Checkout Winter 2019

CHECKOUT MAGA ZINE

WINTER 2019 - VOL XXVIII NO 5 Our Members at Work: Zehrs Great Food Loblaws Great Food & Real Canadian Superstores page 12

Solidarity Scholarship Winners announced! page 20

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 Retirements

77 Welcome New Members

12 10 Members at Work

18 Workers Comp

WORKERS’ COMPENSATION: Intake Representative: Georgina MacDonald; Workers’ Compensation Representatives: Joanne Ford, Phil Hames, Sarah Neath

208 Negotiations

1st Agreements at CCVT and TAIE Int'l Institute, plus much 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; Organizing Apprentice: Ricardo Bocanegra TRAINING & EDUCATION: Director: Rob Armbruster; Coordinator: Kelly Nicholas; T&E Representative: Russel Evans; 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, Jason, Polhill, Tracy Stubbs REGION 2: Director: John DiNardo; Union Representatives: Farman Ali, Orsola Augurusa, Rick Daudlin, John DiFalco, Casey Magee, Christina Mayberry, Tony Nigro

Zehrs & Loblaws Great Food, and RCSS

Return to Work: Part Two

20 Training & Education

Solidarity Scholarship Winners

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

21 22 Training & Education

Fall Cell Training, Weeklong Courses, plus new Spring 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

22 18 Fundraising & Community Action Network 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)

23 24 Member Profile Have you seen the Steward & Members profiles online?

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

A new year ahead and a renewed drive to fight for workers' rights No matter which party you vote for, getting out to cast a ballot is an important responsibility each of us has in every election. This year, about 18 million people – around 66% of those registered – turned out to cast their vote. The result, as we all know, saw the re-election of the Liberal party but this time with a minority government.

The Prime Minister must take this as a cautionary note that people want more, they want better from his leadership. Going forward, the Liberal party will have to work with the other parties to pass legislation. I am hopeful this may mean working with the NDP to achieve more progress for workers’ rights and human rights at a national level.

For this year’s Federal Election, the Local Union trained and sent Members out to speak to other Members about the issues that are important to working people.

spoke to their Union Sisters, Brothers, and Friends about making a commitment to vote, and about where their local candidates stood on important issues. They worked toward finding common ground where they could, and listened to understand when they found disagreement.

This Member-to-Member campaign was a great success and, most importantly, it got people talking about politics. Because we know, no matter how political someone is, that politics still affect the daily lives of every one of us.

The provincial government continues to be a major concern for working people. On October 28, your Union stood with the Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL) and many Unions and community activists to remind Doug Ford of the damage he and his party have caused to the people of Ontario so far.

Recently, your Union fought back against Bill 124 which threatens the collective bargaining rights of a number of Unionized public sector workers. This includes about 3,500 members of Local 175 who work in health care and social services, and on university/college campuses.

I was very proud to see the drive and dedication these Members showed for engaging people in meaningful conversations. For the four weeks leading up to Election Day, they

This anti-worker legislation, tabled by the Conservatives in June and passed in early November, is frustratingly called the Protecting a Sustainable Public Sector for Future Generations Act, 2019. But what this Bill really seeks to do is limit wage increases before bargaining even has a chance to begin for these workers.

This Bill tramples on the rights of

these workers to bargain collectively in good faith to achieve the best agreement. That’s a right guaranteed under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Add to that, Ontario’s annual rate of inflation last year was 2.3%. The cap in Bill 124 is 1% per year for three years. That’s less than half of inflation.

Yet, back in June, around the same time the Conservatives introduced Bill 124, Ford increased the number of parliamentary assistants on the payroll, and increased their compensation by $16,600 per year on top of their already six-figure salaries.

Which people does this government actually work for? As we end the year, we must keep asking this question.

It’s vital that all working people continue to stand up and fight back against cuts that hurt our children in the schools and our family members who need health care, as well as policies that threaten our Charter Rights and Freedoms and put the livelihoods of working people in jeopardy.

I hope the holiday season is safe, happy, and healthy for everyone. I look forward to a new year filled with renewed hope, solidarity, and drive to work hard to protect workers’ rights and continue to build a stronger labour movement.

In Solidarity, Shawn Haggerty president@ufcw175.com Winter 2019

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Secretary-Treasurer’s Message

Kelly Tosato

Union Stewards: Building a stronger Union from within At our Local Union, we're lucky to have more than 2,300 Union Stewards volunteering their time daily to help protect our members' rights in the workplace.

Depending on where you work, you may have only one Steward or you might have a team of people representing you. Whether one or many, a Union Steward has a number of responsibilities and it can be a difficult – but rewarding – position to take on in addition to regular work duties.

Your Stewards are responsible for building a strong Union in the workplace and making sure your employer abides by the terms of your Collective Agreement.

From the introduction of new employees to the Union and their agreement, to regular check-ins with departments and other employees, your Union Steward is someone most people at work know and see often. They create connections and unity among the Members in the workplace.

When Members are connected and engaged with each other and with their Union, it creates strength and power. This group is harder to divide in tough times because the Members have a strong bond and they support each other.

Your Steward is a mediator between employees and the boss because not everyone is comfortable with confrontation and dispute resolu-

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tion. They will take your concerns or grievances to the employer, file a formal grievance when necessary, and work to resolve the issues.

Don’t wait until there’s a problem to get to know them and be sure to bring any concerns you have to their attention immediately.

The grievance and arbitration procedure is an important part of your collective agreement. There are steps and timelines to follow, and your Union Steward is familiar with all of those requirements. They can also request assistance from your Union Representative to deal with issues as well.

Your Stewards are there to listen to employee concerns, investigate breaches of the contract, find solutions to problems, and ensure fairness. They represent your interests with management and speak up when you’re not comfortable doing so.

By enforcing your agreement, your Union Stewards help ensure your employer maintains a safe and healthy workplace. That means everything from respecting the role of your Health & Safety Representatives/Committee, to ensuring your employer follows procedures to deal with violence, harassment, and discrimination in the workplace.

They also make sure that any equipment, machinery, and other items needed in your particular role are available and in good working condition.

Make sure you know who your Union Steward is at work and that you know what protections are contained in your agreement.

Because your collective agreement includes many things that help build a fair workplace. But those protections are only as strong as the enforcement of the agreement.

If you want to be more involved in your Union, becoming a Steward or part of the Joint Health & Safety Committee (JHSC) is a great way to start.

I encourage those that want to get involved to speak to your Union Representative to find out what steps to take.

I would also encourage all Members to take advantage of educational opportunities through the Union because you never know what might spark your interest.

I wish a happy holiday season to all who celebrate, and a safe and warm winter to everyone. Thank you to all of our Stewards and Members for being a valued part of this Union.

All the best for the New Year.

In Solidarity, Kelly Tosato treasurer@ufcw175.com

Union News Welcome New Staff In October, the Local Union hired Jason Polhill as a new Union Representative for Region 1 in Northwest Ontario.

Jason was born and raised in Thunder Bay, and he has worked at A&P and Metro for more than 30 years.

“I’m really looking forward to working with the Membership and helping as many people as I can as a Union Rep,” said Jason.

Jason also served four years as an elected Vice President on the Local Union Executive Board as well.

In his down time, Jason enjoys camping and spending time at the lake with his partner and two children.

About 20 years ago, Jason decided to become a Union Steward at the store. Since that time, he has worked day in and day out to represent the interests of his co-workers. His years of experience in that role will no doubt help him fulfill his new role as Union Representative.

“Jason has years of experience dealing with workplace issues that arise every day,” said President Haggerty. “I know he’ll put all of that knowledge to good use and provide great service to the Membership across the Northwest.”

Ricardo Bocanegra is now a permanent part of the Organizing Team, where he had worked as a Special Projects Union Representative (SPUR) for the past while.

Recently, Russel Evans joined the Local Union staff as a Training & Education Representative.

Before joining the Labour movement, Ricardo co-founded and cocoordinated a mentorship program called Avenida Latina Magazine.

Avenida was a youth-lead Magazine focused on critical thinking and social justice, and it’s where he realized that he wanted to dedicate his life to fighting for workers’ rights.

Through Avenida, Ricardo learned about UFCW and began volunteering with Students Against Migrant Exploitation (SAME) at 16 years old where he worked to raise awareness about the challenges faced by farm workers, both foreign and local. This interest took him to Brazil to work with agricultural workers. There, he earned a Diploma in Popular Education at the Florestan Fernandes School. He also worked at the Agriculture Workers Alliance in Leamington organizing farm workers and developing and delivering workshops on workers’ rights and health and safety.

“I look forward to many years of working with UFCW to improve the lives of working people,” said Ricardo.

“Ricardo is a committed and successful organizer,” said President Haggerty. “His ability to speak to non-union workers about their rights and the advantages a Union can bring will serve the Members of Locals 175 & 633 well.”

As a student, Russel helped to organize actions against tuition increases at the University of Vermont.

He also became involved in the local chapter of the Student Labor Action Project (SLAP). As a member of SLAP, he was able to attend the 2016 Jobs with Justice National Conference in Washington, D.C. For the last two years, Russel worked as a Special Projects Union Representative (SPUR) in the Local’s Organizing Department. In that role, he helped a lot of workers exercise their rights to join a Union and become members of UFCW Local 175.

“I’m looking forward to helping the Local Union continue its long history of providing excellent training and education to its members, stewards, and staff,” said Russel.

“Russel’s history of dedication to activism and organizing will be a great asset in his role with our Training & Education Centre,” said President Haggerty. “I know our Members will benefit from his insight and passion.”

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International Corn Council welcomes its first Canadian female delegate In October, the 54th Annual International Corn Council took place in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Local 175 Member Jessica Potter, who is the Plant Chief Steward at Ingredion Canada in London, was in attendance. In fact, she was Canada's first female delegate to attend this conference since its inauguration.

Over the course of the week, delegates learned about the differences and similarities among other Ingredion facilities as well as competitors collective bargaining agreements. Attendees also discussed strategies about how to keep working conditions fair across this industry through collective bargaining.

Jessica has proudly served her co-workers as the Plant Chief Steward for four years after serving as a Shift Steward for two years. Jessica has always been an advocate of the Union, and she helped to lead the employees in the last round of negotiations. Jessica is now looking forward to getting back to the bargaining table with her new-found knowledge.

13th Biennial UFCW Women's Network Convention In September, 47 Local Union delegates took part in the 13th Biennial UFCW Women’s Network Convention. This year's theme was 'activism makes today’s vision tomorrow’s reality.'

UFCW has united with progressive allies to fight back against gender bias, gender discrimination, and gender-based violence. Women make up more than half of UFCW Canada’s national membership, and, in 2017, the National Council resolved to have gender-balanced representation on the Council.

A number of important issues were discussed throughout the convention. This included: • The power of young women: From student-led protests against gun violence to walk-outs against education cuts.

• Engaging women in their Unions and the labour movement.

• The Fight for $15 and workers’ rights.

• Power versus the rights of people: Making a difference by changing the way we use intention with respect to power.

• Fighting long-held discriminatory practices in many industries through organized power and solidarity.

• Dealing with addiction, its effects, and fighting stigma.

• The importance of voting to advance women's rights.

Panel discussions addressed women getting politically active, eliminating gender-based violence, and women in leadership, which included Sylvia Groom, Local 175 Executive Assistant to the President.

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Delegates also participated in workshops covering a variety of topics. Visit bit.ly/UFCWWomen2019 for the full summary of the conference.

Welcome New Members Comfort Inn Kenora Recently, the Local Union welcomed employees at the Comfort Inn in Kenora to the membership. Following an organizing campaign that lasted about two months, these workers cast their ballots in an electronic vote to become members of Local 175.

These hospitality workers wanted to join our Union to improve their working conditions. Specifically, workers wanted their seniority respected, and they wanted to have better job security and just cause protection. In addition, they also want to bargain together to achieve better wages and benefits as well.

Approximately 17 employees will form the bargaining unit. These new members work in Housekeeping, at the Front Desk, as Night Auditors, and in the Maintenance department.

Congratulations to our newest members, and welcome to your Union.

Visit ufcw175.com/category/victories to read all of the victories celebrated by workers who vote to Join UFCW Locals 175 & 633.

Below, check out the details on how Members of this Union can earn an honourarium for providing leads to our Organizers.

Help Raise the Standard FOR ALL WORKERS 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 US! Together, We Will Make a Difference! *Contact the Organizing Department for details on the Core Sector Bonus. ** Some restrictions apply. Visit www.ufcw175.com/honorarium for full details.

Winter 2019

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Negotiation Updates Teachers at TAIE International Institute in Toronto ratify 1st agreement Congratulations to the members at TAIE International Institute in Toronto, who have ratified their first collective agreement.

The Union Negotiating Committee filed charges against the employer at the Ontario Labour Relations Board (OLRB) regarding Successor Rights and Bargaining in Bad Faith. The teachers at TAIE first joined Local 175 in October 2017. The Members waited patiently until the parties reached an agreement finally with the assistance of a Ministry of Labour Conciliation Officer.

“This is a good example of why our Union lobbies for worker protections like First Contract Arbitration,” said President Shawn Haggerty. “We made use of current labour laws and the services of the Ministry of Labour, and this process still took nearly two years.

It’s unacceptable.”

The contract includes important language to provide partial work/ income protection for the Members should classes be cut or cancelled during a semester. This guaranteed payment will be calculated depending on when cancellation/cuts occur.

Members now receive their pay bi-weekly by direct deposit. Pre8

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viously, pay cheques came once a month. Wages will be paid as a salary per semester of teaching with a prescribed formula for weekly, daily, and hourly rates.

Initially, based on an hourly rate, the average teacher will receive an increase averaging about 23% in the first year. In the following four years covered by the contract term, teachers will receive an annual increase of 2.5%. Lastly, members will receive retroactive pay for time worked since November 26, 2018.

The employer will implement an RRSP-matching plan after ratification. In addition, a new benefit plan will provide optical, dental, and prescription drug coverage.

This agreement provides Members with a grievance and arbitration process to handle issues that arise in the workplace. In addition, language includes Union representation rights, and health and safety protection.

Plus, bereavement entitlement and other leaves of absence, including job-protected leaves, are covered by the agreement. The Members also benefit from seniority rights as well as layoff and recall rights.

The contract includes improved vacation entitlement, plus paid holidays, which the employees never had before. Plus, the Members will now receive two paid sick days per calendar year.

Ratified in August, this agreement covers 25 full-time employees at the TAIE Institute in Toronto.

Union Negotiating Committee: Moses Klein, Jenny Lau, and Union Rep John Di Falco.

Members at Canteen of Canada ratify At Canteen of Canada (Compass Group) in Cambridge, there are 28 full-time Unionized employees.

These members ratified a new agreement on October 22, 2019.

This vote followed bargaining that required the assistance of a Conciliation Officer to address an impasse between the parties when it came to wage rates and weekend work.

The agreement achieved by the Union Negotiating Committee includes increases in each year of the contract.

All employees receive a raise of 2.5% in the first year and in the second year as well. In year three, all employees on the progression grid receive 2.5% and those at the top rates receive 3%.

In addition, a new weekend shift premium provides $1.50 per hour on top of an employee’s regular rate.

A new Incentive Pay program, the details of which will be determined, will apply to all routes. The employer also agreed that no more than four of the existing routes will be converted to weekend work.

Improvements include new member orientation language and a one-day paid leave of absence for Stewards.

Employees will no longer be required to provide a medical note to prove illness for absences of three days or less.

The agreement is now gender-neutral throughout as well.

Lastly, the employer will contribute $600 to the UFCW Local 175 Training & Education Fund.

Union Negotiating Committee: Terry Neil and Union Rep Jason Hanley.

1st contract achieved

by Members at the Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture

Quattro Hotel members ratify new agreement

Congratulations to the employees at the Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture (CCVT) on ratifying their first collective agreement as Union members.

The agreement includes wage increases for all employees of 1.5% in each of the first four years of the agreement. In the fifth year, employees will receive a raise of 1.6%. In addition, the agreement contains a letter of understanding to provide extra raises should the employer receive additional provincial and/or federal funding.

As this is a first contract, the members will now benefit from Union Representation enshrined in the contract language. The Union Negotiating Committee achieved language providing Union Reps access to the facility with no required advance notice.

Given the nature of the services the workers provide at CCVT, it was important to these members to achieve an agreement with good health provisions. The Committee successfully bargained to have the employee’s healthcare benefits paid for fully by the employer. Plus, the agreement provides for one paid float day, 12 paid sick days, and three paid mental health days every year. The agreement respects the employees’ religious holidays as well.

The Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture employs 32 full-time people who belong to UFCW Local 175.

The members ratified their first contract on October 30, 2019.

Union Negotiating Committee: Domine Rutayisire and Union Rep Ali Farman.

Members working at the Quattro Hotel and Conference Centre in Sault Ste. Marie ratified a new agreement on September 18.

The Union Negotiating Committee worked hard to achieve an agreement that addressed a number of concerns for their co-workers. This included improved language for Housekeepers, who now have more time to complete larger rooms.

Full and part-time employees can now earn up to five Wellness Days per year based on attendance over quarterly periods. Members will now get more reimbursement for the cost of doctor’s notes. Plus, Stewards now have paid time to meet with new Members and introduce them to the Union and their agreement.

All classifications will see increases over the duration of the agreement. Housekeeping, Front Desk, and Kitchen employees receive an increase of $1 per hour immediate-

ly. In addition, employees in these departments will see increases totalling about $2 per hour over the remainder of the agreement term as well. Maintenance employees will see raises totalling $1.35 over the three-year term. Banquet and Restaurant Serving staff, who earn additional money through gratuities and tips, get increases totalling 75 cents per hour during the agreement.

Members now benefit from 100% coverage for eye examinations. Plus, they receive a new shoe allowance of $75 for non-slip shoes as well.

Lastly, the premium paid to employees for training improves to $1.50 per hour, up from 75 cents.

There are 30 full-time and 96 parttime unionized employees at the Quattro Hotel.

Union Negotiating Committee: Diane Holmes, Christina Lapossie, Karen Parissenti, and Union Rep Jim Hames.

You can find more negotiations online at myunion.ca Winter 2019

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Best Western North Bay members secure new agreement Members at the Best Western in North Bay ratified a new three-year agreement recently. The deal includes wage improvements of 2% in each years one and two, and 2.5% in year three.

Additionally, if there is an increase to the minimum wage, and it is equal to or above any rate, 50% of the difference will be applied to each affected rate on the grid. The overnight premium increases to $1 per hour up from 50 cents, and the Sunday premium improves as well. Laundry is now included in the gratuities calculation to receive 25 cents per hour.

Employees with 20 years' or more service now receive six weeks’ vacation up from the previous cap of five weeks.

Part-time employees with one or more years of service will receive one paid sick day per year, and 50% of a full-time employee's remaining sick pay will be paid the first pay period in January.

Other improvements include new language for housekeeping work that allows housekeepers more time to clean rooms. Bereavement of five days, instead of three, now applies for the death of grandparents and grandchildren.

The kitchen and maintenance department footwear allowance increases to $300, up from $200, for full-time, and $200, up from $100, for part-time, for the life of the agreement. New full time house person footwear allowance will be $150. The Training and Education fund will receive an increase to $1,500, up from $1,250.

The negotiating committee fought hard and was able to protect many of the rights and improvements that have been negotiated over many years, as the employer sought many concessions around seniority rights, probationary periods, Sunday premiums and sick days.

Negotiating committee: Margie Harrison, Caitlyn Hart, Jana Jordan, and Union Rep Derek Jokhu.

Members at five OMNI Health Care facilities ratify unified agreement At votes held October 9 and 10, health care workers at several long-term care homes owned by OMNI Health Care ratified a new three-year collective agreement.

The members of UFCW Local 175 at Almonte Country Haven, Kentwood Park, Maplewood, Rosebridge Manor, and Westlake Terrace voted to amend the scope of their existing agreements to include the bargaining unit at Almonte Country Haven and to all be covered by one agreement going forward.

The Union Negotiating Committee requested conciliation assistance to address adjustments for Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs) and Personal Support Workers (PSWs).

The committee achieved an adjustment for the employees at Almonte Country Haven, which is currently 50 cents per hour behind the rate at the other four homes.

In addition, the committee achieved an increase of 1.5% in each year of the agreement for all employees. Given the current political climate and uncertainty of funding for long-term care in Ontario, this wage increase is a good gain.

Additional language provides wage adjustments for Registered Nurses (RNs) at Maplewood. Employees benefit from start time shift preference. They may also bank up to

three days of overtime to take in-lieu during the year. Plus, those employees with more than three weeks of vacation entitlement may opt to forfeit their vacation for pay out of those weeks beyond three.

The weekend shift premium increases to 20 cents per hour. This is an improvement of 10 cents per hour for the members at Almonte, and an increase of 5 cents per hour for members at the other four facilities.

New language addresses discrimination, harassment, and bullying in the workplace. In addition, Stewards will now qualify for a paid leave of absence to attend a Union conference. Other improvements provide increased bereavement entitlement. Plus, members at OMNI Health Care get a new paid day off if/when a spouse gives birth to a child or for the adoption of a child.

Lastly, the employer will increase its contributions to the UFCW Local 175 Training & Education Fund by $100, to a rate of $500 per year.

Union Negotiating Committee: Stacey Abbass, Anna Baldasti, Richard Barr, Debbie Boal, Sue Courtney, Nicole Lafee, Linda May, Sarah Montgomery, Jessica Valleau, Karen Vaughan, and Union Reps Shannon Epp, Dean McLaren, Jacques Niquet, and Joe Tenn.

New agreement ratified at Bunge Canada The new agreement for members at Bunge Canada in Hamilton contains a number of improvements.

Improved language provides all probationary employees with eight hours’ pay for all Stat holidays. Employees who are at least 57 years old, instead of the previous 60 years old, now have the right to refuse to be placed on the call-in system. The number of Millwrights in rotation to carry the on-call cell phone increases to eight, up from six. In addition, the Chief Steward and Plant Chair now have a dedicated email for all discipline, termination, and notices from the employer.

All members receive a lump sum payment of $750 within three weeks of ratification. Second-class Boiler Operators receive a raise of $2 per hour in the first year. Also in the first year, employees classified as Maintenance (1), Millwrights, Steamfitters, Electricians, and Industrial Instruments will see a raise of $1 per hour. Maintenance (1), Millwrights and Steamfitters get an additional increase of 25 cents per hour in year three.

In addition to these increases, all rates will improve by 2.75% in year one, 2.5% in year two, and 2.25% in year three. Plus, shift premiums go up by 10 cents per hour. Lastly, tool allowances will increase to a rate of $300 for CEO Department, Maintenance, and Boiler Operators.

The workers’ current pension plan improves to reach a rate of $45 per hour worked by the third year of the agreement term. The employer proposed to withdraw all employees

from their Defined Benefit (DB) Pension Plan to enrol them in a Defined Contribution (DC) Pension Plan instead. The employer argued that the existing plan was too expensive and that the other Bunge plants have changed to the DC Plan.

The Union Negotiating Committee fought to keep the existing plan and were able to achieve this for current employees. Going forward, however, all new employees will become participants in the DC Plan.

Employees will benefit from increased vision care coverage of $300 and life insurance improves to $90,000, up from $75,000. The Dental Plan will cover up to $2,000 maximum per year, and will update to align with the current Ontario Dental Association (ODA) fee schedules in March of each year.

Employees will see an increase to their sick pay effective November 2, 2019 with subsequent improvements in November of years two and three of the contract term as well.

Bereavement entitlement improves to provide leave for the death of an employee’s child’s spouse, step-parents, foster parents, step-children and foster children, and step-grandparents and step-grandchildren.

Members ratified the agreement on November 6, 2019. The contract covers 73 full-time employees at the plant.

Union Negotiating Committee: Jeff Lang, Dennis Packham, Rob Schroc, Chuck Smith, and Union Rep Lionel MacEachern.

Members at the London MFRC achieve agreement with no concessions Members at the Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC) in London ratified a new agreement on September 5, 2019.

During this round of bargaining, the parties requested the assistance of a Conciliation Officer from the Ministry of Labour. The employer’s position at the start of negotiations was unwilling to provide substantial monetary increases to its bargaining unit employees. Through conciliation though, the Union Negotiating Committee achieved an agreement with no concessions for the Members at MFRC. The ratified agreement provides Members at MFRC with wage increases in each of the three years covered by the contract. The first increase of 1% will be paid retroactively for hours worked since March 31, 2019. Members will receive a raise of 0.5% in year two, and 1.5% in year three.

Improved language in the MFRC agreement provides better bereavement provisions that increases the qualifier to a larger scale. Members benefit from amended hours of work to provide more flexibility for employees to adjust their schedules. Other improvements include an enhanced grievance procedure for Members to address issues with management, and new provisions to allows Stewards time to meet new Members and introduce them to the Union and their collective agreement.

Union Negotiating Committee: Mel Joseph, Shannon Kisslinger, and Union Rep Lee Johnson-Koehn.

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Our Members at

Zehrs Great Food Loblaws Great Food & RCSS

Your Local Union is proud to represent approximately 9,500 members of UFCW Local 175 who work at more than 60 Zehrs Great Food, Loblaws Great Food, and Real Canadian Superstores (RCSS).

From the very southwest corner of the province to the eastern edge, and as far north as Midland, our Members work in almost every department of these retail grocery stores. You'll find photos of Members from a number of these stores on the next six pages.

RCSS #2801

Our members, some of whom have worked in some of these stores for years, develop great friendships not only with their co-workers but with their regular customers too. Both shoppers and employees look

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Loblaws Great Food #1005

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forward to seeing each other and catching up.

The Members are dedicated and helpful, and a vital part of what makes these stores so successful.

• They prepare your online orders and deliver them to your vehicle.

• They collect the carts in the heat of summer and snowy cold of winter.

• They stock shelves, prepare foods, and scan your purchases.

• Most importantly, they provide amazing service to every customer.

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If you have questions about cuts of meat, how to cook seafood, or need something special for a big feast, make sure to speak to any one of our Members working behind the butcher or seafood counters for their expertise.

Ask a produce clerk for information on how to choose the best avocado or mango. Or maybe you need a special fruit or veggie tray for an upcoming party – they can make these to order too!

The Deli Department can also create custom trays filled with the best meats and cheeses for parties or groups.

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Our members also prepare many foods from scratch in the hot deli and bakeries in each store. They can help you pick out something delicious – whether it’s a quick ready-to-eat lunch or dinner, or pastries, bagels, and treats for brunch, guests, or just because.

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Order a birthday cake or other baked goods for any kind of celebration and the bakery staff will prepare it just right.

Find special flower and decorative arrangements in the Floral Department. These members pour their creativity and care into creating imaginative and beautiful displays, bouquets, and centrepieces for any occasion.

You’ll also find members of the Union working as Pharmacy Assistants at the in-store pharmacies, at the Lotto centres, in the Joe Fresh and housewares sections, and stocking shelves in every department.

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We encourage members and shoppers alike to try and #ShopUnion all year round when they can! As we near the holiday season, be sure to turn to the trusted expertise of the helpful Union Members working at your Local Zehrs Great Food, Loblaws Great Food and RCSS stores.

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Return to Work: Three Part Series The purpose of the Return to Work process is to provide a fair and consistent approach for the rehabilitation of injured and/or ill workers.

Part Two: The Return to Work Process Return to Work includes three types of work accommodation: • Transitional/temporary accommodation (i.e. a broken arm on vacation, still in recovery/therapy for an injury) • Permanent accommodation • Indefinite accommodation where needs do not fit into the transitional time frame and may not be permanent in nature (i.e. Waiting months for surgery) Return to Work programs are the joint responsibility of the employer, the worker, and the Union.

How the accommodation process works:

The goal is to safely match a worker’s functional abilities with suitable and available tasks and work.

A valid offer of accommodated work can only be created through collaboration.

If an injured worker wants accommodation, they must consult with their doctor and provide accurate functional abilities to their employer and WSIB case manager.

That way, workers can start earning an income again as soon as their injuries/illness allows them to.

At this meeting, the employer, worker, and their Union Rep, can discuss the details of the return to work plan. It is a chance to develop the plan more fully including:

That’s where modified work can make a difference. The intent of modified work is to provide transitional tasks until the worker is capable of performing the duties of their regular job.

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Once the doctor medically clears a worker to return to work, the worker can arrange a meeting to discuss the specifics of the required accommodation. Part Three of the series, coming in the Spring 2020 issue of Checkout, will cover the specifics of accommodation concepts that help remove barriers to accommodated work.

• • • • •

The duration of the plan and accommodation; Specific work tasks and duties to be performed; Shift and hours of work; Who the injured worker will report to, and; Discuss any challenges or barriers that may be present.

Injured Workers are expected to communicate, co-operate and participate. They must also follow medical and treatment recommendations, and follow the Return to Work Plan, providing feedback as required.

All efforts should be made to accommodate the worker according to the Return to Work plan. The intention is to return the injured worker as close as possible to their pre-injury job and income.

Here is the hierarchy of returning an injured worker to work: • • • • •

Pre-injury job.

Pre-injury job with modifications.

Another department, without accommodations.

Another department, with training or modifications.

Any other job or alternate tasks.

In cases of WSIB and work-related injuries, further assistance is available for job placement or retraining in the greater labour market.

Responsibilities Injured workers, employers, and Union Representatives all have a role to play in the Return to Work process. There can be challenges and barriers, such as: • • • • •

Timely notification for assistance or meetings; Plan monitoring and follow up with workplace parties; Lack of understanding in the return to work process; Language barriers, and; Medical changes or flare ups.

Regardless of barriers, the workplace parties must communicate, co-operate, and participate in a respectful, fair, and consistent manner.

The parties must be proactive in identifying work opportunities that follow the injured workers functional abilities while being conscientious of the potential negative and harmful affects on co-workers.

The Return to Work process exists to help mitigate the loss of income that can occur when someone is injured or becomes ill.

Through the process, the employer and worker must remember that restoring the workers’ earnings is very important.

The only way Return to Work succeeds is if every party communicates openly and participates in the process.

If you have questions or concerns about a workplace injury/illness, or an accommodation issue, please contact your Union Rep or the Workers Comp Department at the Local Union.

workerscomp@ufcw175.com 1-800-267-1977 Stayed tuned for Part Three: Accommodation Tips and Concepts and the Stigma of Injuries, Spring 2020!

www.ufcw175.com/workerscompensation

Solidarity Scholarship Winners Congratulations to all of this year's Solidarity Scholarship winners!

Best of luck in your studies.

Region 1

Region 2

Ben Desanghere

Asia Ali-Sivanesan

Cristina Fata

Sarah Bate

Dylan Heath

Aneeq Hassan

Kaija Maenpaa

Abby Hazard

Gokul Prakash

Samantha Jackson-Terry

For more photos, visit Nathan Ryan our Facebook page Sangeeth Sasidharan-Nair facebook.com/ Gloria Voss ufcwlocals175633

Xinzhou Lan Gabriele Liegghio Brianna McLaughlin Kristen Pascoe Maninder Pooni

Region 3

Region 4

Amanda Belanger

Alexis Blyth

Amanda Birmingham

Matthew Brisebois

Leah Boulerice

Sarah Bryson

Cole Essex

Brooke Burry

Region 5

Judith Helmers

Nathanael Chan

Paula Baldini

Maureen Kaahwa

Gaurav Kumar Gabba

Liam Brintnell

Allysa Kanwella

Jordan Goncalves

Matt Giudice

Sean Legroulx

Kathryn Jones

Fatima Guled

Brandon Lewis

Krystina Mair

Hannah Hunt

Adela Tullio

Sonia Martinez

Navpreet Kamboj

Kira Voldock

Angela Mlinarevic

Alaney Marinucci

Emily Young

Sabrina Pourghassemi

Nathanael Penner

Dawson Schembri Abigail Smith

Nicole Routsky Ella Toito

Region 6

Region 7

Joachim Allera

Haley Carey

Sena Aydoner

Rishita De

Diana Balkissoon

Kaitlyn Fagan

Hunter Barnes

Siera Florindo

Region 8

Antonella Contreras

Jenna Frew

Carter Byers

Megan Coulson

Madison Graff-Sakasov

Amy Doucet

Miranda Fortier

Kaelin Linthorne

Daniel Fournel

Aneta Iskra

Victoria O'Beid

Kyla Hansen

Jen Kelly

Candice Rubie

Nathan Labine

Gabrielle Marton

Abbigayle Shultis

Jenna Palombaro

Pearleen Nguyen

Evelyn Talbot

Raelyn Roberts

Cara Staples-McQueen

Sarah Wolf

Janifa Small

Jennifer Trinh Mitchell Vetor

Fall Training & Education Throughout the fall, Members took part in several training opportunities that happened in a number of cities across the province.

The Weeklong Paid Training programs for Members, Stewards, and Health & Safety members took place at the Union's Mississauga office in October and November. These popular annual courses allow members to spend five days immersed in workers' rights education.

Applications for these programs open in the Spring each year, so keep an eye out for flyers in your workplaces or visit ufcw175.com/training.

Cell Training, which began in the Spring, continued for our Stewards from Sarnia to Cornwall, and Hamilton to North Bay, and many spots in-between.

These one-day classes have seen great turnouts and amazing participation from the Stewards. The smaller classes, and single day scheduling allow Stewards to get in-depth and relevant training where they can interact with other members in their industries and sectors. Next year, the weekend Steward Seminars will return in the Spring.

In addition, New Steward Orientation training took place in a few cities as well in the last couple of months. These classes are geared to provide our newest Stewards with the basics, and give them the tools they need to do well in their new roles.

Thank you to all the Members who took part in these opportunities. Your participation, dedication, and eagerness to learn more about your rights means this Union can continue to grow stronger.

Upcoming Spring in-class courses!

First Aid CPR

Cambridge - April 4, 2020 Hamilton - April 18, 2020 Mississauga - May 2, 2020

Babysitting Course & Naloxone Training Course Cambridge - April 5, 2020 Hamilton - April 19, 2020 Mississauga - May 3, 2020 Check ufcw175.com/training for more details and to register once the courses become available!

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Fundraising & Community News Throughout the fall, members of UFCW Locals 175 & 633 have been volunteering their time and donating generously to a number of events to raise money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada (LLSC).

Diamonds & Denim Back for the third time, the Diamonds & Denim event in Belleville saw Members and the community raise more than $7,000 for the LLSC. Big prizes included Platinum Leafs' Tickets, a $500 Via Rail Pass and much more. Thanks to local businesses and individuals for their donations.

Arts for Leukemia The 9th Annual Arts for Leukemia evening took place on October 5. Organized by member Franca Johnston from Ross's YIG and her team of volunteers, this year's event was another great success.

Thanks to everyone who took part, the event raised $3,053 through a silent auction, a toonie for treats table, crafts, and more.

Bowling, Sault Ste. Marie On October 25th, more than forty Union sisters, brothers, family and friends took part in the annual bowl for a cure in Sault Ste. Marie. A great time was had by all and the evening raised $565 for the LLSC.

Bowling, Thunder Bay On November 9, the 3rd annual Bowl for a Cure took place in Thunder Bay. More than 40 members, friends, and family came out to participate, with many helping to organize the event. Through their efforts and generosity, the event raised $1,100 for the LLSC to conduct life-saving research, enhance patient care, and much more.

Thank you to everyone for your generosity. It goes a long way to providing much needed resources to the LLSC. 22

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This is David Juanico.

David works at the Wolseley Warehouse in Milton, where he has been a Member since 2015. He is an advocate in the workplace and helps co-workers whenever he can. As he is bilingual, David can assist many of his co-workers whose first language is not English. Recently, David was elected to be on the Union Negotiation Committee as well.

David used to work at another Wolseley facility: He says it’s like night and day because the other facility was not unionized. He is proud to be a Member and knows that being represented by a Union makes all the workers stronger and united as one. Thank you, David, for your service to the membership and for being a proud Union Member.

David was featured in October as part of #MemberMonday! Check out more features just like this on our Instagram (@ ufcwlocals175633) and Facebook (facebook.com/ufcwlocals175633) pages.

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More photos from Our Members at Work feature on pages 12 - 17!

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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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