Checkout June 2016

THE NEWS MAGA ZINE FOR MEMBERS OF LOCALS 175 & 633 UFCW CANADA Volume XXV No. 2 June 2016

Our Members at Work: Maple Leaf Heritage page 12

Steward Seminars & Health Care Conference page 16

Apply for the Fall Weeklong Paid Training page 22

Staff

LOCAL 175 Shawn Haggerty, President; Kelly Tosato, Secretary-Treasurer; Karen Vaughan, Recorder; Sylvia Groom, Luc Lacelle, Jim McLean, Harry Sutton - Executive Assistants LOCAL 633 Dan Bondy, President; Marylou Mallett, Secretary-Treasurer; Neil Hotchkiss, Recorder WORKERS’ COMPENSATION Georgina MacDonald Intake Representative; Sherree Backus, Joanne Ford, Jody Jones, Christina Mayberry, Sarah Neath - Workers’ Compensation Representatives COMMUNICATIONS Jennifer Tunney - Senior Communications Representative; Laurie Duncan Communications Representative; Meemee Seto - Servicing Representative HEALTH & SAFETY Mary Shaw, Chris Watson - Health & Safety Representatives LEGAL Fernando Reis - Director; Maryanne Galati, Roberto Henriquez - Legal Counsel; Natalie Wiley, Rebecca Woodrow - Senior Legal Counsel ORGANIZING Rick Wauhkonen - Director; Farman Ali, Joce Cote, Linval Dixon, Amy Tran - Organizing Representatives; Dave Forbes - Organizing Apprentice TRAINING & EDUCATION Rob Armbruster - Director; Kelly Nicholas - Co-ordinator; Tim Deelstra - Engagement & Media Relations Strategist REGION 1 Dan Lacroix - Regional Director; Colby Flank, Tracy Stubbs - Union Representatives

President’s Message

Our Members at Work

Secretary-Treasurer’s Message

Steward Seminars

Page 3

Page 4

Welcome New Members & Union News

Page 5

Altered Lives Project Paul’s Story

Page 12

Page 16

Health Care Conferece

Page 20

Weeklong Paid Training Application Page 22

Fundraising

Page 6

REGION 2 Derik McArthur - Regional Director; Mona Bailey, John DiFalco, Anthony DiMaio, John Di Nardo, Melody Slattery, Mark Stockton, Dave White - Union Representatives

Negotiations

REGION 3 Daniel Mercier - Regional Director; Simon Baker, Shannon Epp, Paul Hardwick, Dean McLaren - Union Representatives; Jacques Niquet - Servicing Representative

Legal Notes

Page 8

Page 23

Day of Mourning

Page 26

Page 10

REGION 4 Chris Fuller - Regional Director; Ron McGuire Union Representative; Brenda Simmons - Senior Servicing Representative; Orsola Augurusa, Rick Daudlin, Virginia Haggith, Lee Johnson-Koehn, Derek Jokhu, Casey Magee Servicing Representatives REGION 5 Angela Mattioli - Regional Director; Jehan Ahamed, Bob Kearney, Brad Morrison, Mario Tardelli - Union Representatives; Rolando Cabral - Servicing Representative REGION 6 Rob Nicholas - Regional Director; Wendy Absolom, Sam Caetano, Matt Davenport, Joe De Melo, Ashleigh Garner, Jason Hanley, Jeffery Lu, Mike Mattioli - Union Representatives; Fred Teeple - Servicing Representative REGION 7 Sharon Kempf - Regional Director; Diane Sanvido, Steve Springall - Union Representatives; Dan Bondy - Servicing Representative REGION 8 Sandra Rogerson - Regional Director; Jeff Barry, Matt Belanger, Lionel MacEachern, Tony Nigro, Arlene Robertson - 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

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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: 1-888-558-4114 FAX: 519-326-0597

OTTAWA OFFICE 20 HAMILTON AVENUE N. OTTAWA, ON K1Y 1B6 TEL: 613-725-2154 TOLL FREE: 1-800-267-5295 FAX: 613-725-2328

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

Why Unions must be involved in politics In April, a number of news agencies reported that in the 2014 Provincial Election, UFCW Canada contributed just over $174,000 to political campaigns. Those stories and others about Unions contributing to political parties has angered those who feel Unions have no place in politics.

The majority of the UFCW money in that election went to support New Democratic Party (NDP) candidates, and the rest went to Liberal ridings where it was thought that candidate had the best chance against a strong Conservative. None of the UFCW money went toward a Progressive Conservative (PC) campaign.

We put forth our political spending budget to the members for ratification at membership meetings in 2014, and that budget was ratified by 98%. I’ve spoken with members who are unhappy that the Union spends money on politics, and with others who believe it’s important that Unions are involved.

Whether you agree or disagree, the discussion is an important one for working people.

I believe Unions must be actively involved in politics at all levels through lobbying, contributing working people’s perspectives on legislation, and yes – through campaign funding. Whether we like it or not, politics is about money.

Corporations can fund politicians – it only makes sense that groups representing workers’ interests should do the same thing.

The advances in workers’ rights that have been achieved over the years – minimum wage, paid sick days, maternity leave, overtime, and other things we consider ‘basic’ workers’ rights – were not gained because an employer wanted to pay more or provide better for their employees.

The only reason workers’ rights advance is because Unions, workers, and activists stand up and demand it.

But Unions don’t write legislation or pass bills into law.

So, yes, we need to lobby our government and support politicians and parties that support workers. Because issues that workers and their families care about extend well beyond the walls of the workplace.

Affordable day care so parents can work full-time. Pensions so working people can retire with dignity. Public health care that continues to fund things like Autism care among many other services. Reasonable transit and gas prices so you can get to work. Realistic housing costs so working people don’t need to decide between rent, electricity, and food. Keeping good Canadian jobs in Canada to allow working people to flourish. Free trade deals like the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) or the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) – that profit multi-national corporations instead of those who needs jobs.

And who pays the price when jobs, services, and social support systems disappear? Working people. Union members. People who put in day after day of honest work while trying to plan for their future but end up losing their jobs, having to make hard decisions, and paying out of pocket for too much, too often.

I welcome discussion about this with the members of Locals 175 & 633 – your input is valuable. But for all of these reasons, I believe that Unions must continue to contribute and we will continue to do so.

I believe that Unions help build better futures for all working people. But that future can’t be achieved by sitting on our hands and not getting involved.

In Solidarity, Shawn Haggerty | June 2016

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Secretary-Treasurer’s Message Kelly Tosato

Closing the wage gap for good

Women have struggled for years to close the wage gap but little real progress has been made. Reports show that today’s working women in Canada still make an average of 30% less than men.

It’s about more than just the dollar amount on a pay cheque, though it’s a good place to start. The problem, however, is more complex. There are many underlying reasons for the wage gap including the chronic undervaluing of work in fields mainly held by women, uneven distribution of unpaid work such as child and home care, and over-representation of women in part-time precarious work.

Take affordable child care: Women still tend to be responsible for the majority of child care and unaffordable – or unavailable – child care programs make it nearly impossible for those women to work full-time. A public program would makes this possible, but as of now, women often have to take whatever part-time, low-paying work they can find.

That means less income overall, unreliable schedules, poor if any benefit coverage, no pension, and often, having more than one job. That puts more pressure on social services and support systems to accommodate a family that can’t make ends meet because the system is rigged against them.

Affordable child care, however, is just one of the many barriers facing working women. The wage gap persists across every sector and education level, and it affects some groups of women more than others. While there is more women than ever in post-secondary education, women with university degrees earn 10-30% less than their male peers.1

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Women who are immigrants, Aboriginal, racialized, LGBTQ, and those with disabilities face even more barriers to good wages because of outright discrimination in many cases. Working full-time Aboriginal women earn 26% less than non-Aboriginal men, racialized women earn 21% less than racialized men and 32% less than non-racialized men.

Immigrant women earn 25% less than immigrant males, and 28% less than non-immigrant men.

It’s 2016, and gender bias still plagues our economic and social systems, which unfairly punishes women or does nothing to improve the status of women. The wage gap is a human rights issue and it has gone on far too long.

In May, a number of Executive Board members and staff attended the biennial UFCW Women’s Network Conference.

Strategies to combat the many barriers facing women today were discussed. Workshops covered collective bargaining language, the political power of women, mentoring women, communications, and organizing women workers.

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This year, UFCW Canada and more than 50 other organizations submitted recommendations for Ontario’s Gender Wage Gap Strategy Consultation. These recommendations will help create a strategy for the province to close the gender wage gap. And it’s about time.

VISIT WWW.UFCW.CA/CLOSINGTHEGAP

As a Union, and as a labour movement fighting for the rights of all workers, we need to reach out to working women and empower them to stand up and demand better.

We don’t have to diminish the value of the work and contributions made by one group of people to acknowledge the value of the work and contributions of another group. All work has value and all working people deserve good, fulltime jobs with equitable pay and benefits.

In Solidarity, Kelly Tosato Lambert (Oxfam Canada), B., & McIntruff (CCPA), K. (2016, March). Making Women Count: The Unequal Economics of Women’s Work. www.policyalternatives.ca/sites/default/ files/uploads/publications/National Office/2016/03/Making_Women_Count2016.pdf

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WELCOME NEW MEMBERS In March, Local 175 Organizers assisted 60 employees at Amica Retirement facility in Whitby in successfully joining our Union. The home, recently sold to a new owner, had made changes resulting in less staffing in a number of departments. The employees formed a committee and launched a campaign to protect their jobs, and enhance their wages and benefits by joining the Union. They won their certification at a vote held March 22 and became part of the growing Health, Office & Professional Employees (HOPE) Sector of Local 175.

During the month of May, employees at two hotels also voted in favour of joining our Union bringing a total of 55 new members to the Local 175 family. Approximately 30 members at the Homewood Suites in St. Jacobs, and 25 members at the Best Western in Kitchener, are now part of Local 175. The two hotels have the same owner and employees at both locations were seeking better working conditions including protection from harassment, improvements to wages, and more respect and dignity on the job.

On May 25, retirement care providers at the Lord Lansdowne Retirement Home in Ottawa held a successful vote to join Local 175’s HOPE Sector. A lot of hard work went into the campaign and 100 new members will now get to negotiate their first collective agreement with their employer. The home was recently sold to a new owner and the workers were worried what that might mean for their job security going forward.

In addition to just cause protection, employees will be working toward better wages, part-time benefits and improvements to full-time benefits, vacation improvements, and hours of work.

At the opening of the Health Care Conference in April, Local 175 member William Norman from OATC received a cheque for $625 from President Haggerty and Secretary-Treasurer Tosato for his lead that helped our Organizers reach out to and successfully certify the employees at Amica with our Union. For more information on this honorarium, visit www.ufcw175.com/honorarium.

UNION NEWS

Executive Board approves $300,000 donation to UFCW members affected by Fort McMurray wildfires On May 9, the members of the UFCW Locals 175 & 633 Executive Board passed a motion to donate money to an emergency fund specifically to help UFCW members and their families affected by the Fort McMurray wildfires.

The massive wildfires have had an impact on hundreds of UFCW members from Local 401 and Local 1118 in the Fort McMurray and Wood Buffalo area including staff from UFCW Local 401, who fled during the mandatory evacuation.

Executive Board members voted in favour of contributing up to $300,000 toward the Relief Fund, to which both the UFCW National Council and the National Defence Fund are each contributing $300,000 as well.

“I had no doubt that our Executive Board would want to be part of helping our UFCW members and their families in any way possible,” said President Shawn Haggerty. “Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this tragedy, and I

know we all appreciate the incredible ongoing effort of all the first responders on the scene.”

Alberta Local Unions will work with UFCW Canada to determine how the money will be dispersed to members, including rigorous tracking of those distributions.

Once it is safe to return to the city, the Local 401 office in Fort McMurray will become a resource centre where UFCW members can register for relief assistance and access the help they need.

We encourage members who want to donate to a charity for this or any cause to use a reputable organization such as the Red Cross.

If you select another/smaller charity, please do your research before giving to ensure the organization is legitimate. | June 2016

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altered altered livesproject livesproject ufcw175.com/alteredlivesproject

Paul‘ s story

A few years ago, on a late June summer day, Paul’s life was forever changed by an event he will never forget.

Paul worked at a southern Ontario meat processing facility. It was an otherwise unremarkable day as Paul and his crew put in their last shift before the Canada Day holiday when suddenly workplace violence erupted as a supervisor was attacked by a knife-wielding co-worker.

Paul and his crew witnessed the unforeseen attack and heard the yelling and screaming as the supervisor fought for his life.

The supervisor was a father, a son, a husband, a co-workers, and a friend to many – and he was gone in the blink of an eye. Everyone at the facility grieved the loss and mourned his death. Since the attack, Paul has tried to make sense of the tragedy.

“It was like a scene out of a horror movie,” he says. Only months earlier, the co-workers involved in the attack had helped Paul re-shingle his roof. Now, one was dead at the hands of the other.

Workers received grief counselling, as well as workplace violence and harassment training, as everyone came to terms with the tragedy. Later, a monument was erected on the property to honour the memory of the man who lost his life.

Union leader at work, he recalls trying to comfort others in the days that followed. “We were like a family.”

A 2004 Statistics Canada study titled “Criminal Victimization in the Workplace” found:

49% of violent workplace incidents occur in offices, factories & stores; 31% occur in social assistance & health care sectors.

All of the workers affected by the events of that day have now returned to work. For some, it took some time before they were able to step foot back to where the horrific scene had played out.

“In hindsight,” he explains, “I realize now that I was struggling too.” Paul became distant, experienced sleep deprivation, and lapses in concentration and appetite. “My family was a big help during that time and I am thankful that I had their love and support.”

Paul recalls feeling an overwhelming sense of helplessness and how fragile life is as the events unfolded in front of him. He continues to have thoughts and nightmares about that day.

If he could give any kind of advice, he would say: “Respect the fragility of life, have more respect and consideration for others, and give a helping hand whenever you can.”

“The attack is never far from my mind,” he says. As a

~ The Altered Lives Project promotes participation in the development of healthy, safe and supportive work environments and relationships.

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Bill 132, Sexual Violence and Harassment Action Plan Act, received Royal Assent on March 8, 2016. This will amend a number of existing laws, including the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), with regard to workplace harassment and the handling of incidents and complaints. The definition of workplace harassment will expand to include sexual harassment.

The Union’s Health & Safety Department is a resource for you. If you have questions or would like more information on a health & safety topic, please visit bit.ly/ufcw175HS or the Resources section at ufcw175.com to find posters and pamphlets for your workplace. | June 2016

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NEGOTIATIONS Members at Air Creebec Inc. achieve 1st agreement At a vote held on March 10, 2016 the bargaining unit at Air Creebec Inc. in Timmins ratified their first collective agreement. This 3 year agreement will provide wage increases of 12% over the term of the contract.

Other benefits include 12 sick days per year and up to 6 weeks’ vacation. The agreement also increases the full-time bargaining unit by adding 4 jobs.

These new members will now have the protection of a collective agreement with a grievance procedure and union representation language.

Union Negotiator: Union Representative Matt Belanger. ...

Barrington Retirement workers secure contract through HLDAA In December 2015, Local 175 HOPE Sector members at the Barrington Retirement Home in Barrie secured a three-year collective agreement awarded through the Hospital Labour Disputes Arbitration Act (HLDAA). The 22 employees had been without a contract since December 31, 2014.

In the first year of the new collective agreement employees will receive a 2% wage increase, which will be paid retroactive to January 1, 2015. Workers receive an across-theboard increase of 2% in each the second and third of the agreement term as well.

New language allows a bargaining unit member to accept a temporary non-bargaining unit position for up to one year.

They will be required to continue to pay dues and will not lose seniority within that year.

Improved language address scheduling over the Christmas holiday. The employer will contribute $1,000 toward the UFCW Local 175 Education & Training Fund.

Union Negotiating Committee: Debbie Alton, Dianna Hollett, and Director, Chris Fuller. ...

Coca-Cola members ratify five-year agreement On April 26, 2016, the more than 20 workers at Coca-Cola in Sudbury and Sault Ste. Marie ratified a new contract.

Wages increase by 5.5% over the life of the deal and members receive an additional lump sum payment of $600 in

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the second year. Workers receive an improved Safety Boot Allowance of $175 per year, up from $155. This amount increases in 2018 to $185. There is an increase to the ShortTerm Disability (STD) Benefit and new vacation language that allows for more weeks available in ‘prime time.’

Other language improvements increase the number of bargaining committee members to four, up from three.

Union Negotiating Committee: Robert Gies, Adam Hayes, Al Roy, and Union Rep Jeff Barry. ...

Workers at Aramark vote yes to new contract Aramark Canada members working at Sir Sanford Fleming College ratified a new three-year collective agreement on April 17, 2016. Wages increase by 30 cents per hour in each year of the agreement term and the Anti-Slip Footwear allowance increases to $50 per 12-month period (or $100 every two years).

Eye exam coverage increases to $80, up from $50, in the third year of the deal. Additional language improvements address hours of work, and vacation payout.

The employer will contribute $75 per year toward the UFCW Local 175 Training & Education Fund.

Union Negotiating Committee: Kathy Johnston, Cindy Pratt, and Union Rep Mona Bailey. ...

Contract improvements for Metro Casselman members On May 1, 2016 members at Metro Casselman voted in favour of a new six-year collective agreement. The more than 60 workers benefit from a number of improvements.

End rates for current full-time workers increase by a total of $1.95 per hour over the duration of the agreement. The end rate for part-timers increases by a total of $1.80 per hour

All of our negotiations don’t always fit into the magazine! You can find more online at www.ufcw175.com

52 members out of work as Canada Bread North Bay closes The Canada Bread Company is closing its operations in North Bay and ceasing all production as of August 5, 2016.

The announcement, made May 25, will affect 52 members of UFCW Local 175 at the facility, as well as 10 salaried workers.

other existing facilities as reasons for the closure.

The Union has met with company representatives to discuss the wind up process that will take place over the next couple of months.

A document provided by the company cites the age of the facility, the investment required to update it, along with the ability to produce the same product lines more efficiently at

over the term. Progression rates also improve. Full-time hired after ratification will receive increases totalling $5.75 per hour over the life of the contract.

The Night Shift premium increases to $1 per hour including hours worked by non-night shift crew between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. New language provides a $10 per day premium for a bargaining unit member, other than the full-time assistant night operation manager, scheduled to be responsible for the store in the absence of a manager. Employees appointed to shipping/receiving for two hours or more in any given day receive a shift premium of 75 cents per hour.

Part-time employees promoted to a full-time position will be credited with their full length of service for vacation purposes. Full and part-time employees with 17 years of service or more now qualify for five weeks’ paid vacation.

Full and part-time employees who average 22 hours per week now enjoy the benefit of a drug card. The Short-term Disability increases to a maximum of $500 per week. New vision care coverage provides a maximum of $200 and eye exam reimbursement up to $50, each per 24-month period.

New Orthopedic shoes will be reimbursed up to $400 every two years, and the safety shoe allowance increases to $100.

Employees who are 50 years of age or more, and have a minimum of 15 years of service with the company now have the option to reduce their work week from 40 hours to 32 hours a week and maintain their current benefit levels.

New language addresses overtime, negotiating committee pay, Duty to Accommodate, Leukemia Payroll deduction, and more. In addition, improved language addresses harassment, discrimination, and bullying, part-time rest breaks, hours of work, shift guarantees, and job postings. The company will contribute $300 to the UFCW Local 175 Training & Education Fund in each year of the agreement.

Union Negotiating Committee: Cathy Lalonde, Sue Hoar, Michel Langlois and Union Rep Daniel Mercier. ...

North Bay & District SPCA members ratify The members working at the North Bay and District SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) ratified a new 3-year collective agreement on February 16, 2016.

Wages will increase by 2% in each year and the on-call premium increases to $22.50 per hour. The Health and Welfare premium will increase to $200, and the uniform allowance will now be $350 for full time and $250 for part time employees.

Union Negotiating Committee: Darrell Schnakenberg and Union Rep Jeff Barry. ...

Agreement ratified by Collins Valu-Mart members The members at Collins Valu-Mart in Burks Falls ratified a new collective agreement on April 12, 2016. This 5-year deal includes increases in each year, retroactive to the date of expiry.

End rate full and part time employees will receive increases of 25 cents per hour in each year. Employees working within the accumulated hourly wage progression will receive increases throughout the agreement. In addition, a new wage grid ensures that those in progression will receive an hourly rate that stays ahead of any adjustments made to the provincial minimum wage. Members who are working through the wage progression will also receive a signing bonus.

Improvements were made to the safety boot allowance and bereavement language. This new agreement also includes language for a contribution to the training and education fund and renews the language for donations to leukemia research.

Negotiating Committee: Michelle Putman, Brad Crozier, Daphne Tessier and Union Representative Tony Nigro. ... | June 2016

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LEGAL NOTES Creed and the Ontario Human Rights Commission A new Policy on Preventing Discrimination on the Basis of Creed was introduced in September 2015 by the Ontario Human Rights Commission (the Commission), replacing the prior policy which had been published in 1996.

The Policy clarifies the definition of creed and provides guidance on specific creed-related issues that might arise in the workplace. The Policy is non-binding on the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (HRTO) and other decision-makers, but can have persuasive value.

In the Ontario Human Rights Code (the Code) creed has typically been considered to mean religious beliefs. The Commission’s new Policy makes it clear that “creed may also include non-religious belief systems that, like religion, substantially influence a person’s identity, worldview and way of life.”

The Policy provides guidance to determine whether a belief system may be protected under the Code by noting that a creed is:

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Sincerely, freely and deeply held.

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Integrally linked to a person’s identify, self-definition and fulfillment.

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A particular and comprehensive, overarching system of belief that governs one’s conduct and practices.

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Addresses ultimate questions of human existence, including ideas about life, purpose, death, and the existence or non-existence of a Creator and/or a higher or different order of existence.

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Has some nexus or connection to an organization or community that professes a shared system of belief.

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This open-ended definition has led to speculation, including articles in the media, that ethical veganism – the practice of not eating or wearing animal products for reasons of conscience – could be recognized as a creed and thus might require accommodation. For instance, an individual who is vegan might request accommodation of an alternate uniform other than one including leather.

In response, a clarification was published by the Commission on its website stating that it is not the Commission’s role to determine whether a belief system qualified as a creed within the meaning of the Code and that it was up to the courts and the HRTO to make such determinations on the facts before it.

There has not been a case before the Tribunal raising ethical veganism as a creed to date, but given the recent media interest it is an issue that might be raised in the future.

For more information please visit www.ohrc.on.ca.

Check your Union Bulletin Board for posters and a sign up sheet!

OR Call Aneela at 1-800-565-8329 x 2286

WINDSOR Mic Mac Park AUGUST 6 2016 Noon - 3 p.m.

Volunteers needed!

Please sign up at work through your Steward or call the number above.

Register early & get a gift when you attend!

Enjoy great food, fun activities for the kids, entertainment, face painting, and more!

Visit www.ufcw175.com/canbbq2016 for more info on both events!

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OUR MEMBERS AT WORK

Meet the members of UFCW Local 175 at Maple Leaf Heritage The Maple Leaf Heritage facility on the southern edge of Hamilton opened in 2013 as a technology driven and efficient 402,000 square foot facility.

led by Chief Steward Robert Howard, and five members on the Joint Health & Safety Committee Co-Chaired by Tracy Desroche.

Nearly 800 members of UFCW Local 175 work at the plant in the Ready to Eat (RTE) and Raw processing sections of the facility. From receiving, to quality assurance, processing, cooking, packaging, and shipping – members of the Union are involved in every aspect of production at Maple Leaf Heritage.

Wieners, deli meats, and prepared meats are all produced at the plant using pork, chicken, turkey, and beef as well as cheese, spices, and other ingredients. Finished products include all fresh fully cooked products destined for both retail and foodservice locations across Canada.

Hygiene and food safety are very important to the company and there are strict protocols in place for all employees and visitors.

“Our Stewards and Joint Health & Safety members are knowledgeable about their contract and work hard on behalf of the many Union members at the plant,” said Union Rep Matt Davenport.

The size of the facility and its large number of employees makes it one of the biggest bargaining units in the Local Union. Members are represented by a number of Stewards,

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Wiener Brands include: Burns, Shopsy’s Beef and All Beef, Maple Leaf Top Dogs & Less Salt Top Dogs, Maple Leaf Natural Selections Pork and Chicken Wieners, Larsen, and JMS & Schneider’s Juicy Jumbos.

The long list of deli meat and bologna products made at Maple Leaf Heritage includes: Maple Leaf Natural Selections, Deli Fresh, and Deli Express; Schneiders, Lifestyle and Country Naturals; Shopsy’s; Burns; Cappola; Centsibles; Co Op; Larsen; Hygrade; President’s Choice ‘Free From’; and Sunrise.

So when you’re shopping at your local grocery store next time, look for these brands and know that they are Union made proudly by members of UFCW Local 175.

Chief Steward Robert Howard (Reliability) Stewards Keegan Addley (RTE a.m.)

Michael Beatty (Materials) Dean Burmania (RTE a.m.)

Sandra Cranston (RAW a.m.)

Craig Froude (RTE a.m.)

Adam Grilj (RAW p.m.)

Joshua Hewlett (Materials) Robin House (RTE p.m.)

Nelson Vieira (Reliability) Al Oliver (RTE p.m.)

Jason Smith (RTE p.m.)

Tim Smith (RAW p.m.)

Annette Sweet (RAW a.m.)

Jonathan Vanyo (RTE p.m.)

Joint Health & Safety Committee Co-Chair Tracy Desroche JHSC Members Geoffrey Bailey John Bakun Jennifer Benson Linda Goddard

STEWARDS’ SEMINARS

LONDON

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Find more photos at www.ufcw175.com!

The 2016 Stewards Seminars kicked off early this year at the end of April and mid-May. Over 420 stewards attended training on these weekends at four separate conferences.

gies for Stewards to mentor other co-workers so that if they leave their role as steward, that new members are ready to step up and take on this very important role.”

“Each year we offer timely, relevant courses,” explained Training & Education Coordinator Kelly Nicholas. New offerings this year include: Essentials of Compensation & Accommodation, which focuses on WSIB and other types of accommodation; Invisible Hazards, which addresses health and safety hazards at home and work; and E is for Enlighten, Empower, Engage.

Through the sale of tickets for raffle prizes and 50/50 draws, Stewards at these weekend conferences also raised money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada (LLSC). Thanks to the incredible generosity of everyone who attended, more than $18,000 was raised.

“The Enlighten, Empower and Engage course is the first of its kind,” said Kelly. “It’s designed to explore leadership skills, ways to engage new members, and provides strate-

Seminars for Kingston and Toronto will take place in the fall. Next year’s Steward training will be local cell training across the province, instead of large conferences. We will return to large conferences in 2018, and alternate every other year going forward.

HAMILTON

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SUDBURY

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THUNDER BAY

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HEALTH CARE CONFERENCE The 2016 Health Care Conference was the largest one to date with 120 Stewards in attendance. This year’s focus was on Workplace Violence, Mental Health and Workplace Stress – all topics which are relevant to the sector and have garnered more public attention in recent years.

Guest speaker, the Honorable Minister of Labour, Kevin Flynn shared what the Ministry is doing to prevent Violence in the Health Care sector and he spoke about creating a Leadership Table on Workplace Violence Prevention, which specifically examines exposure in health care settings.

The Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC) delivered a workshop called The Work Mind. This course gave Stewards an understanding of the stigma attached to mental illness in the workplace as well as a reference tool called the mental health continuum.

There was discussion on how to help individuals who have been away from work due to mental illness and how to make the transition back to work easier for them. Startling statistics presented by the MHCC included:

• 500,000 Canadians, in any given week, are unable to work due to mental health problems • 1 in 3 workplace disability claims are related to mental illness • 70% of disability costs are attributed to mental illness The Occupational Health Clinic for Ontario Workers (OHCOW) delivered information to assist Stewards in identifying stressors and how to apply health and safety legislation to stress issues.

The conference closed with Town Hall Forums where panels, including Health & Safety and WSIB specialists, Union Representatives and lawyers, fielded questions from the stewards. Topics included working short, Workplace Violence Policies and dealing with WSIB claims and appeals.

“This conference is always packed with great information and participation. Our Stewards give of themselves every day by helping our loved ones and those at-risk in our communities,” said President Haggerty. “We aim to provide information that helps these dedicated people in their role as Steward for our members in retirement, long-term care and community health.”

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WEEKLONG PAID TRAINING Members: October 17 - 21, 2016 Stewards: October 24 - 28, 2016 Health & Safety: October 24 - 28, 2016 Courses take place at the Training &Education Centre in Mississauga. The Local Union covers the cost of the course, materials and instruction as well as the members’ lost wages, per diems, transportation costs and accommodations as per Local Union policies.

Members Course Content

• Why do workers organize?

• History and Structure of our Local Union and the Labour Movement • The Role of Stewards and Grievance Handling • An Introduction to Collective Bargaining • Health & Safety • A Local on the Move! Benefits, Youth Scholarships, Education Programs • Why our Local Union is the leader in Communications and Educational Programs

Health & Safety Course Content • • • • • • • •

Committee Functions Ergonomics Work Refusals Hazard Analysis Critical Injuries Ministry of Labour Inspections WSIB - Dealing with Injuries And more...

Stewards Course Content • • • • •

It’s Our Union Human Rights Workplace Injuries Return to Work Duty to Accommodate

* Submitting this application DOES NOT GUARANTEE you will attend the training. Participants are drawn from the applications received and only those selected to attend will be notified (approximately 4 weeks prior to the start date)

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_____________________________________________________ NAME _____________________________________________________ ADDRESS _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ CITY _____________________________________________________ POSTAL CODE _____________________________________________________ TELEPHONE # _____________________________________________________ EMAIL ADDRESS _____________________________________________________ WORKPLACE

Complete this form (and fax or mail it in) or APPLY ONLINE at www.ufcw175.com/weeklong-training-2016

ALL APPLICATIONS DUE BY AUGUST 1, 2016

FUNDRAISING

On April 16, the annual Crop for a Cure raised $2,227 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada (LLSC).

Prizes were awarded for best layout and Terri McNair won the grand prize draw for an iPad Mini. “It was great to see new faces and old friends,” said Mary Shaw, Health & Safety Rep and event coordinator “we hope to see everyone out again next year.”

Members in Sault Ste. Marie raised $9,500 for the LLSC at their Bake Sale & Penny Table event on April 2 at the Market Mall just outside Metro store #181. “We had amazing volunteers and great support from the community,” said Sandra Rogerson, Director of Region 8.

“I want to thank everyone for their generosity towards this great cause.”

The 12 teams and many sponsors at the Kick for a Cure soccer tournament on April 23 raised $3,000 for the LLSC. The defending champs from Avis/Budget squeaked out a close one in the finals to win against the Fiji Warriors and take the trophy again. “Thanks to our amazing teams and sponsors,” said Union Rep Tony Nigro, event co-ordinator. “See you on the field again next year.”

May 6 marked the first Diamonds & Denim event in Belleville. About 140 members and guests turned out sporting their shiniest rocks and best jeans to enjoy an evening of great music, dancing, a silent auction, penny auction and door prizes. “I’m so proud to say we raised $6,400,” said Union Rep Dean McLaren, whose wife Christine was the event’s coordinator.

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At a Porketta Bingo game in Sudbury on April 29 (top three photos), members and the community raised $1,600 for the LLSC. This year’s golf and hockey tournaments raised a total of $25,360 and $23,000 respectively. Congratulations to the individual hockey trophy winners and to the Sofina Foods team who took the big trophy beating out Sobeys Milton in overtime in an exciting final game. Congratulationss to all our Prize winners at the golf tournament too!

UFCW RIDE FOR A CURE SATURDAY, AUGUST 20, 2016 MISSISSAUGA www.ufcwrideforacure.ca

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DAY OF MOURNING

April 28 marks the annual National Day of Mourning.

On this day, we take time to remember the lives of workers who have been killed or injured as a result of a workplace injury or illness.

Workers, Unions, activists, and those who have been affected by workplace injuries and illnesses turned out to events across the province to commemorate the day and to demand justice.

In 2014, the Workplace Safety & Insurance Board (WSIB) reported that workers made 234,000 claims for work-related injuries and occupational diseases.

And this number does not include the many incidents that are never reported to the WSIB. If you believe pain, illness or an injury is related to the work you do, you MUST inform your doctor that it is work related. Your employer CANNOT tell you not to file a claim.

Visit www.ufcw175.com/injuredworkers for more information and resources.

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Labour Day is

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2016 SEE YOU THERE Call your Regional Union Office or check your Union bulletin board at work through the summer for more information!

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