Checkout December 2016

Volume XXV No. 4 December 2016

THE NEWS MAGA ZINE FOR MEMBERS OF LOCALS 175 & 633 UFCW CANADA

The Local Union for All Workers

Our Members at Work: Highbury Canco page 10

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 May Chalmers, President; Marylou Mallett, Secretary-Treasurer; Brian Koslowski, Recorder WORKERS’ COMPENSATION Georgina MacDonald - Intake Representative; Joanne Ford, Phil Hames, Jennifer Hanley, 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, Matthew Jagodits, Jane Mulkewich Legal Counsel ORGANIZING Rick Wauhkonen - Director; Farman Ali, Joce Cote, Linval Dixon, Amy Tran - Organizing Representatives; Tim Hum, Amit Singh - Organizing Apprentices TRAINING & EDUCATION Rob Armbruster - Director; Kelly Nicholas - Co-ordinator; Tim Deelstra - Engagement & Media Relations Strategist REGION 1 Kelly Tosato - Regional Director; Colby Flank, Tracy Stubbs - Union Representatives REGION 2 Derik McArthur - Regional Director; Mona Bailey, John DiFalco, Anthony DiMaio, John Di Nardo, Melody Slattery, Mark Stockton, Dave White - Union Representatives REGION 3 Daniel Mercier - Regional Director; Shannon Epp, Paul Hardwick, Lionel MacEachern, Dean McLaren, Sandra Proulx - Union Representatives; Jacques Niquet Servicing Representative

President’s Message

Legal Notes

Secretary-Treasurer’s Message

Welcome New Members

Page 3

Page 14

Page 15

Page 4

Negotiations

Union News & Letters

Page 5

Altered Lives Project A Year in Review

Page 16

Training & Education Page 18

Community

Page 9

Page 22

Negotiations

Fundraising

Page 8

Our Members at Work

Page 10

REGION 4 Chris Fuller - Regional Director; Ron McGuire, Brenda Simmons - Union Representatives; Orsola Augurusa, Rick Daudlin, Virginia Haggith, Lee JohnsonKoehn, Casey Magee, Christina Mayberry - Servicing Representatives

Page 23

Organizing Incentive Page 24

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, Dave Forbes - Servicing Representatives REGION 8 Sandra Rogerson - Regional Director; Jeff Barry, Matt Belanger, Derek Jokhu, 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: 1-888-558-5114 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

Working Together Toward A Stronger Tomorrow This past year has been full of some very dark moments, but also some incredibly inspiring stories too.

We all do better when we work together, regardless of circumstance or political differences. Standing up for your neighbour, for the disenfranchised, for the vulnerable, and for anyone who needs support, is the only way to make our world better and our country stronger.

There will always be someone trying to drive a wedge into the spaces where our minds don’t meet – whether it’s an employer creating conflict to break a Union drive, or a politician using fear and lies to manipulate the public. That kind of negativity can be daunting and heartbreaking, but there is still good in the world.

Canadians opened their arms and communities to welcome refugees fleeing the horrors of the war in Syria. From coast to coast, the overwhelming public sentiment is one of empathy and understanding. These human beings need a safe place to live, and our country can provide that.

The government introduced Bill C-4 to repeal anti-Union Bills C-377 and C-525, and it’s now at the Senate to receive Royal Assent. We made advancements in human rights when the House of Commons passed Bill C16 in November. This bill would amend the Canadian Human Rights Act and the Criminal Code to guarantee protection against discrimination based on gender identity and gender expression across the country. It’s a big step forward in recognizing the diversity of our nation and protecting transgender people, and I hope it makes it through the Senate quickly.

Take a moment to think about your own community. The walks for charity, the fundraising drives to help someone who lost their home, the clothing donated to shelters, the goods given to the food banks. None of that happens if someone turns their back to a neighbour. It happens because people naturally come together to help others.

This year, UFCW members came together to raise money for the Union Sisters, Brothers and Friends who had lost their homes and been out of work due to the forest fire evacuation in Fort McMurray. Our own Locals 175 & 633 Executive Board pledged up to $300,000 for relief. Members at First Student collected donations for the bus drivers in Fort Mac who lost work and more because of the fires too.

And I know there are many other stories out there of good will and support. Whether it’s first responders going above and beyond in a crisis, or hundreds of plumbers volunteering their time to install water filters for the citizens of Flint, Michigan so they could actually drink their water, or workers from other Unions showing up to support a picket line.

I encourage you to search for hashtags like #unionstrong or #unionproud in your social media feeds. See the amazing stories from around the world of Union members supporting each other and their communities. When you read these stories share them, use the hashtags – and tag us too with #ufcw175633. Help promote the solidarity of workers, Unions, and the labour movement.

I’ve talked about the importance of unity before, but it feels even more pertinent now. Our shared goals must connect us throughout our communities and the Union. Sometimes we’re going to disagree on the best way to achieve those goals, but we cannot allow our progress to be derailed or erased by divisiveness. We must remember the amazing amount of good our Members put into the world every day.

I hope everyone can enjoy peaceful, quality time with family and friends over the Holiday Season, and I wish you all the best of the New Year.

In Solidarity, Shawn Haggerty | December 2016

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Secretary-Treasurer’s Message Kelly Tosato

Investing in our communities

The holidays can be extremely stressful. Not only do the holidays bring higher expectations – gifts, travel, entertaining, and keeping to a budget – but for many, it continues to be a struggle to pay bills and put food on the table.

This can be a rough time for many people. The cold weather worries many who can’t afford to buy warm clothes for themselves or their family. Many families rely on thrift stores, Goodwill, food banks, and other charitable and community services, not only through the holidays, but all year.

The truth is we know that there are families struggling in our own communities and we can all do our part to lift people up who need that extra bit of help.

Once again this year, the Local Union staff has collected money to provide gifts and necessities to families in need through local shelters. Our Executive Board also collects toiletries, food and other items each year to donate to women’s shelters. I’m proud to be a part of this organization in many ways, but never quite so much as when we’re able to give back.

There are many ways to help in our communities all year.

If you can donate to your local food bank, please do so.

If you can volunteer your time there too, even better. Go through your winter things and if you don’t need it, please donate it: Scarves, mittens, warm coats, hats, and boots.

Anything you can find to help someone through the next few snowy months. Shelters are always in need of supplies too, so find an organization in your area and make the effort

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to provide what they need.

Why not spend a few days helping Habitat for Humanity build houses for those in need. They’ve got 26 affiliate offices throughout Ontario. Keep them in mind too when you’re doing renovations, as they can often take used building materials that are in good condition.

The Canadian Diabetes Association collects clothes and many household items either at their drop boxes or through a scheduled pickup at your home. In fact, members of Local 175 work for the Canadian Diabetes Association in the Toronto area.

Hospices, health care facilities, and senior’s homes are always in need of volunteers for everything from answering phones, making meals, patient support, reading or simply giving company to patients, directions for visitors, and more. The holidays can be a lonely time for many people, especially seniors, and if you’ve got time to spare, your friendship and care can go a long way.

Giving back is a way to ensure that we are all doing our best not to leave anyone behind. It’s a natural part of what being a Union member means to me. This is a time for unity in all its forms. And what better place to start than in our own community.

In Solidarity, Kelly Tosato

[

VOLUNTEER CANADA www.volunteer.ca

[

I want to wish everyone an amazing and safe holiday season surrounded by friends and family. On behalf of those who work in retail over the holidays, I ask that we all show patience and understanding in the stores and recognize that everyone is doing their best during this busy time of year.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY www.habitat.ca

CANADA DIABETES ASSOC. www.diabetes.ca

UNION NEWS

Letters

Dear Brothers and Sisters of UFCW 175 & 633 I have been a member since 1995. I will shortly finish a ten year course of chemo/drug therapy for cancer. This brings me to the purpose of this letter.

I thank you, most sincerely, all members who unite in making us strong, but in particular those members of the bargaining group who negotiated my comprehensive drug plan. I’m certain that without it my outcome (ten years in remission) would, indeed, have been very different.

To still be here with my family, biological and Zehrs alike, is a great gift and I look forward to “paying it forward,” I hope, for a very long time. I am exceedingly grateful to everyone who has played a part in my journey thus far. I wish you all continued good health and happiness.

Yours truly, Nicola Eggleton-Sodenkamp Dear President Haggerty, I wanted to thank you for the opportunity to attend the weeklong course this past week. I have been a steward for just over 2 years (and a member since 2003) and have learned so much in that short time. Between the Steward seminars in Kingston, the Bylaw & Policy convention and the Weeklong training, I am finding out more and more about how our union works for us, how far-reaching its resources and goals are, and most importantly how to continue to be a better steward and represent my people.

I had an amazing time meeting the other stewards and learning about and from them and what they have to deal with – it really gives you that spirit of family fighting together to make our workplaces and our union better. And while it was all fantastic, I must tell you there was one night I will remember forever. I was unbelievably lucky enough to win the Leafs tickets for Thursday night’s game, and it was a dream come true. It was my first Leafs game (2nd NHL game) ever, and it was everything I had imagined. To see those guys play, to be able to jump out of my seat hands in the air after a goal, to watch my team win in their house-these are memories I will cherish forever. The evening was made even more special by the fact that I was able to experience this all with my absolute best friend in the world, my wife. And I owe it all to the union.

I don’t know if I can thank you enough, but to you, Kelly Tosato, Kelly Nicholas and all the staff who made that week happen, I deeply thank you.

In solidarity, Clinton Holmes

My name is Jaya Martinez and I have recently received a letter with regards to winning one of the 88 Solidarity Scholarships of $1,000. I would like to say thank you from the bottom of my heart and no words can express how grateful I am of being eligible for this award. This will really help with my secondary education. Again, thank you very much for this opportunity.

Best Regards, Jaya Martinez Thank you for selecting Lindsay for one of your 2016 Solidarity Scholarships. Your generosity will help my daughter pursue her goals in Criminology. As an active member of Local 175 for the past 32 years, thanks again for your support.

Tony I would like to thank UFCW very much for helping to fund my education in the Human Resources Management program at Mohawk college! In particular, I would like to thank Lee Johnson-Koehn for orchestrating the whole process for me; I have received the check. This money will go towards paying for my second semester, starting in the new year. Thank you so much for the funding! It is greatly appreciated.

Timothy Peña-Carranza Dear Shawn Haggerty Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to be one of the 88 candidates for the Solidarity Scholarship.

Upon receiving this award it has shown me one of the positives of believing in yourself and wanting to achieve the goals that I have put in front of myself to reach. Thank you for the extra help. As I continue through my 4 year Mechanical Engineering program at Mohawk College, I will always remember how the UFCW awarded me the Solidarity Scholarship and what it meant to me.

I will put this scholarship towards my future and the supplies I will need.

Sincerely, Andrew Allender

UNION NEWS Announcement At the regular UFCW Locals 175 & 633 Executive Board meeting on Tuesday, November 15, 2016, UFCW Local 633 President Dan Bondy, who is now on staff with the Local as a Servicing Representative, stepped down from his role as president of that Local.

Happy Retirement Also at the November 15th meeting of the Executive Board, Neil Hotchkiss announced his retirement and subsequent stepping down as Recorder for Local 633, a position he held for 16 years.

The Local 633 Vice-Presidents recommended and confirmed Executive Board member May Chalmers as the new President of Local 633.

Neil first became a Union member in 1970 when he began working at Miracle Food Mart in Windsor. He transferred to a Meat Manager position in Sarnia briefly but returned to Windsor to work at A&P (now Metro) as an Assistant Meat Manager and full-time Union Steward.

In addition, Brian Koslowski is the new Recorder for Local 633 following the retirement announcement of long-time member Neil Hotchkiss.

In 1996, Neil ran for the Local 633 Executive Board and was elected to a Vice-President position. He was elected as Recorder in 2000, and has held that position ever since.

Local 633 Vice-President Brad Wigle also announced his retirement at the meeting. Marylou Mallett continues in her role as Local 633 Secretary-Treasurer.

He was a frequent participant in appeal hearings and sat on several sets of negotiations for Miracle Food Mart and A&P/Metro. Neil spearheaded the organizing of the regular South West Golf Tournament, comedy nights, Super Bowl parties, and bowling tournaments all to raise money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada (LLSC).

“I want to congratulate May and Brian on their appointments,” said President Haggerty. “I look forward to working with them. They bring many years of experience as Stewards and leaders in the Union and I know they will continue to represent the membership well.”

“Neil has always been dedicated to the Members of the Union and his community,” said President Haggerty. “He is an advocate for his co-workers, he promotes solidarity throughout the Local Union, and he gives his time to raising thousands of dollars for the LLSC. Neil has served the membership well as Local 633 Recorder, and his support of the Local 175 membership has been unwavering as well.

He has earned his retirement and I wish him all the best.”

Welcome New Staff Sandra Proulx joined Region 3 as a Union Representative in November.

As an elected member of the Executive Board for nine years, and a member at Loblaws for 39 years, including 15 years as Steward, Sandra brings a wealth of experience to her new role.

She was also a Health & Safety committee co-chair for almost 20 years.

Sandra is very politically active through the Locals 175 & 633 Executive Board Political Action Committee. She has lobbied the government on issues like Bill C-377, the On-

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tario Health Coalition, and the Trans Pacific Partnership.

She has attended many NDP conventions and has worked on three provincial political campaigns.

Over the years, Sandra has participated in many community events including the Ottawa Pride Parade. She has helped raise about $7,000 for the LLSC through Light the Night and the annual Locals 175 & 633 Arts for Leukemia.

Sandra is also very active in the labour movement outside of work where she attends Labour Day events every year.

“Labour Day has become a family event for my husband and grandson,” said Sandra. “And at the Arts for Leukemia event, my brother and husband performed, and my brother donated a painting.”

Welcome New Staff continued...

Jane Mulkewich joined Local 175 as legal counsel in September 2016. Since her days at McMaster University, Jane has been involved in the labour movement. She was on the bargaining committee for the Canadian Union of Educational Workers, and she was a member of the Office and Professional Employees International Union. While at McMaster’s Human Rights & Equity Services she worked with unions on campus to handle discrimination and harassment complaints.

Jane was called to the bar in 2009, and spent two years in sole practice doing family and criminal law. She spent the next four years as in-house counsel for the Ontario Nurses’ Association (ONA) before returning to private practice to focus on human rights law and harassment, which allowed her to work with different unionized workplaces in Ontario.

Jane is a community activist, including anti-racism work for the Hamilton Police Service and equity work at McMaster. Her political involvement includes running as a candidate, and working as party organizer and as staff. She served on the Police Services Board, and has been Chair of the Hamilton Urban Core Community Health Centre board for a number of years.

In September, the Local 175 Legal Department also added new counsel Matthew Jagodits.

Matthew graduated from the Faculty of Law at Queen’s University in 2015.

During his time in law school, he worked at the Queen’s Legal Aid Clinic where he advocated for low-income Kingston residents on matters such as disability support benefit appeals, and landlord-tenant disputes.

As a student and then as a lawyer, Matthew worked for a law firm that specializes in representing both union and non-union employees. Here he learned firsthand about the importance of the legal protections that exist for employees who belong to a Union.

“I look forward to advocating on behalf of the members of Locals 175 & 633, and ensuring their rights are respected by their employers,” Matthew said.

Jane is a published author on topics such as environmental and Aboriginal issues in the struggle to stop Hamilton’s Red Hill expressway, and a story about Sophia Pooley, a black slave once owned by Joseph Brant.

On October 31, the Workers’ Compensation department welcomed new Representative Phil Hames.

Phil has years of experience as a Labour Advocate with a strong background in Workers’ Compensation and Health & Safety. He has instructed for the Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL) and its Occupational Disease Response Team (ODRT), and at our own Kingston Stewards’ Seminar this fall. He has been assisting in the Local 175 Workers’ Compensation Department for several months leading up to being hired full-time.

Phil has worked for Dow Chemical, Brewers Retail, and Kellogg where he was elected as a full-time Health &

Safety Worker Representative for five terms by the Union.

He was a coordinator for the Grain Millers Action Centre for the members affected by the Kellogg closure through 2015 and 2016.

He was always active in the Unions he belonged to as a Steward, Health & Safety Rep, Compensation Rep, on Return-to-Work Committees, producing newsletters, acting as a trustee, and he has been an EFAP Compensation Rep since the late 1990s. He has completed labour-sponsored Leadership certificate programs in Occupational Health & Safety, and Workplace Insurance and Disability Prevention.

“I really enjoy advocating for my co-workers and seeking fairness,” explained Phil. “I’m looking forward to helping our Members who’ve been injured at work gain the compensation they deserve.” | December 2016

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UNION NEWS

Workers Unite at #MakeItFair Rally

On Saturday, October 1, workers, Unions, and activists from across Ontario gathered at Queen’s Park to rally for decent work, a better minimum wage, and many other long overdue improvements to our labour laws.

Locals 175 & 633 staff, Executive Board, and members took buses to Toronto to join our Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL) Union Sisters, Brothers, and Friends and many others to demand that the provincial government do more to protect working people.

Local 175 Member Tim Hum spoke to the crowd about his experience as a non-Union worker and the difference it made once he joined the Union. He asked the government to bring back cardcheck certification to make it easier for workers to join a Union without fear of intimidation from employers.

“Tim did an amazing job talking about his experience and sharing his hopes for the future of labour laws in this province,” said President Haggerty.

A big thank you to our bus drivers Richard, Jim, and Marianne – all Members of UFCW Local 175 at First Student!

Visit www.makeitfair.ca for more information and look for the #makeitfair hashtag on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and more!

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altered altered livesproject livesproject ufcw175.com/alteredlivesproject

A Year inReview The UFCW Locals 175 & 633 Altered Lives Project aims to promote participation in the development of healthy, safe and supportive work environments and relationships. Injury and illness continue to occur in our workplaces and it has become more challenging to gain fair compensation.

The solution requires a concerted effort by everyone in our workplaces to prevent injury and illness. We must recognize and control all hazards that could cause harm to anyone in the workplace. We must ensure that proper training takes place for all employees. And we must report things that are unsafe so that those issues can be fixed.

In 2016, Altered Lives featured several stories of workers who were injured on the job. The stories illustrate the devastating impact of a workplace injury, and how the lives of workers, family, friends and co-workers are forever changed.

Thank you Tamara, Steve, Paul, and Les for sharing your stories.

An Altered Lives Project display featuring the stories of these four Members is now in place at the Local Union’s Mississauga Office. You can also read our stories online at ufcw175.com/alteredlivesproject or in Checkout magazine.

This fall, over the course of several training sessions, the Local Union asked Members in attendance to fill out a survey to gather some feedback on the Altered Lives Project.

A large number of the Members were unfamiliar with the

Do you have a story to share?

Contact the UFCW Locals 175 & 633 Workers’ Compensation Department at 1-800-267-1977 or workerscomp@ufcw175.com.

Project. After reading the stories, they indicated almost unanimously that the Project could have a positive impact on how people relate to health and safety in their workplaces.

They touted social media as an effective way of reaching our younger members. They also endorsed face-to-face communication through Health & Safety Reps or Stewards, at Union meetings, at training events, at workplace meetings, or at workplace information sessions. They also suggested placing Project materials in the workplace break rooms, on workplace posters, and on bulletin boards.

The survey confirmed that many of these Members had experienced workplace injury or illness, and/or knew of co-workers that had. Approximately 50% of the respondents had filed a WSIB claim during their working life.

Forty per cent felt that the training they received from their employer was inadequate for the jobs they were doing. They expressed concern about lack of training for new hires, and a lack of ongoing and refresher training. A few indicated that health and safety training was non-existent in their workplaces and others commented on a lack of commitment from management. There was a fairly even distribution of how responders rated their employers (high, average, and low) on how much priority those employers give health and safety.

Thank you to those Members who completed the survey.

We appreciate your thoughts and we will use the information going forward with the Altered Lives Project.

Workplace injury prevention is a shared responsibility among workers, employers, co-workers, unions and the community. Please share these stories so we can prevent workplace illness and injury in the future.

All the Best in 2017! | December 2016

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OUR MEMBERS AT WORK

Meet the Members at Highbury Canco In April 2016, UFCW Locals 175 & 633 was proud to welcome Local 459 members in a merger agreement, which saw the hardworking people from Cavendish, Milo-FAIS, and Highbury Canco (formerly the Heinz plant) join our growing Union family. That number has increased since that time due to higher production volume at Highbury Canco and the steady hiring that has taken place as a result.

The 400 members at Highbury Canco in Leamington work in an almost 2,000,000 square-foot facility where you can find early-1900s technology mixed with state-of-the-art equipment. Products manufactured at the plant include vinegar, tomato paste, kidney beans, pork and beans, seafood sauce, tomato juice, pizza sauce, Spaghettios, and many other tomato-based items, including Heinz products.

French’s gets its tomato paste from the Leamington facility.

All the tomatoes used at the plant are from farms in Leamington and the surrounding area.

Members are involved in every aspect of work at the plant in both the production and warehouse sections, with jobs ranging from processing to quality assurance, cooking and packaging to shipping.

“Since the merger our great group of Stewards have been there for the Members every day to enforce their collective

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agreement,” said Servicing Representative Fred Teeple.

“Our Stewards are knowledgeable and work very hard on behalf of their many co-workers at the plant. It’s a great team and I really enjoy working with them.”

Christine Darowski is the Chief Steward. “She is a vigilant and dedicated leader in the workplace,” explained Fred.

“The Members and Union are fortunate to have her as a Steward.”

The membership at Highbury Canco was faced with a tragedy last summer when two of their co-workers, Lori and Colin Jackson, were killed in a vehicular accident. They had two children and three grandchildren.

“I’ve been so impressed at the support we get from this Local,” said Christine. “From the CAN picnic they put on in Windsor to the training that is offered, how they helped the Jackson family, and the fact that our Rep is in this facility every week, whether it’s to deal with grievances and issues or just to shake hands and talk to members. We greatly appreciate the commitment.”

“We are happy to see a growth in employment and the use of local produce at Highbury Canco,” said President Haggerty. “Our communities need this kind of investment from employers to ensure longevity and prosperity for employees and their families.”

Chief Steward Christine Darowski Stewards Russ Alliett Chris Barraco Krista Crawford Mel Ferreira Nathan Gillett Jacob Maluak Lyne Nadeau Nick Savo Dan Simpson George Tannous Joe‎ Testani Sandy Youskow

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LEGAL NOTES

Addressing Sexual Harassment in the Workplace: Bill 132

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Your supervisor suggests that you might be eligible for a promotion… in return for a date.

ployers to develop policies and implementation programs to better protect employees.

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Your co-worker learns of your sexuality and decides to taunt you about it every chance they get.

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A co-worker makes inappropriate comments about the way that you are dressed.

In Ontario, Bill 132 came into effect on September 8, 2016.

Similar to Bill 168, the new Bill 132 modifies the Act but this time in regard to sexual harassment in the workplace.

It clarifies that the definition of harassment includes sexual harassment and defines what behavior may qualify.

If you haven’t faced a scenario similar to those above, you probably know someone who has.

Workplace sexual harassment is a serious problem for many workers in Ontario. It is extremely important that employers have and enforce policies to prevent workplace sexual harassment and address it when it occurs.

On June 15, 2010, Bill 168 came into effect in Ontario. It altered the Occupational Health and Safety Act (the Act) to strengthen protection for employees from workplace violence and harassment. It created new obligations on em-

Bill 132 also adds the following requirements for an employer’s policy on harassment and the program that guides the policy’s implementation: •

Changes to reporting procedure - The program must now provide means for an employee to report incidents of harassment to someone other than a supervisor, where the supervisor is involved in the alleged harassment.

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Investigation procedures - The program must set out how the complaint is handled: Employers are required by law to conduct an investigation.

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Protection of Personal Information - The program must provide for protection from identifying information about any party in the complaint being revealed unless necessary for the investigation of the incident, taking corrective actions, or if required by law.

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Information on Investigation Outcome - The program must provide a means by which the complainant can be informed of the results of the investigation and any corrective actions taken. Under Bill 132, the employer must inform the complainant in writing of the outcome.

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Program Review - The program must be reviewed at least annually to ensure adequate implementation of the policy.

If you believe your employer has failed to properly update or implement its harassment policy and/or implementation program, it is important that you raise the issue with your Union Steward or Union Representative.

We all share a responsibility to keep our workplaces free from harassment!

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS Congratulations and welcome to some of the newest members of UFCW Local 175, the Local Union for All Workers!

The employees at Martindale Retirement Home fought to bring justice to their workplace by joining the union. The organizing drive lasted approximately six months and workers cited wages, benefits, harassment and scheduling as their motivation for contacting the union.

Our new members at the retirement residence in Milton are RPNs, PSWs, Kitchen Services and Housekeepers. These workers bring dignity and independence to our loved ones when they need it most. They now stand united to demand respect from their employer and the union is going to stand with them to achieve that.

Workers at the Clarion Resort Pinewood Park voted to join our Local Union in October.

The 70 employees work full-time, part-time, and seasonally at the North Bay hotel in a variety of jobs. Employees sought representation with our Union for a number of reasons including job security, wages, and health and safety concerns. The hotel changed ownership in August 2016 following which all employees were put on probationary period, and approximately 30 employees were either disciplined or terminated.

In Ottawa, employees at the Duke of Devonshire Retirement Residence wanted a number of improvements in their working conditions, which prompted them to contact the Union.

The approximately 75 new members join the ever-growing HOPE sector of Local 175. Members are employed as RPNs, PSWs, kitchen staff, housekeepers and reception.

“The workers were looking to gain wage increases, job security and achieve better health and welfare benefits,” explained Local 175 Organizer Amy Tran. “Health and safety concerns, harassment and favoritism also played a part in why they wanted Union representation.”

Approximately 100 employees at Eco II Manufacturing Inc. in Scarborough, have also voted to join Local 175. The new members work as packers, machine operators, Q&A, shippers, receivers, and extruders for Eco II, which specializes in manufacturing traditional garbage bags from recycled plastics.

The employees cited wages and benefits, job security and health & safety concerns as their reasons for contacting the union. “The workers have not had a wage increase in 3 years while their benefit costs keep increasing,” said Amy Tran, Organizer. “As well, the workers are dealing with extreme heat and cold in a plant that has poor ventilation.”

Eighty employees at Cappola Food Inc, a Maple Leaf-owned facility in North York, have also joined Local 175. Workers at the facility produces deli-meat products including cured meats.

The certification vote took place in June 2016.

“These employees felt disrespected by their employer and their wages are below industry standards,” said Local 175 Organizer Linval Dixon. “Joining our Union will give them better job security and improve their working conditions overall.”

In addition, the Local Union also welcomes more members from the Ontario Addiction Treatment Centres (OATC) in Mississauga, who join their Union Sisters, Brothers & Friends at other OATC locations who already belong to Local 175.

“It’s encouraging to see workers standing up and fighting for their rights,” said President Shawn Haggerty. “These workers now have 70,000 Union members standing behind them to support them as they fight for their rights.”

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NEGOTIATIONS Bunge Canada members ratify 3-year contract On October 27, 2016, the more than 70 members of Local 175 working at Bunge Canada achieved a new three-year collective agreement.

All rates and classifications receive increases of 2% in each year of the contract term. Workers classified as EOF Support Operator, Millwright/Steamfitter, and Operator 1 receive additional adjustments over and above the overall wage increase.

Employees who continue to work past the normal age of retirement (65) will continue to earn a pension and make contributions to the plan. Once your postponed retirement begins, your benefit will take your additional years of service and contribution into account.

Improvements include pay of 1.5 times the regular rate for qualified employees to provide training to other employees.

Sick pay improves over the life of the contract, as do the maximums for eye glass and hearing aid coverage which increase to $270 (per 2-year period) and $800, respectively. The dental plan will cover costs on the current year’s Ontario Dental Association (ODA) fee schedule going forward, and the yearly maximums increase as well.

Union Negotiating Committee: Jeff Laing, Dennis Packham, Rob Schrock, Chuck Smith, and Union Rep Ashleigh Garner.

hour in the second and third year, and 45 cents per hour in the fourth year. The employer also agreed to adding an additional 20 full-time positions in the 180 days following ratification.

The negotiating committee also achieved an additional boot allowance, improved vacation entitlement of five weeks paid at 10% after 20 years of service. The agreement represents one of the best agreements for workers at a secondary poultry plant across Ontario.

“This is a superior contract that these Members worked hard to achieve,” said President Shawn Haggerty. “Five years ago the workers at this plant joined our Union because they didn’t have a voice, and with this agreement they were able to experience the process of negotiation, and use their voices to achieve a better contract.”

Union Negotiating Committee: Kuldip ‎Deol, Cristobal Fe, Hanyan (Harry) Liu, Grupinder Puri, and Union Reps Jeffery Lu and Sam Caetano. ...

First contract ratified at North Bay Holiday Inn Express On September 19, 2016 members at the Holiday Inn Express in North Bay ratified their first collective agreement.

The employees at the hotel, who joined Local 175 last year following a successful organizing campaign, achieved a number of improvements.

The three-year agreement includes wage increases of 2% at one year of service, 2.25% at two years of service, and 2.5% at three years of service. Full-time employees receive three paid sick days per year, and bereavement language provides up to five days leave. Vacation entitlement increases, full-time employees receive one floating holiday, and Civic Holiday will be treated as a statutory holiday.

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Maple Lodge Farms members ratify: Avoid strike action On November 4, 2016, the 160 members of Local 175 at Maple Lodge Farms (Puddy Brothers) in Mississauga achieved a four-year collective agreement. The ratification came one day before the scheduled strike deadline for these members.

The vote, which was 85% in favour of the recommended settlement, brings a number of improvements. Members receive a signing bonus plus a retroactive wage increase of 40 cents per hour for hours worked since October 1, 2016.

All rates and classifications also increase by 25 cents per

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The employer will cover the cost of uniforms, and contribute $200 per year toward the Local 175 Training & Education Fund. Additional important language establishes Union Steward representation, seniority, grievance and arbitration steps, job postings, and a No Discrimination policy.

Union Negotiating Committee: Kelly Ferguson, Mark McLaughlin, and Union Rep Jeff Barry. ...

Kearney Volunteer Firefighters ratify first agreement Volunteer Firefighters with the Town of Kearney ratified their first collective agreement in July 2016. The contract includes strong grievance and arbitration language, as well as standard language establishing Steward representation,

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

The pay structure improves from the previous unreliable employer-decided points system to an hourly wage. Members receive a Standard boot allowance of $75, as needed, and Drivers receive up to $100 toward license renewals.

Language also provides for increased regular and dress uniform items and a meal allowance of $50 per day when the Volunteers attend training.

Union Negotiating Committee: Jim McGilchrist, Justine McKean, and Union Rep Tony Nigro. ...

First agreement achieved by Wolseley Canada members Following a number of negotiation dates as well as three meetings in conciliation, the members at Wolseley Canada were presented with their first collective agreement at a ratification meeting held September 10, 2016.

In addition to standard provisions such as union security, grievance procedures, and seniority, the agreement also contains improvements over the members’ previous working conditions.

Effective the date of ratification all start and end rates increase by 4%. All other rates on the wage grid, except Sanitation and Unloaders, increase by 3%. Sanitation and Unloaders receive a 1% increase to the 48-month rate. All rates on the wage grid increase by 2.5% in year two and 2.5% in year three. Members now reach the end rate after 48 months rather than the previous 60 months required.

Active employees receive a signing bonus of $250.

Effective January 1, 2017, employees receive improved reimbursement for the cost of footwear of up to $140, instead of the previous $100 maximum.

Health and Safety language establishes policies and procedures to keep the workplace safe and clean. Other language addresses job postings, layoff and recall, hours of work and overtime, paid holidays and vacation entitlement.

The three-year contract covers approximately 115 employees at the Milton warehouse where employees are responsible for the distribution of plumbing and heating products, and plastic pipe and valves for oil and gas projects.

Union Negotiating Committee: Jeff Chandler, Andy Wobbes, Union Reps Matt Davenport and Mike Mattioli, and Regional Director Rob Nicholas. ...

in Sarnia, who joined Local 175 last year, were awarded their first collective agreement through arbitration.

Employees receive monetary increases of 50 cents per hour in each year of the contract term, plus a new safety footwear allowance and one personal day per year. The negotiating committee was successful at getting back the fourth week of paid vacation after 16 years of service as well.

Union Negotiating Committee: Clint Richardson, Ted Brooks, and Union Rep Rolando Cabral. ...

Ray Plastics members vote yes to 3-year deal Members at Ray Plastics ratified a new three-year collective agreement on November 13, 2016.

All rates increase by 30 cents per hour in the first year, 30 cents per hour in the second year, and 35 cents per hour in the final year of the contract term. New language addresses the use of agency employees to prevent the layoff, displacement, and replacement of bargaining unit members. The scope clause is also expanded.

New vacation language ensures that all current employees may achieve the maximum vacation entitlement of seven weeks. The employer will increase its contributions to the UFCW Benefit Trust Fund to maintain benefits. Employer contributions to the Local 175 Training & Education Fund will increase in each year of the term to reach $2,000 by the third year.

Union Negotiating Committee: Minal Gandhi, Kuldeep Kaur, Yvonne Soliven, and Union Rep Anthony DiMaio. ...

1st contract for Millwood Manor members On September 22, 2016, the 19 members at Millwood Manor Retirement Residence in Kitchener achieved their first collective agreement. Wages will improve by up to 10% in year one, and 1.5% in years two and three. Benefits have been reinstated for full-time employees.

Workers benefit from improved vacation entitlement, and the contract provides for standard paid holidays plus one float day. Other language addresses overtime and a functioning Health & Safety Committee.

Union Negotiating Committee: Madeleine Fahim, Rosa Zica, and Union Rep Steve Springall. ...

Arbitrator awards Park Lane Chevy members 1 contract st

On September 12, the 24 members at Park Lane Chevrolet

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TRAINING & EDUCATION

2016 Weeklong Paid Training Sessions This year’s weeklong paid training for Members, Stewards, and Health & Safety Members took place in October.

The almost 60 participants spent a week learning more about the Union and their role in the labour movement as Unionized workers.

Topics varied for each group, but included organizing, the history of our Union, the role of Stewards, health & safety, the benefits of belonging, as well as more in-depth health and safety topics and Stewards’ responsibilities.

Each of the groups were great at participating and discussing their ideas. Thank you everyone who took the time to attend the training.

Next year’s paid training will take place in October again with applications available in the Spring. Visit ufcw175.com for more information.

SOLIDARITY SCHOLARSHIPS Congratulations Locals 175 & 633 is proud to offer 88 post-secondary scholarships to our members and their children every year.

“We call them the Solidarity Scholarships because it’s about supporting working families,” explained President Haggerty. “Student debt averages more than $25,000 in Canada. Anything we can do to help students and their families carry those costs is money well spent.”

Applications for the 2017 Solidarity Scholarships will be available beginning April 1 next year online and through your Union Rep. Deadline for applications is August 1, 2017.

There are other scholarships available for UFCW members as well through the UFCW Canada National Council and UFCW International.

Visit ufcw175.com for a complete list of this year’s Solidarity Scholarship winners and more information on scholarships.

Find more pics on our Facebook page! Like us at facebook.com/ufcwlocals175633

STEWARD SEMINARS

The 2016 Stewards’ Seminars wrapped up in Toronto and Kingston in early November. Nearly 380 Stewards took part in the two conferences.

Over the two days, and an additional 50/50 draw in Region 3, Stewards raised an incredible $31,000 for the LLSC! Thank you all for your generosity and continued support of our fundraising for blood cancer research.

This year marks the end of the annual weekend stewards’ seminars, which will now take place every two years. Next year, the Training & Education Centre

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will roll out localized training cells for Stewards in their communities.

“I believe the Stewards will benefit greatly from having focused and local training next year,” explained President Haggerty. “It means less travel for them, and more targeted instruction.”

The weekend Seminars will take place in 2018, followed by a year of cell training in 2019, and so on.

Stewards should keep an eye out over the year for invitations and details on when the cell training is coming to your area.

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COMMUNITY

Firefighters host annual breakfast to give back to community Each year in October, the Firefighters of the Intertownship Fire Department of the Municipality of Meaford and the Township of Georgian Bluffs, who are members of Local 175, cook up a wonderful breakfast for Owen Sound and the surrounding communities.

For $10, an adult can enjoy pancakes eggs, bacon, sausage, home-fries, toast, yogurt and a steaming cup of coffee. Most of the product is donated from local businesses and all proceeds are used to help children in the community.

“This is an amazing group of people,” said President Haggerty. “They put their lives on the line to keep their communities safe and here they are using their free time to support the community even more.”

The funds raised at the annual breakfast are used to pay for children who have been victimized by fire, to be able to attend camp in the summer, the cost for which is normally in excess of $3,000. Other proceeds go toward purchasing food and toys for families in the local communities who are experiencing hardship during the Holiday Season.

Union hosts United Way Kickoff On September 15, the Local Union hosted the United Way Kickoff meeting, providing a BBQ lunch for the event in Cambridge.

Last year, staff at the Union’s Cambridge office collected $2,117 through payroll deduction and donations for the United Way, which was an increase of 8.1% over the previous year. “Our goal is to exceed this amount next year,” said Union Rep Diane Sanvido, who is a Campaign Volunteer for the area.

This year’s four key focus areas for the United Way campaign are: Help Kids Be All They Can Be, Help People Move Poverty to Possibility, Build Strong Communities, and Empower Volunteers and Fuel Non-Profits.

For details on your local United Way chapter, how to volunteer, and to donate, visit unitedway.ca. You can also Like them on Facebook at facebook.com/ UnitedWayCentraide.

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BBQ at Cargill London On a sunny September 28, members at the Cargill London facility enjoyed a great BBQ to raise money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada (LLSC). Three BBQs took place – one very early in the morning, one at lunch time, and a last one in the evening – so that every shift got a chance to come out, enjoy great food and buy raffle prize tickets! The total raised was $1280.55! Thank you to everyone who donated.

Bowling for a Cure On October 15, Region 8 held the Bowling for a Cure fundraiser in Sault Ste. Marie in support of the LLSC. The event took place at the Northcrest Lanes, whose employees are members of Local 175!

It turned out to be a spook-tacular event! Thanks to the support of our Union Sisters, Brothers and Friends and the community, we raised $1365.

Organizing Honorarium Winner Congratulations to Ozren Elezovic, who is a new member from the Lord Lansdowne Retirement Residence in Ottawa.

Ozren received a cheque for $1,000 as part of the Organizing Honorarium program, presented to him at the Kingston Stewards Seminar.

He not only helped organize his own workplace in May, but also gave Union Organizers the lead for organizing the Duke of Devonshire Retirement Residence, which was successfully certified in October.

Members at both retirement care facilities now belong to the Local 175 Health, Office, and Professional Employees (HOPE) Sector.

The Organizing Honorarium is an incentive program that provides up to $1,250, based on the size and sector of the workplace, to a Member of UFCW Locals 175 & 633 who provides a lead to our Organizers that results in a successful certification.

“This incentive is about getting our Union members to talk about what it means to belong to the Union with their family and friends outside of work,” explained President Haggerty. “There is nothing that can replace getting information through word-of-mouth from the people we trust.”

The Local Union welcomed well over 500 new members to Locals 175 & 633 over the last year.

You can download the poster and find more information on the Incentive program online at ufcw175.com/honorarium. ...

If you have moved 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