Contents LOCAL 175 Shawn Haggerty, President; Teresa Magee, Secretary-Treasurer; Betty Pardy, Recorder; Ray Bromley, Al McLean, Scott Penner, Harry Sutton – Executive Assistants LOCAL 633 Dan Bondy, President; Marylou Mallett, Secretary-Treasurer; Neil Hotchkiss, Recorder DIRECTORS Rob Armbruster, Paul Jokhu Benefits Orsola Augurusa, Sherree Backus, Laurie Duncan, Joanne Ford, Joanne Harrow, Georgina MacDonald – Benefits Representatives Communications Jennifer Tunney - Senior Communications Representative; Emily Groom Communications Representative; Meemee Seto - Servicing Representative Health & Safety Janice Klenot - Senior Health & Safety Representative; Michele Miller - Health & Safety Representative Legal Fernando Reis - Co-ordinator; Catherine Davis, Billeh Hamud, Rebecca Lee, Alycia Shaw, Natalie Wiley, Rebecca Woodrow - Legal Counsel Organizing Rick Wauhkonen - Organizing Co-ordinator; Mike Mattioli, Ron McGuire, Tony Nigro, Amy Tran - Organizing Representatives; Farman Ali, Jeffery Lu - Organizing Apprentices Training & Education Kelly Nicholas - Co-ordinator REGION 1 Dan Lacroix - Regional Director; Colby Flank, Dean McLaren - Union Representatives REGION 2 Kelly Tosato - Regional Director; Mona Bailey, John DiFalco, John Di Nardo, Linval Dixon, Chris Fuller, Rob Nicholas, Mark Stockton, Chris Watson, Dave White - Union Representatives REGION 3 Dan Lacroix - Regional Director; Simon Baker, Shannon Epp, Paul Hardwick, Marilyn Lang, Daniel Mercier - Union Representatives; Jacques Niquet - Servicing Representative REGION 4 Sylvia Groom - Regional Director; Rick Hogue, Roy Reed Union Representatives; Virginia Haggith, Ashleigh Garner, Jason Hanley, Casey Magee, Arlene Robertson, Brenda Simmons, Melody Slattery - Servicing Representatives REGION 5 Jim McLean - Regional Director; Jehan Ahamed - Union Representative; Lee Johnson-Koehn - Servicing Representative; Bob Kearney, Brad Morrison, Mario Tardelli Union Representatives REGION 6 Luc Lacelle - Regional Director; Wendy Absolom, Sam Caetano, Matt Davenport, Tim Deelstra, Joe De Melo, Anthony Di Maio, Kevin Dowling, Angela Mattioli - Union Representatives REGION 7 Barry Sawyer - Regional Director; Dave Forbes, Sharon Kempf, Diane Sanvido, Steve Springall - Union Representatives
President’s Message Secretary-Treasurer’s Message Union News Sobeys Strike Grievance information Organizing Health & Safety Workplace Feature Political Action Negotiations Community Action Network Fundraising Health Care Corner Our members Training & Education
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REGION 8 Derik MacArthur - Regional Director; Jeff Barry, Matt Belanger, Jeff Black, Rob Cullen, Sandra Rogerson - Union Representatives ISSN No. 1703-3926 CHECKOUT is an official publication of Locals 175 & 633 of the United Food & Commercial Workers (UFCW) PROVINCIAL HEAD OFFICE 2200 ARGENTIA ROAD MISSISSAUGA, ON L5N 2K7 TEL: 905-821-8329 TOLL FREE: 1-800-565-8329 FAX: 905-821-7144
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Cambridge OFFICE 6628 Ellis Road, Cambridge, ON N3C 2V4 TEL: 519-658-0252 TOLL FREE: 1-800-267-1977 FAX: 519-658-0255
CORNWALL OFFICE uNIT 5-850 bOUNDARY RD CORNWALL ON K6H 5R5 TEL: 613-932-2330 FAX: 613-932-6687
HAMILTON OFFICE 412 RENNIE STREET HAMILTON, ON L8H 3P5 TEL: 905-545-8354 TOLL FREE: 1-800-567-2125 FAX: 905-545-8355
OTTAWA OFFICE SUDBURY OFFICE THUNDER BAY OFFICE 20 HAMILTON AVENUE N. 230 REGENT ROAD 21-929 FORT WILLIAM RD OTTAWA, ON K1Y 1B6 SUDBURY, ON P3C 4C5 THUNDER BAY, ON P7B 3A6 TEL: 613-725-2154 TEL: 705-674-0769 TEL: 807-346-4227 TOLL FREE: 1-800-267-5295 TOLL FREE: 1-800-465-1722 TOLL FREE: 1-800-465-6932 FAX: 807-346-4055 FAX: 613-725-2328 FAX: 705-674-6815
CEP 571-0
Local 175 President Shawn Haggerty Local 175 President Shawn Haggerty Local 175 President Shawn PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Haggerty Local 175 President Shawn Haggerty Local 175 President Shawn Haggerty Local 175 President Shawn Haggerty Local 175 President Shawn Haggerty Local 175 President Shawn Haggerty Local 175 President Shawn Haggerty Local 175 President Shawn Haggerty Local 175 President Shawn Haggerty Local 175 President Shawn Haggerty Local 175 President Shawn Haggerty Local 175 President Shawn Haggerty Local 175 President Shawn Haggerty Local 175 President Shawn Haggerty Local 175 President Shawn Haggerty Local 175 President Shawn Haggerty Local 175 President Shawn Haggerty Local 175 President Shawn Haggerty Local 175 President Shawn Haggerty Local 175 President Shawn Haggerty Local 175 President Shawn Haggerty Local 175 President Shawn Haggerty Local 175 President Shawn Haggerty Local 175 President Shawn Haggerty Local 175 President Shawn Haggerty Local 175 President Shawn Haggerty Local 175 President Shawn Haggerty Local 175 President Shawn Haggerty Local 175 President Shawn Hagg
Shawn Haggerty
Workers need a Government that works for them! Ontario workers need an Ontario government that works for them, not just another election. Elections, which cost us millions in tax dollars, can be a waste of time or an opportunity for the anti-worker conservative forces to seize power through vote manipulation and the expenditure of large swaths of money, whose sources are always of note. Particularly since the resignation of McGuinty, and his subsequent replacement by Kathleen Wynne as Liberal leader and Ontario Premier, there has been constant hype about the collapse of the Liberal minority government leading to the triggering of another election.
An alternative to a nightmare election scenario for Ontario’s working families and their communities is possible. The Liberals and NDP have blocked Boss Hudak’s bid for an early election by working together. Through negotiations between the two parties, the minority government can continue with Hudak out of power. We need an Ontario Legislature that works for Ontarians. The majority of who are like our Union members - concerned with their declining wages and purchasing power, the never-ending cuts to social programs, and the continued fall out due to the jobs lost during the 2009 economic recession. A Liberal minority government working with the NDP can make far greater headway in tackling these vital issues for Ontario’s working families and their communities than any Hudak government.
Such an election could well bring the antiworker, anti-social Hudak PC party to power because everyone knows that elections are no longer about the democratic will of the people. It’s about bringing to power the politicians with the strongest political party machinery, and biggest budget. Amongst other things, Hudak’s infamous pro-corporate White Paper policy book has put him on the radar of Unions and working families across the province as an enemy of the people. Boss Hudak is calling for an early election, and Ontario is responding with a resounding no! Hudak has rejected Premier Kathleen Wynne’s throne speech, and is likely to oppose her upcoming budget which will focus on reigning in program spending, the deficit, youth unemployment and the working poor. He insists that the province needs to “change the team” but Ontario is not interested in any change that brings the PC party to power. According to the Toronto Star, a recent poll suggests that even if Hudak realized his dream of an early election, Ontario would likely reject the PC’s and re-elect a Liberal minority (“Poll suggest Wynne’s Liberals would win another minority government”, Robert Benzie, March 5, 2013).
Working people need to be prepared for the fight which lies ahead. In Solidarity, Shawn Haggerty
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SECRETARY-TREASURER’S MESSAGE
Teresa Magee Defending women’s rights all year round As Ontario was gearing up to mark International Women’s Day (IWD) 2013 on and around March 8, women in the province were raising their voices against the Harper government and its attacks on women, their families and communities across the country. When women mark IWD, they affirm the essence of the day as a celebration of their struggles for the affirmation of their rights in society. Over a hundred years ago, working women in 1910 passed a resolution to initiate an internationally recognized day where women across the world could agitate for the realization of their political rights, as well as their rights as workers. Women in Canada and their allies today continue the work to affirm these crucial rights, including by raising the call to Stop Harper! and his anti-social attacks. Across Canada, women’s struggles against the Harper government’s anti-women, anti-social offensive are part of their efforts to block the increasing side-lining of all Canadians, especially women, from political affairs and decision-making. Since coming to power in 2006, the Harper government has blocked the creation of a national day-care program, and slashed the budget of the Status of Women and many women’s groups across the country. He has been singled out by women’s organization globally for his notorious attempts to undermine women’s reproductive rights both in Canada and internationally, including through the so-called Child and Maternal Health initiative he put forward at the much denounced Toronto G8/G20 summit. Because of historic and structural inequalities, women are often more vulnerable and disproportionately impacted by Harper’s brutal slashing of vital social services and programs, the removal of labour and tenant safeguard mechanisms, anti-immigrant laws, and the strengthening of corporate power in the province. For these and many more reasons, women have been at the forefront of the struggles to block Harper and the anti-social offensive, and to build a society that is responsible towards 4
all working people, their families and communities. Women have made great strides in moving towards equality with men, but these strides are being increasingly undermined by the Harper government. It is of vital importance that we continue the work of resisting the Harper government and building an alternative for the next federal government. On IWD, step up the work to block Harper in defence of women’s rights, and the rights of all! In Solidarity, Teresa Magee
UNION NEWS
Union News Union News Union News Union News Union News Union News Union News Union News Union News Union News Union News Union News Union News Union News Union News Union News Union News Union News Union News Union News Union News Union News Union News Union News Union News Union News Union News Union News Union News Union News Union News Union News Union News Union News Union News Union News Union News Union News Union News
Merger makes us 66,000 strong!
After another historic moment in UFCW Locals 175 & 633 history, your Union is proud to announce the merger of the Northern Joint Council RWDSU (Retail, Wholesale, & Department Store Union) with our Local Union. This merger brings Local’s 175 & 633 membership total to 66,000 strong! Not only are we the largest private sector Union in the country, we pride ourselves on being one of the strongest. In November of 2012, after a successful membership-wide vote, our RWDSU sisters and brothers joined the 175 & 633 ranks. “The Northern Joint Council RWDSU is a perfect fit for our Local Union,” says President Shawn Haggerty. “This move couldn’t have been better.” Our 6,000 new members work at various units throughout Northern Ontario including grocery stores, bakeries, dairies, hotels, pharmacies, and other retail outlets. As we have said about past mergers, our strength in numbers translates to strength at the bargaining table. With more strong members, we have more power and weight behind our demands when negotiating. This means higher wages, benefits and health and safety standards – a better life for you and your family. Derik McArthur, RWDSU’s Canadian director and President of the Northern Joint Council (pictured on cover with President Haggerty) says the merger is the best move for the membership. “As our core industries become more and more consolidated it’s important to have the strength of the largest private sector Union behind us. We’re proud to be a part of the 175 & 633 family.” As our contents page points out, we have added two regional offices in Ontario. Our new Region 8 office is located in Sudbury and we also have an office in Cornwall. This means we have more coverage, more Representatives, and more staff to serve our membership. This merger brings more training and educational opportunities, post-secondary scholarships, member assistance programs and more. We would like to congratulate all of our members in making yet another mark in Local 175 & 633 history, and welcome all of our new members from the Northern Joint Council RWDSU. Everyone at UFCW Locals 175 & 633 looks forward to working with you!
Meet some new faces from RWDSU!
Top, L-R: Derik MacArthur - Region 8 Director; Jeff Barry, Matt Belanger, Jeff Black, Rob Cullen, Bottom, L-R: Shannon Epp, Sandra Rogerson - Union Representatives April 2013
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SOBEYS WAREHOUSE
STRIKE ENDS The 428 bargaining unit workers at Sobeys Milton Retail Support Centre have ended their strike after 29 days on the picket lines. At meetings held on Monday, March 11, the members voted to accept an offer with improvements over the previously rejected settlement. Members returned to their regularly scheduled work as of Tuesday March 12, 2013. Workers braved the cold and snow for over a month with much support from fellow local Unions. Workers from all over simply dropped off coffee and food or walked the picket line. From this, a sense of solidarity and comraderie shines through a tough situation. During the strike, members asked the community and fellow supporters to refrain from shopping at Sobeys retail locations. Although the warehouse workers are unionized, the majority of store employees are not. Continued financial support to Sobeys stores ultimately increases pressure on the strikers and can interfere with further talks between the employer and the Union. This applies to all workplaces who face a strike or lockout. “As workers we are all interconnected,” says Local 175 President Shawn Haggerty. “If workers and community members put pressure on an employer by not shopping at their retail stores or purchasing their products, it sends a huge message. You’re telling the employer that what they’re doing to the striking workers is not right and until they come to a sensible agreement with their Union, your dollars will be spent elsewhere.”
Grievances Grievances Grievances Grievances Grievances Grievances Grievances Grievances Grievances GRIEVANCES Grievances Grievances Grievances Grievances Grievances Grievances Grievances Grievances Grievances Grievances Grievances Grievances Grievances Grievances Grievances Grievances Grievances Grievances Grievances Grievances Grievances Grievances Grievances Grievances Grievances Grievances Grievances Grievances Grievances Grievances Grievances Grievances Grievances Grievances Grievances Grievances
The importance of information gathering As a steward in any unit you will be called upon to investigate and gather information. Our members and their stewards stand together in order to create timely resolutions for all and uphold the collective agreement at a time when employers are attempting to undermine all we have worked to achieve.
It is important to remember to remain calm, composed and attentive during any interaction with the member and/or employer. The employer relies on the steward and the employee to miss key steps of the information gathering process due to their anxiety, anger and emotion.
In order for a grievance to have a positive resolution we need to gather as much detailed and relevant information as possible and do so in a timely fashion. Issues and accurate recollection is best acquired when the grievance is filed. The involved steward should be keeping accurate notes, however it is also of benefit that the griever be involved in the gathering of an accurate statement of the issues, recollection of participants and their own story as it all relates together.
As a team we need to see that the necessary steps are taken and that composure is maintained as we gather ALL the necessary information in a timely fashion. This simple formula along with accurate information would then be formatted, presented back to the employer and if necessary on to a neutral third party, an arbitrator. The timeline of events may vary from employer to employer however the likelihood of success starts with the initial gathering of all the necessary parts of the puzzle.
As we work our way though this process we need to be aware of all participants involved along with as much detail, time lines and any relevant supporting documentation such as: •
Schedules
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Any notes, letter or print communication of any kind
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Any and all e-mail communication
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Any company documents, such as tasks sheets, vacation planners, RTO’s pay stubs, previous discipline, evaluations
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An accurate list of any and all employee’s involved or that may be of support
If you have any questions about information gathering or any other issues regarding a grievance, contact your Union Representative.
Along with all of the above we can work our way through a simple checklist: •
What happened?
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When did it happen?
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Where did it happen
•
Who witnessed it? April 2013
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ORGANIZING UPDATE
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Local 175 leads all Canadian UFCW Locals in organizing 2012 was a very successful year for the Organizing Department at Local 175. The team had a total of 20 wins and only 2 losses meaning 1045 new members for our Local Union. These are remarkable numbers in an era, when many other Unions have had a great difficulty organizing any members. A review of these newly organized workplaces in 2012 shows that a wide variety of workplaces in our core sectors were organized including retail, industrial, health care, hospitality services and meat plants. Our new members include hotel workers, employment counselors, mental health counselors, a potato chip factory, a meat plant, building cleaners, retirement and nursing homes, a warehouse for a clothing distributor, a food distribution warehouse, food service locations and even an aviation services company. Some of the new UFCW Local 175 members work at these following companies, TNT International, Compass Group Canada, Loudon Brothers Limited, Maratech Aviation Services, Olde York Potato Chips, Rogers Cove Retirement Home, The Barrington Nursing Home, Royal Host Properties Inc, Unico Facility, Great Lake Specialty Meats, Meta Centre, Remco Group, Travelodge Hotel Airlane, Rexall/Dell (Home Health Care), and VPI Inc.
Local 175 organizing department into a proper perspective. It is important for our members to also understand that some Provinces, including Quebec have much more favourable labour legislation for organizing workers. In Quebec, for example, a Union is able to certify if they obtain more than 50 per cent of the workers in any work place to sign Union cards. Unfortunately, in Ontario, Unions need to sign up at least 40 percent of a work place to even qualify for a vote. The reality is that we need at least 60 percent signed up to have a chance to win the vote, since we need more than 50 percent of the workers to vote in favour of the Union. Once a Union in Ontario demonstrates that it has more than 40 percent support, there will be a secret ballot vote for the employees 7 days after the union applies to the Labour Board. This gives anti-Union employers a whole week to work on employees to get them to change their minds, with a wide variety of tactics. These tactics include intimidation and threats, just to name a couple.
To put our work in perspective, out of the 34 other UFCW Locals in Canada, only one brought in almost as many members as 175 in the last year. Local 500R gained 1027 more members in Quebec. Organizing working people is never easy, but President Shawn Haggerty has assembled one of the strongest organizing teams in the country in order to keep our Local Union growing. There will always be strength in numbers and we will continue to support out members and their families by organizing the unorganized. If you know of any workers who are in need of a Union, please call the Organizing Department. 1-800-5658329.
It is important to look at the Organizing efforts of the other 36 UFCW Local Unions across Canada to put the accomplishments of the Newly Unionized T&T members with organizer Ali Farman 8
HEALTH & SAFETY
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Joint Health & Safety Committee training for retail grocery is a success! UFCW Locals 175 & 633 held one day Health and Safety Training classes from July through November 2012 for members on the Joint Health & Safety Committee (JHSC) for each Metro store, Food Basics, Loeb and the Barn Markets. Over 200 members attended one of the 22 classes that were held across the province. The training was to provide health and safety committee members with basic health and safety training for them to perform the functions of a committee member. This was done by discussing the Occupational Health & Safety Act (OHSA) and Industrial Regulations, Joint Health & Safety Committees, Workplace Inspections, Critical Injury and terms of reference just to name a few. During the training, the instructor had the opportunity to hear about health and safety issues in the stores and those issues are now being addressed. Many committee members were unaware of the powers that they hold under the OHSA. For example, they are entitled to a minimum of one hour prepation time for a Health and Safety meeting as determined under OHSA Section 9(34). The same section gives them the right to attend meetings and inspect the workplace once a month. Loblaws banner one day Health & Safety trainings were held from October – November for two members on JHSC’s in RCSS, Great Foods, Zehrs, Fortinos, and Loblaws. Nine classes were held for 127 members. This is an annual training through provisions of their Collective Agreement. The training included Occupational Health & Safety changes related to Bill 160, identifying hazards through workplace inspections, assessing and controlling hazards, as well as recommendations and meetings. The members especially enjoyed learning the importance of documentation as it pertains to accident investigations and Joint Health and Safety meeting minutes. If you’re interested in learning more about Health & Safety in your workplace or looking to get involved with the JHSC, contact your Local’s Health & Safety Department at 1-800-267-1977.
Minute Maid is certainly a household name brand that you and your family have seen on the grocery shelves and in freezers over the years. Have you ever wondered how or why they make the products that they do? It happened during the war effort of 1945 when an American research agency developed a flavourful orange juice powder from handpicked oranges which was then dehydrated to prolong its life. They issued an open order for hundreds of thousands of pounds of the powdered juice, then shortly after Minute Maid was born. The company later discovered that if they removed some of the water from the powder and froze the concentrate, the product could hold a longer freezer life. This made frozen concentrated juice convenient to store and easy to make. Minute Maid Company came to Canada in the 1950’s and our members continue to bring a high-quality product to your family’s freezer. Roughly 125 members work at the Minute Maid Company in Peterborough. They produce and ship all kinds of product from this plant including frozen orange juice, Five-Alive, Fruitopia, Bacardi mixes and more. Their frozen and base products are blended from ingredients with the expertise of our membership. Our members’ jobs include maintenance, production, lab technicians and warehouse. With all the work they do, our members manage to produce approximately 60,000 cases of 12-pack product per day! Let’s meet some of our hardworking and dedicated membership! 10
Tim Hudak says the stalling of Ontario’s economic recovery is the fault of the Union. “The problem that we have is that we have union bosses who are running the government right now...”
Tim Hudak, The Toronto Star, March 5, 2013
If only Unions ran the government Mr. Hudak... if only.
®
For more information, visit workingfamilies.ca
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First contract for members at Compass Group Southlake Newly organized members working at Compass Group in Southlake Regional Health Centre secured their first collective agreement at a ratification meeting on February 26, 2013. Members will now enjoy a grievance and arbitration procedure, regular wage increases, seniority, health and dental benefits and as well as a number of improvements to their working conditions. In the first year of the agreement all wage rates and classification receive a 40 cent increase. Over the next two years of the contract all members receive increases of 45 cents. A lead hand premium of $1.00 per hour is now applied to all hours worked while members performing the shipping/receiving job receive a premium of 50 cents per hour worked. A night shift premium of $1.00 per hour is applied to all members working between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. Members now receive paid bereavement leave up to four consecutive days for the loss of an immediate family member. New language entitles workers to two weeks’ vacation time after 1 year of service, three weeks after 5 years and four weeks after 10 years. Members now receive an extended health benefit plan which includes 90% reimbursement for prescriptions, $250 for vision care every two years, 90% coverage of all dental work, access to massage therapy, physiotherapy, naturopathy and more. Negotiating Committee: Sylvia Fralick, Karen Wolfendenand Union Representative Mona Bailey.
Ingredion workers reach agreement Members working at Ingredion Inc (formerly Casco) in London ratified a new four-year agreement on January 25, 2013. Members will benefit from wage increases of 1% plus a lump sum payment of $1,000 in the first year of the agreement, a lump sum of $1,500 in the second year, as well as a 2.5% increase in the 3rd and 4th years. Workers will now receive a guaranteed minimum of 4 hours pay or 4 hours work for any scheduled shift as well as double time for mandatory unscheduled overtime and a new sunset clause for discipline. The employer will pay a maximum of $250 every 2 years in eye care for each member and their family, while long-term disability payments increase to $5,000 per month. Bereavement language improves with an additional one day leave for an aunt or uncle. Language around negotiating committee members now includes a guarantee of zero lost wages during bargaining meetings with the employer. Negotiating Committee: Brian Furtney, Leo Hoefnagels, Brian Harms, Ken Nickles and Union Representative Rob Nicholas.
Coca-Cola workers gain new contract A 16-month deal for the 89 members at Coca-Cola in Ottawa includes a number of improvements. All employees receive a lump sum payment of $400 and new language allows workers to use their banked overtime in off-peak periods or during layoff. One hour banked at 1.5 times the rate is equivalent to 1.5 hours straight time pay, and one hour at 2 times the rate is equivalent to two hours straight time. A new trial for full-service vending will be rolled out on a base rate plus commission formula to ensure the existing driver rate is maintained should case count decrease. Additional new language addresses payroll errors and a new process for quick corrections. Members ratified their new contract on February 10, 2013. Union Negotiating Committee: Jim Button, Serge Leblanc, Keith Miles, John Stewart and Union Rep Paul Hardwick. 14
Health care workers reach new deal On December 17, 2012, the 120-member bargaining unit at the Briton House Retirement Centre in Toronto achieved a three-year renewed collective agreement. All workers receive a lump sum payment equivalent to a 2 per cent increase as of ratification with subsequent rate increases of 2 per cent in both the second and third year of the contract term. In addition, anyone designated as a Lead Hand will receive $1.50 per hour in addition to their regular wage for all hours worked as lead hand. Contributions to the pension plan increase to 80 cents per hour worked in the first year and 85 cents per hour worked in the third year. The rate of contribution to the workers’ health and welfare plan also increase over the term of the deal. Eyeglass coverage increases to $200 per 24-month period, up from $150. Other improvements include reduced probation time for part-time workers of 90 days or six months, whichever comes first. Union Negotiating Committee: Maria Desumala, Eulalia Ferrer, Christine Pascal, Valbert Spencer and Union Rep Mona Bailey.
Manufacturing workers reach an agreement Members at Ball Packaging achieved a new three-year collective agreement at a December 17th ratification vote. The 140 workers secured wage increases of 1 per cent in the first year, 1 per cent in the second year and 2 per cent in the third year of the contract term. The Continuous Operating premium increases to provide 86 cents, up from 76 cents, per hour worked, in addition to the worker’s regular wage. The tool allowance for Tool & Die makers, Electricians and Operator mechanics increases to $50 per year, up from $25. Workers also benefit from an increased safety shoe allowance of $165 per year, up from the previous $155. Major Medical coverage increases to a lifetime maximum of $55,000 for each covered employee and covered dependent. Life insurance improves to provide a $55,000 benefit following ratification. This amount increases to $60,000 in the second year of the contract. The vision coverage plan provides up to $250 per 24-month period, up from $235. Workers now receive massage therapy coverage of up to $150 per year. To help save for retirement, and in addition to regular company contributions to the Canadian Commercial Workers Industry Pension Plan (CWWIPP), employees will be able to contribute to a group RRSP through payroll deduction, of which the company will match 50% of the first $400. Other language improvements address seniority, health and safety and overtime. Union Negotiating Committee: Dan Morris, Brent Pittman, Dave St. Thomas, John Steiner and Union Rep John DiNardo.
Members ratify at Ross’ YIG in Ottawa On December 16, 2012, members working at Ross’ Your Independent Grocer (YIG) in Ottawa ratified a new collective agreement that will see them through the next four years. The end rates for full-time workers improve by 30 cents per hour in each year of the agreement. Part-time end rates increase by 25 cents per hour in each year. The first year’s increase is retroactive for hours worked since the expiry of the previous contract. The safety boot allowance for full-time workers increases to $70 per year, up from $60, and part-time employees receive $70 toward safety boots/shoes every two years. The amount the employer will match in employee RRSP contributions increases to $575 per year. All workers benefit from the addition of a floater holiday and improved bereavement leave. New language addresses paid leave for the birth/adoption of a child as well as paid leave for Union sponsored health and safety training. Union Negotiating Committee: Jill Heslip, Franca Johnston, Servicing Rep Jacques Niquet and Union Rep Simon Baker.
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Annual Lunar New Year celebration a great success! On Saturday, February 2, more than 300 guests turned out to welcome the Year of the Snake at the annual Locals 175 & 633 Community Action Network Chinese New Year celebration. Members and their families came to celebrate from many different workplaces including Puddy Brothers, Maple Lodge, Wing’s, Sobey’s, Metro, Quality Knitting Ltd, Davis Centre, Breadko Bakery, Avis, Quality Meats, Olymel, to name just a few. “I’m so proud to usher in the Lunar New Year with our members,” says President Shawn Haggerty. “It’s a wonderful thing to recognize and celebrate the importance of diversity and learning from each other. I always look forward to this event.” The celebrations included the traditional lion dance, which is said to keep away evil, as well as great food and gifts. Your Union looks forward to celebrating again next year!
Youth Without Shelter fundraising continues The fundraising effort for homeless youth continues through the tireless efforts of our Executive Board members. In 2012, they raised over $1,800! Youth Without Shelter (YWS) is an emergency residence and referral agency serving homeless youth ages 16-24. This dedicated shelter builds life-skills and enables youth to gain confidence in themsleves. YWS aims to help provide long-term housing and employment.This past holiday season, your Community Action Network delivered bags filled with winter clothing and much needed personal items for youth looking to get on their feet. To find out more about YWS visit yws.on.ca. 16
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Annual Ice Fishing Derby snags $780 for LLSC! At this year’s Ice Fishing Derby in Pefferlaw, the usual group of diehard fishing fans ventured out onto the ice to raise money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada (LLSC). This year the event welcomed a new group of participants from Zehrs in Keswick – Bernie, Janice, Debbie & Sara – as well as Troy Penny and his son. Everyone’s generosity and sense of adventure helped raise $780 over the day. The wind was calm and the sun was shining as everyone enjoyed great food and fish that were biting. Union Rep Tim Deelstra’s son Nathaniel won the Biggest Catch cash prize, which he donated generously back to the LLSC. Thank you to all the participants for taking a day out of your weekend to help the Local Union raise money for this great cause. Hope to see you next year!
Spring Leukemia fundraising events not to be missed! Annual Skate for a Cure Hockey Tournament Friday May 10 & Saturday May 11, 2013 Mohawk 4 Ice Centre: 710 Mountain Brow Blvd, Hamilton Call 1-800-567-2125 ext 231 Strike for a Cure Bowl-a-thon Saturday, May 11, 2013 Rose Bowl Lanes: 2482 Dougall Ave, Windsor Door prizes and other raffles to be won! For information & registration, call 1-800-565-8329 x 2254 3rd Annual Arts for Leukemia Fundraiser Saturday, May 25, 2013 Royal Canadian Legion: 3500 Fallowfield Rd, Barrhaven, Ottawa Music, arts and crafts, toonie table of treats & sweets! For details call the Ottawa office 613-725-2154 / 1-800-267-5295 Annual Scrapbooking Crop Day Saturday, May 25, 2013 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. UFCW Cambridge Office: 6628 Ellis Road Call 1-800-267-1977 / 519-658-0252 to register
Annual Golf Tournament Saturday, May 25, 2013 Lionhead Golf & Country Club, 8525 Mississauga Rd, Brampton Register before May 4, 2013 Call 1-800-565-8329 Annual Ride for a Cure & Poker Run Saturday, June 22, 2013 Mississauga Head Office Visit ufcw175.com for more details! 6th Annual Catch for a Cure Fishing Derby Saturday, June 22, 2013 Colchester Harbour - Essex County Charity BBQ - Raffles & Door Prizes - All Ages! Contact 226-345-4260 or catchforacure@gmail.com
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It has been thirty years since the adoption of The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Since that time, there has been a substantial increase in litigation. While this increase in litigation may have pleased the legal profession, there have been significant implications for Canadian society.
Immunization & You
Many of the values enshrined in the Charter were protections that Canadians enjoyed through the common law. For example, protections against unreasonable search and seizure by the police were generally understood to exist as a result of established case law. The Charter put many of these common law doctrines into writing. One such example is Section 7 (s. 7) of the Charter which provides for the protection of life, liberty and security of the person. In some instances, s. 7 has been used to challenge employer policies that are viewed as violating the security of the person. Among these has been the challenge against an employer’s policy against mandatory immunization against influenza. The argument is simple. If an employer has such a policy then an employee should have the right to refuse to have their bodies violated because this would be an affront to the “security of the person.” As with many other Charter protections, the invocation of a s. 7 protection must be viewed in the context of the rights of other individuals. For example, an immunization policy may be adopted in an effort to protect vulnerable patients in a nursing home from coming down with influenza. There is a need to balance the right of the worker to “security of the person” with the right of the vulnerable patient to “protection of life.” Arbitrators have considered this very question on numerous occasions and while the early decisions seemed to uphold that a mandatory immunization policy would violate s. 7, the more predominant view at present is that such policies do not necessarily violate s. 7. The change in the case law was a result of a further consideration, namely that employees have a choice to take the flu shot. However, in the event of an influenza outbreak (for example, in a nursing home) employees who refused to be immunized, could be asked not to report to work for the duration of the outbreak. In Re Interior Health Authority and BCNU (2006), 155 LAC (4th) 252, Arbitrator Burke upheld this view. Employees who chose not to be immunized and were told not to report to work during an outbreak, could not argue that they had economic consequences and make a claim for losses as a result of their decision. They had the right to choose but had to accept the consequences of their choice. For more on this and other health care related issues, talk to your Steward or your Union Representative.
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Former member from Canada Malting is now a rising star on the field Nigel Romick, a former member who worked at Canada Malting in Thunder Bay has some really big news to share. Participants in the annual East – West Bowl will have to battle a northerner this time around. The 21-year-old St. Mary’s University student has made the all-star cut to compete in country’s biggest showcase of the top drafteligible players in university football. This is exciting news for a town that rarely sees a rising star in football. Nigel began playing football in high school and garnered himself a football scholarship to St. Mary’s where he also studies psychology. Now in his third year of playing a mix of defensive end and linebacker, Nigel was one of three players called to compete in the East-West bowl from St. Mary’s. The upcoming game brings together players from all 26 teams from across Canada that are entering their fourth year of Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) competition. This makes these players eligible for the Canadian Football League draft in 2014. Essentially this is the show before the big show. Players will spend the week before the game week training under the watchful eyes of coaches from across all CIS staffs, and CFL talent evaluators. The actual game will be played at TD Waterhouse Stadium at Western University in London on Saturday, May 11, 2013. UFCW Locals 175 & 633 wish Nigel the absolute best at the upcoming game!
Do you know someone who should be recognized for their outstanding community work? Let us know by emailing membership@ufcw175.com
Letters from our members Dear President Haggerty: I just wanted to thank you for sending Janice Klenot up to Sault Ste.Marie to educate us. A more intelligent, personable and experienced trainer you could not find. She was wonderful! I first took Health & Safety Training through A&P about 20 years ago, and I was amazed at how much has changed (and how much I have forgotten) in that time. If you ever can send Janice up again, my only request is that she have more time to teach us. She was extremely helpful and spent alot of her time answering our many questions and telling us exactly how much power we do have on our J.H.S.C.
Thank you again. It is too bad our membership doesn’t realize the resources we have at our fingertips, courtesy of our Union. You can bet I will pass on the message they should go to the UFCW website, and find all the resources available. Sincerely, Sherry Casagrande, Local 633 Union Steward Asst. Meat Manager Metro #181 Sault Ste. Marie April 2013 19
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