your right to strike; Your right to join a Union; Your right to a living wage; Your right to universal health care, Your environment, and; Your Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and your right to take part in the democratic process.
In 2015, only 68.3 per cent of eligible voters turned out to cast their ballots. While it was the highest voter turnout in 20 years, we can do better; because about 8.2 million voices remained unheard. We can achieve a lot with a unified voice. We can make a difference and we have to start somewhere. Use your vote in the fall federal election on October 21. Make a choice that moves us forward. Together we can define what the future of work looks like in Canada. In June, Local 633 President May Chalmers retired. I want to wish May all the best and thank her for her dedication and care. I welcome Marylou Mallett as the new President of Local 633 and Julie Hinsperger as Secretary-Treasurer. I look forward to working with these leaders in their new roles. Thank you to everyone who supported my re-election as President of Local 175 along with the re-elections of Kelly Tosato, Karen Vaughan, and Jim McLean, who all accepted their acclaimed positions with pride. I am honoured every day to have the opportunity to advance workers’ rights and do good work on behalf of the members of this Local Union. In Solidarity, Shawn Haggerty president@ufcw175.com Pickel, S. to F. P. J. (2019, September 5). Fiscal restraint? Doug Ford's Ontario government spent billions more than Wynne had planned in 2018-19. Retrieved from https://business.financialpost. com/opinion/doug-fords-ontario-government-spent-billions-morethan-wynne-had-planned-in-2018-19
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Secretary-Treasurer’s Message
Kelly Tosato
The fight for workers' rights Belonging to a Union has never been more important. Workers face new and fast-paced changes to the job market that make it difficult for individuals to take charge of their work life. You have rights as a worker. But, we know that many working people have their rights violated daily. Employees who continue to seek out our Organizers tell stories of division and exploitation as they face hurdle after hurdle just to be heard. We’ve heard it from couriers who work for a third party contracted by Amazon to ship parcels at lightning speed to customers. We hear it from drivers who work for some of the nation’s favourite food delivery, like Foodora, and car service apps like Uber. Local 175 has filed proceedings against Amazon Canada Fulfillment Services Inc. and the courier companies involved for unfair labour practices resulting in terminations and closures. The company’s tactics of hiring third party contractors means it gets away with a lot of poor business practices and labour law violations because it doesn’t consider those workers to be actual employees. Yet the workers we’ve spoken to often have tales of being bounced back and forth between Amazon and the contractor to get answers for everything from scheduling to health and safety concerns, and more. These drivers are: • Trained by Amazon; • Generally paid a rate suggested by Amazon; • Instructed and monitored by Amazon, and; 4
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• Reviewed for their work performance by Amazon. But, according to Amazon, these drivers are not their employees. Amazon’s business tactics have created a culture of fear amongst its employees; a common theme in the workers’ stories coming from its warehouses and courier services. Everything points to Amazon being anti-Union. It is a problem about the definition of what an employee is: If a worker is considered an independent contractor, and not an employee, do they have the right to Unionize? As we go to press in mid-September, couriers who work for Foodora in Toronto will face the company before the Ontario Labour Relations Board (OLRB) over this very question. Workers who don’t belong to a Union do not have many protections. And when an employer violates the rights of a non-union worker, it’s up to the worker in many cases to file a complaint, hire a lawyer, and make their way through the system. Young workers, people with families, and those who work two or more jobs – they want the flexibility of an independent schedule but don’t realize how much they’re missing out on, or sometimes, that they even have rights to begin with. Another consequence of gig economy jobs means that workers become decentralized. There’s no main workplace – no physical building that workers come to every day. These workers don’t get a chance to connect and discuss concerns because there is no lunchroom, no punch clock, no walk to their cars or
transit, and they don’t stand on the same production line or at the same counter next to each other. There is also little opportunity to meet and speak with their employer in many cases as well. It is a subtle version of divide and conquer. Many people don’t know they have rights in the workplace or they are scared about losing their jobs if they speak up. But, you DO have rights. It takes courage to stand up and fight for your rights. On page 7, you’ll find details on the honorarium offered by the Local Union to members who help our Organizers by providing leads for workers who want to join the Union. I want to thank all of the Members whose confidence in my leadership has let me continue as your Secretary-Treasurer for another term. I know President Haggerty, Karen Vaughan, Jim McLean, and all of your new and returning Executive Board members appreciate your support. Unions offer workers the ability to take back some control of their working lives. Being a Union member means you can take charge over your own future and work toward building the better life you deserve. Your Union will continue to have the backs of working people and fight for the rights of these Amazon workers and all working people. In Solidarity, Kelly Tosato treasurer@ufcw175.com
Union News Happy Retirement On August 1, 2019, Executive Assistant to the President, Luc Lacelle, began his retirement. Luc became a UFCW member in 1974 at the A&P store in Hawkesbury, Ontario. Luc was an elected shop steward for most of the time that he worked at A&P. He worked there and in Ottawa until the Local Union hired him as a full-time Union Representative in 1989. In 1993, Luc transferred to the Thunder Bay office before relocating back to Ottawa. In 2005, he was promoted to Director of the Central East Region out of the Mississauga Office. He then moved to the Hamilton office as Director of Region 6 in 2009 until his promotion to Executive Assistant to the President in 2016. Luc says his career at the Union was long and rewarding, and he made many friends not only at Local 175, but at other Locals in Canada and across the United States, too. Over the years, he gained experience in servicing and negotiating in a wide range of industries. He also played a key role in helping support a number of strikes, including
standing on the picket lines during the Miracle Mart strike of 1993-94. Luc was also asked to assist UFCW Local 1518 in British Columbia and to help Local 401 in Alberta to prepare and co-ordinate strike action against Canada Safeway. "I enjoyed working to make members' lives better," said Luc. "I also enjoyed mentoring and observing the Union's representatives as they grew and developed their skills in a difficult and challenging environment." He will miss the interaction with members and co-workers and the excitement of negotiations as well. In his retirement, Luc looks forward to spending more time with his family, perfecting his golf game and experiencing new challenges. "Luc has been an important part of this Union for 45 years," said President Haggerty. "His commitment to bettering the lives of working people was evident from early on and his wealth of knowledge and experience will be greatly missed by everyone. I wish him all of the best in his retirement."
Changes to the UFCW Local 633 Officers On July 1, 2019, May Chalmers retired from her position as President of Local 633. May became President when elected by her peers on the Executive Board in November 2016. May was a long-time employee and Steward at Metro in the St. Catharines and Niagara area. She also took part on the negotiating committee to bargain new Metro collective agreements. At the June 2019 regular Executive Board meeting, the Vice-Presidents and remaining Officers of Local 633 recommended and confirmed Marylou Mallett as the new President, and Julie Hinsperger as the new Secretary-Treasurer. Brian Kozlowski remains the Recorder for Local 633. "Congratulations to May on her wellearned retirement and for her years of membership, service, and dedication to her Union Sisters, Brothers and Friends," said Local 175 President Haggerty. "And congratulations to Marylou and Julie as well. I wish them all the best in their new roles at Local 633." May Chalmers
Marylou Mallett
Julie Hinsperger Fall 2019
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Welcome New Members Welcome to employees at Christian Horizons Central Toronto District!
Dependable Maintenance Janitorial employees join the Union
In June, about 375 health and community care providers employed at Christian Horizons in Toronto, Richmond Hill, and Vaughan, became members of Local 175.
Welcome to the employees at Dependable Maintenance Janitorial at three locations in Toronto who voted to become part of our Union.
This caring group of workers provides support and services to adults with exceptional needs who require assistance in their day-to-day lives. This location employs about 150 full-time and 225 part-time plus relief health care workers. Employees work as Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), Developmental Support Workers (DSWs), and day-program co-ordinators as well.
Employees contacted the Union because they felt they had no one to turn to with their concerns, having never met management. Among the reasons for reaching out to join the Union, employees wanted to improve their wages as well as their health and welfare benefits and sick days.
Some of the concerns that led Christian Horizons employees to seek Union representation included hours of work and scheduling, plus not getting paid properly for breaks and lunch. In addition, seniority was another issue the employees wanted to address, especially in terms of favouritism and job security. Wages, benefits and pension, as well as health and safety – including harassment – were also issues brought forth by the employees during the course of the organizing drive.
They wanted to achieve better job security, and a healthier and safer work environment too. A strong sense of community among the workers helped them achieve this victory toward a better working life. This vote brings about 40 new members who provide cleaning and maintenance services at several Sunnybrook locations in the city. Congratulations to all the employees at Dependable Maintenance Janitorial, and welcome to Your Union.
After a nine-month campaign, the vote to join the Union took place in late June.
Food service workers at Hotel Le Germain vote Union Yes In August, approximately 30 employees at Hotel Le Germain in Toronto voted to join the Union. The new members work as servers, cooks, stewards and bartenders. These workers saw the benefits of belonging to a union as there were other employees in the hotel already unionized. They wanted the benefits of belonging too! Workers cited wage increases and transparency in the way tips are distributed as their main concerns and reasons for contacting the union. 6
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Help Raise the Standard
FOR ALL WORKERS
CONTACT US!
e
Together, We Will Make a Difference! If UFCW Locals 175 & 633
organizes and certifies a group of workers because of a lead you provide to the Organizing Department, you will be eligible** for one of the following honorariums:
More than 30 but fewer than 50 workers.
$300
More than 50 but fewer than 75 workers.
$500
More than 75 but fewer than 100 workers.
$800
More than 100 workers.
$1,000
Core Sector Bonus* 25%
UFCW175.COM/HONORARIUM 1-800-565-8329 *Contact the Organizing Department for details on the Core Sector Bonus. ** Some restrictions apply. Visit www.ufcw175.com/honorarium for full details.
Fall 2019
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Negotiation Updates
Raises & new full-time jobs in new Pino's Get Fresh contract
Dexterra members at Oshawa Town Centre ratify
A new contract for the 98 members employed at Pino’s Get Fresh in Sault Ste. Marie includes wage increases and five new full-time jobs. Employees will get raises totalling $1.10 per hour for full-time, and 85 cents per hour for part-time, over the agreement term. In addition, the wage grid contains language to ensure rates stay ahead of minimum wage increases. Plus, a new premium of $1 per hour will be paid to employees required to cover for the manager position. The employer agreed to create five new full-time jobs too.
On July 7, 2019, Dexterra employees at the Oshawa Town Centre ratified a new agreement.
Members will also receive their birthday off with pay. Other improvements address:
All employees will receive annual raises totalling $1.20 per hour over the life of the agreement. The first increase of 40 cents per hour will be retroactive for hours worked since the previous contract’s expiry. The night shift premium improves to pay 75 cents per hour, up from 25 cents, on top of the regular rate.
• Holiday language; • Letters of Understanding regarding Pay Equity and Arbitration time limits, and; • A new annual employer contribution of $100 to the Local 175 Training & Education Fund. Plus, employees whose lunch periods are interrupted by required work will be compensated with an additional 30 minutes of paid lunch. The new contract contains gender neutral language throughout as well.
Employer contributions to the dental plan will increase by 1 cent per hour worked. The shoe allowance, which all employees now receive, will be $75 per year. Part-time employees will now benefit from eye glass coverage of $200 per agreement term. Language improvements provide enhanced bereavement entitlement, and sick days will be paid out to a maximum of 10 days per year.
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The three-year agreement covers 24 full-time and 19 part-time employees. Union Negotiating Committee: Jeffrey Kellar, Kirk McKee, Paul Sayeau and Union Rep Christina Mayberry.
The contract includes an additional sick day per year for full-time employees, as well as an additional paid bereavement day for the death of an immediate family member. Vision care coverage also improves to $200, up from $100, per 24-month period. Initially, the employer wanted to eliminate benefits from any new full-time employees hired at Pino’s Get Fresh after ratification. The Union Negotiating Committee, however, was able to maintain the existing benefit plan for new hires. Additionally, language improvements include a two-week schedule during the summer and in December, which will help employees plan around those busy times of year. Union Negotiating Committee: Tom Brown, Charles Crouthers, and Union Rep Jim Hames.
Bonnie Place employees ratify 1st agreement Employees at Bonnie Place Retirement Home in St. Thomas have ratified their first collective agreement as members of UFCW Local 175. The 19 full-time health care workers at Bonnie Place Retirement Home will see wage increases of 2% to all classifications in each year of the three-year term. Several classifications receive additional adjustments: • 75 cents per hour for Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs); • 40 cents per hour for Activities; • 15 cents per hour for Dietary Aides. The uniform allowance and weekend shift premiums improve as well.
Since this is a first agreement, negotiated language includes strong Union security provisions and a detailed grievance procedure to resolve disputes. Plus, members benefit from improved scheduling language regarding hours of work, and increased bereavement entitlement. Through bargaining, the members maintained their existing benefits, including employer-matched pension contributions as well. Members voted to ratify their agreement on June 21, 2019. Union Negotiating Committee: Lucy Childs, Roxanne Jeffs, and Union Rep Lee Johnson-Koehn.
1st contract ratified at Country Estates Retirement Bargaining for this first agreement required Ministry of Labour (MOL) conciliation services. The employer had been delaying negotiations and would not agree to the Home being covered under the Hospital Labour Disputes Arbitration Act (HLDAA). As a result, the Union filed for a No Board, which means that negotiations had reached an impasse heading into conciliation. The contract includes raises for all employees of 2% in each year of the agreement plus an additional 1% in the third year. Language also ensures shifts will be a minimum of four hours. Employees will receive a health care spending account of $500 per year for full-time, and $250 per year for part-time. Fulltime employees will have three paid sick days each year. Employees will now benefit from a grievance and arbitration procedure, Steward representation, and a Union Rep with access and visitation rights to the workplace.
Scheduling will now be done in order of seniority and vacation entitlement will improve. The agreement contains language to form a Labour Management Committee to promote a harmonious workplace as well. Other language provides paid bereavement leave of two days for immediate family, and paid leave up to three days for jury/witness duty. Employees now get a meal allowance and travel expenses paid when required to attend a course as well. The employer will contribute $100 toward the UFCW Local 175 Training & Education Fund, and it will also pay for 50% of the cost to print copies of the new collective agreement for the employees. Country Estates Retirement Home employees will be covered under HLDAA to resolve any issues that may arise in future bargaining. Union Negotiator: Union Rep Casey Magee
Christian Centre employees ratify contract with 11% in wage increases Employees at the Orillia Christian Centre voted yes to a new collective agreement on July 22, 2019. The Union Negotiating Committee achieved significant wage increases for all employees over the threeyear term. This includes 5% in the first year, 3% in the second year, and another 3% in the third year. In addition, employees will receive a signing bonus of $200 each. New language allows members to apply and work in positions that have temporary funding for six to 12 months, while maintaining their Union position and seniority. Employees at the Centre help care for the homeless by preparing and serving meals, assisting with shelter, and providing referrals to community services. The three-year agreement covers eight employees at the Christian Centre, operating as the Lighthouse Soup Kitchen & Shelter, in Orillia. Union Negotiating Committee: David Shoghi and Union Rep Rick Daudlin.
You can find more negotiations online at myunion.ca Fall 2019
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Cancoil Thermal Corp members ratify new agreement with numerous improvements A number of issues were important to the members at Cancoil during this round of bargaining. The employer tends to request medical notes from employees fairly often. As a result, it was important to the Committee to negotiate compensation for these notes. The ratified deal includes language stating the employer will pay $25 toward the cost of a requested doctor’s note. In addition, the Union Negotiating Committee members achieved the inclusion of a new Shipper/Receiver position to ensure work continues to be done by bargaining unit members. The committee negotiated to have the Union bulletin board relocated to a more visible position which will help members stay informed. The contract also includes provisions for a Union Office to be created in the plant by October 31, 2019. In terms of wages, Production employees at Cancoil will receive an initial raise of 2.15% which will apply retroactively for hours worked since April 3, 2019. After the first year, raises for employees in this classification will be 2.15% in year two, 2.25% in year three, and another 2.25% in year four. Maintenance employees will receive an initial wage adjustment of $2 per hour, retroactive for hours worked since
April 3, 2019, as well. Following this, employees classified as Maintenance will get increases of 2% in years two, three, and four. All employees will receive a raise of 3% in the fifth year of the contract. In addition, shift premiums go up to 65 cents per hour immediately. The contract includes improved language regarding banked overtime as well. Vision coverage improves to provide $180 per 24-month period for nonsafety glasses. The plan will now cover up to $125 every 24 months for safety glasses. Employer contributions to the dental plan will go up by 1 cent per hour worked in each year of the contract. The employees at Cancoil will also benefit from increased contributions, up by 3 cents per hour, to their group RRSP. Other monetary improvements include a better boot allowance of $90
per year and an increased clothing allowance of $95 per year. Important language changes provide Stewards paid time to meet with new Cancoil employees. Vacation entitlement improves to provide an additional three paid days after 12 years of service. Bereavement language now allows employees to save a paid day of their leave for a later internment. The number of members to take part in the negotiating committee increases from two to three. Lastly, the employer will pay $1,000 per year to the Union's Training & Education Fund. The collective agreement covers 100 full-time employees at Cancoil in Kingston. Members ratified the agreement on August 11, 2019. Union Negotiating Committee: Markus Blaszak, Gary Garrison, and Union Rep Paul Hardwick.
Executive Aviation members ratify deal with no concessions On September 4, 2019, the 14 members at Executive Aviation in Sudbury ratified a new agreement. Negotiations this time around required the assistance of a Conciliation Officer from the Ministry of Labour. Initially, the employer tried to gut the collective agreement. The Union Negotiating Committee, however, was able to secure an agreement with no concessions. Employees receive raises over the 3-year term totalling 65 cents per hour. A new Lead Hand position will start at $16.50 per hour, and three of these positions will be
posted as job openings. Language in a Letter of Agreement contains details on the Lead Hand position and its wage progressions. Previously, non-bargaining unit managers had been performing this work. Members also benefit from the addition of two paid sick days per year starting in January 2020. Lastly, the employer agreed to contribute $125 per year toward the Local 175 Training & Education Fund. Union Negotiating Committee: Julien Boulard, Calen Smith, and Union Rep Jeff Barry.
Above-industry wage improvements in new agreement at Martindale Gardens
NCH Members approve new contract
Monetary improvements and adjustments achieved by the Union Negotiating Committee in this agreement provide for greater increases for Martindale Gardens employees than most agreements and/or awards within the health care industry.
On August 15, 2019, the 87 UFCW Local 175 members employed fulltime at National Corporate Housekeeping Services ratified a new collective agreement.
All rates will increase by 2% as of April 1, 2019, with a subsequent 2% increase in the second and third years of the agreement. Cooks, Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs), and Personal Support Workers (PSWs) at Martindale Gardens will see a positive adjustment made to their rates as of April 1, 2019. Employees at the 1800 and 3600 progressions classified as Concierge, Server, Dishwasher, and Server receive a wage adjustment too. Servers will see an additional adjustment in the third year of the agreement. Any red-circled employees will also receive 2% increases in each year. Lastly, employees who are not permitted to leave the facility during lunch or who do not get their lunch, will receive pay for such lunch. Language improves to include siblings-in-law in bereavement leave
provisions. Part-time vacation will now accrue the same as it does for full-time employees. Now, Stewards get paid time to meet with new members and introduce those members to the Union. Plus, employees will now receive four hours’ pay for completing required training modules at home. Members ratified their new agreement on June 4, 2019. Martindale Gardens is a retirement residence located in Milton, Ontario. Currently, the home employs more than 50 unionized workers represented by Local 175. Union Negotiating Committee: Carmel McVicar, Jeanette Trail, and Union Rep Mario Tardelli.
Vera Davis members ratify Members at the Vera Davis Community Care Centre in Bolton achieved a new agreement recently. The employer brought a number of concessions to the table, which made this round of bargaining extremely difficult and resulted in the parties meeting in conciliation. On August 28, the Union and employer met again and were able to achieve a contract. The contract, ratified on September 9, 2019, will see members through to the end of November 2021. Wages across all classifications will increase by 1% retroactive to December 1, 2017,
and 1.75% retroactive to December 1, 2018. This year, employees will see a raise of 1.75%, followed by another raise of 1.75% in year four.
The three-year agreement contains rate increases totalling $1.25 per hour over the three-year term for those employees hired prior to ratification. New hires will receive raises totalling 90 cents per hour over the same three years. The Union Negotiating Committee achieved the addition of a night shift premium. This item had been proposed and brought to the table at six previous rounds of bargaining, and it will now finally be part of the contract language. The premium will provide an additional 10 cents per hour, on top of an employee’s regular rate, for work completed on the night shift. Employees with more than five years of seniority will benefit from an additional float day, bringing them to a total of three per year. These floater days may also be used as sick days at the employee’s discretion. The Union’s committee also negotiated to have shirts made of a lighter fabric available to employees for work during warmer months.
Further, the parties will meet to discuss wage scales for new positions: Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) Specialist and Behavioural Supports Ontario Nurse (BSON). The contract covers 27 full-time and 50 part-time employees at Vera Davis. Union Negotiating Committee: Don King, Sinceray McCabe, Dionne Reid, and Union Rep Orsola Augurusa.
Union Negotiating Committee: Julie Davis, Mike Pierini, and Union Rep John Beaton. Fall 2019
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Our Members at
Homewood Health
The employees at Homewood Health Centre in Guelph provide care and services to those who need mental health and addiction treatment. More than 280 members of UFCW Local 175 work at the Centre providing a wide range of health care services to clients. At Homewood, there are beds for 300 patient plus outpatient services for clients as well. And our Members play a role in almost every aspect of making the workplace run smoothly for staff and clients alike. You might be surprised to realize just how many different kids of jobs there are at Homewood – along with many other mental health and addiction treatment facilities, long-term care and retirement homes. It takes hardworking people with a variety of skill sets to provide service and support to ensure that every client at Homewood has the best care possible. From addiction counselling and recovery, to eating disorders, traumatic stress, and more; the members working at Homewood provide and assist with the many services and programs available to clients. When you enter Homewood, you’ll likely be greeted by a UFCW Local 175 member who works at reception, such as Rose (pictured here, top right). Rose, along with other switchboard staff, greet guests and ensure they get where they need to be. These members are the first faces clients often see, and the first voices callers hear. Members working in Nutrition Services help to prepare and serve meals in the beautiful cafeteria at Homewood. Clients and staff are welcomed every day at meal time by the smiling faces of members such as Carmela and Brenda (pictured at the top of page 19). Grounds and Gardens staff maintain the lawns, gardens, trails, and sports fields across the 50-acre property. Their work creates enjoyable spaces for clients and their visitors to get some much needed recreation and time in nature. 16
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Horticulturalists on staff also support the greenhouse and its classroom where clients get back in touch with nature through plant therapy. Steve, pictured at the bottom of this page here, proudly spoke of his work creating the fountain he stands next to in the photo, which adds to the serene and well-cared for outdoor space at Homewood. The nature of some of the health concerns that bring clients to Homewood means that there is security personnel on hand at all times. These members work to provide clients with a safe space in which to live, recover, and go about their day. They also protect their co-workers to help them perform their jobs safely. Recreation and fitness employees run physical activity programs and sports to further support the psychological healing and recovery of the clients. From the fitness centre to the gym, the tennis courts, sports fields, and more, there are a lot of options available. With a pharmacy on site, clients have access to necessary medication in a timely manner. Members of Local 175 in the pharmacy work as Technicians and Porters. Members working in the Material Management classification take on a number of jobs, including working at the stores, driving and receiving, plus expediting.
Housekeeping staff, such as Kara who is pictured seated on a floor cleaner on page 16) work throughout Homewood. Members in this classification look after laundering and replacing linens, cleaning clients' rooms and the rest of the Centre, plus other services. Nurses and Personal Support Workers (PSWs), along with other nursing and aide staff, provide much of the hands on care from day to day. Part-time Chief Steward Cathy Arnold (pictured right) has worked at Homewood for 24 years, and she's been a Steward for about 20 years. She is a Nurse whose valuable experience at the home and in the health care field goes a long way to informing her role as Chief Steward. Les Whalen (pictured lower right) is a full-time employee in the Maintenance department. He became Chief Steward two years ago and he also co-chairs the Joint Health & Safety Committee (JHSC). He has been a part of the Homewood staff for 10 years. Les works with a team of Environmental Services employees who work in a number of skilled trades and other maintenance support positions. Cathy and Les are supported by a group of nine other dedicated Stewards: • • • • • • • • •
Patricia Barrales, Steward Heather Berry, Steward Catherine Bowmaster, Steward Penny Fulton, Steward Jim Galatianos, Steward Peter Hallett, Steward Rose Heyden, Steward Shannon Kerr, Steward Jordan Schepers, Steward
In total, the team of Stewards and JHSC members at Homewood have a combined total of more than 190 years of experience that they bring to the workplace every day. “Cathy and Les and the whole group of Stewards are great to work with,” said Union Rep, Lee Johnson-Koehn. “They are dedicated to giving their clients amazing care and services during their shifts, and they go above and beyond whenever needed to support their co-workers too." "Our Union members at Homewood are proud of the Centre and the work they do," added Lee. "The health and recovery of their clients is the most important thing to them and it shows in the care they put into their jobs every day." 18
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M E M B E R S A S S I S TA N C E P R O G R A M CO N F I D E N T I A L R E F E R R A L S E RV I C E S
YOUR UNION OFFERS A M E M B E R S A S S I S TA N C E P R O G R A M ( M A P ) THROUGH LABOUR COMMUNITY SERVICES. The MAP is available to help members through difficult times by connecting you with the appropriate professional assistance as close to your community, and as soon, as possible. Locals 175 & 633 members have access to this confidential service providing counselling referrals to professional services for issues such as substance abuse, spousal abuse, mental wellness, financial stress, grief, child care, affordable housing, and more.
CALL SHARON LABOUR COMMUNITY SERVICES 4 1 6 - 9 7 7 - 6 8 8 8 O R 1 - 8 7 7 - 8 0 1 - 7762 F R E N C H L A N G U A G E S E R V I C E S A R E A L S O AVA I L A B L E
W W W.U F C W175.C O M/A S S I S TA N C E
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Return to Work: Three Part Series If we want money for rent, food, electricity, and other things, then we need to work and get paid. It’s a simple enough equation: you need money coming in before money can go out. But, it’s a pretty fragile concept that relies on many aspects of employment, housing, health, and other costs of living. It also requires a person to be physically and mentally capable of work. Workplace injuries and illnesses happen every day. Everything about the way you live your life – from going to work, to doing regular chores, even getting dressed – can get more difficult in an instant. And many of these workers need assistance with accommodation to stay at their job. The Return to Work and accommodation process is essentially the same whether you suffer a work-related injury/illness or non-occupational injury/illness. There is no 'one-size-fits-all' approach when an employee Returns to Work; it is a collaborative effort that evolves over time. Your Union Rep, Workers’ Comp Rep, Health & Safety Rep, and Union Steward(s) all work toward assisting members through the Return to Work process. The UFCW Locals 175 & 633 Workers’ Compensation Department presents a threepart series to identify the key elements of the Return to Work process.
Part One: Protecting your Income The first thing an injured or ill worker should consider is where money will come from going forward. Members should always make themselves familiar with the types of income replacement available to them. Some of these items come through your collective agreement, through filing a claim with the WSIB, and through government assistance. Examples of income protection include: • • • • • •
Short-term Disability Insurance (STD); Long-term Disability Insurance (LTD); WSIB Loss of Earnings (LOE) Benefits; Employment Insurance (EI) Sickness Benefit (15 weeks) Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) Canada Pension Plan Disability Program
The ultimate goal would be to achieve seamless income protection when you’re injured or ill. Unfortunately, seamless income protection is not available to many workers. These gaps in protection can leave injured or ill workers even more vulnerable to negative experiences and outcomes.
What protections are in place for you and your co-workers in your time of need? Not all workers qualify for public assistance or have coverage in their collective agreements, which leaves them vulnerable to loss of income when off due to injury or illness. In these cases, it might be best to consider an early and safe return to work accommodation to help restore your income. Just be mindful that any return to work plan respects your functional abilities, and does not jeopardize your health or recovery. There are laws that protect people with disabilities from discrimination, regardless of how someone is injured or made ill, specifically when it comes to employment. • • • • • •
Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedom Canadian Human Rights Act Ontario Human Rights Code Workplace Safety and Insurance Act Ontario Health and Safety Act Canada Labour Code
Get to know the Union resources available to you and how to contact your Union Rep for timely assistance. The Union can assist with return to work accommodations, understanding your benefits, as well as dealing with the employer, the WSIB and insurance companies. Visit ufcw175.com and download “Wage Replacement Options” and stay tuned for Part Two: The Return to Work Process in the Winter 2019 issue of Checkout. Fall 2019
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Training & Education Cell Training During the Spring, the Local Union held Cell Training for Stewards at multiple locations across the province. Over several weeks, more than 500 Stewards took part in courses covering Return to Work, Social Media Pitfalls, and Ontario's Changing Labour Legislation. Thank you to everyone who attended the day-long training. The dedication and service that our Stewards give to the membership every day is incredible and Your Union appreciates you. More cell training will take place during the Fall.
Two New In-Class Courses Launched Babysitting Course This free course is specifically for Members' children and teenagers aged 9-15 to show them how to care for and interact with children, and keep them safe. The five-hour course covers: • • • • • •
Preparing a kit for babysitting; Games designed for various age groups; Healthy snack prep; Stranger danger; Information to know in case of emergency; Calling 911.
DATES CAMBRIDGE October 27 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. HAMILTON November 3 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. MISSISSAUGA November 10 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Naloxone Administration/Overdose Training This free course is for Members and their family members 16 years of age or older. The five-hour course covers: • • • • •
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Signs and Symptoms of an overdose; Respiratory arrest and treatment; How to administer Naloxone; Injection practice stations, and; How Naloxone works.
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DATES CAMBRIDGE October 27 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. HAMILTON November 3 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. MISSISSAUGA November 10 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Visit ufcw175.com/training or see the flyers in your workplace for more information and to register.
Fundraising Year-end Fundraising Total In June, Locals 175 & 633 presented a cheque for $211, 756.33 to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada (LLSC) as the Locals' fundraising total for the year. Thank you to all of our volunteers and communities for being so dedicated and generous. Your support helped UFCW Canada present a nation-wide total of more than $2.3 million last year. For more information on what the LLSC does and what your money supports, visit llscanada.org.
Thunder Bay Golf Tournament In July, the 21st annual Golf Tournament took place in Thunder Bay at the Dragon Hills Golf Course. Our teams of golfers enjoyed a great day on the links, and along with the support of our sponsors, golfers raised $1,275 for the LLSC. Thank you to everyone for your enthusiasm and support year after year.
Brampton Golf Tournament On Saturday, May 25, the Local 175 Golf Tournament took place at the Lionhead Golf Club and Conference Centre in Brampton. This annual tournament raises money for the LLSC too, to support research and patient care for those with blood cancers. Despite some thunderstorms rolling through the skies, our dedicated teams of golfers persevered and were rewarded with a great day of golf (and even some blue sky!). Thank you to all of our golfers and sponsors for your generosity. You raised $15,086.21 for the LLSC!
Visit ufcw175.com/events for upcoming fundraisers and more. Fall 2019
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Pride 2019 Over the summer months, the Local Union took part in Pride celebrations. During Toronto Pride at the end of June, members and staff volunteered at the UFCW booth at the Street Fair, and walked in the annual Pride Parade too. Capital Pride took place in Ottawa on August 25 where our group paraded through the city with all those celebrating. At both events, our participants sported Local Union Pride t-shirts, flags, and umbrellas. Thank you to all of the members and their friends and loved ones who took part in this year's festivities.
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Community Action Network BBQ & Family Day Even though it was a little chilly on Sunday, June 9, the rain held off, and the annual Community Action Network (CAN) BBQ brought many members and their families out for a great day in the Niagara area. In addition to the BBQ, our members, family and friends enjoyed Snow Kones, popcorn, and ice cream too. We also had a great time with the bouncy castle, crafts, and face painting by Executive Board VP Carolyn Levesque. Thank you to everyone who participated! It was amazing to see so many members and your families enjoy a great day by the lake with good food and amazing company. A special thank you goes to the all the volunteers and helpers!
This is Marevel Debulgado. Marevel is a Member of UFCW Local 175 who started working at Rexall in Toronto in September 2017. Marevel works as a cashier and takes pride in her work. She says she enjoys customer service and being able to help people, and Marevel always greets everyone with a friendly smile. Thank you, Marevel, for you service to the customers and for being a valued member of the Union. Marevel was featured in September as part of #MemberMonday! Check out more features just like this on our Instagram (@ ufcwlocals175633) and Facebook (facebook.com/ufcwlocals175633) pages. 26
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Lassonde Beverages
Oasis, Allen's, Rougemont, Fruite, Fairlee, Orange Maison, Graves, SunLike, Tropical Grove, Del Monte, Fruit Drop, Everfresh
Shopping for a Union Made
Breakfast
Burnbrae Farms
Graded whole eggs in carton, and liquid egg white products.
Ace Bakery
Multigrain, white, harvest grain, honey wheat, rye, sourdough, and much more.
Olymel
Lafleur raw and pre-cooked bacon
Maple Lodge Farms
Jadee Meats
Chicken bacon
Cherry Pink bacon
Cavendish Farms Hash Brown Patties
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Cast your vote on
OCTOBER 21
Visit www.elections.ca for info. Moving? Please make sure you notify the Union Office at membership@ufcw175.com or call 1-800-565-8329
Return postage will be paid by: United Food and Commercial Workers Locals 175 & 633 2200 Argentia Road Mississauga ON L5N 2K7
Canada Post Corporation Publication Agreement No. 40064671
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