Checkout December 2015

THE NEWS MAGAZINE FOR MEMBERS OF LOCALS 175 & 633 UFCW CANADA Volume XXIV No. 4 December 2015

Fall Stewards Seminars page 14

Province expands healthcare access for transgendered people page 11

Solidarity Scholarship Winners! page 6

Staff LOCAL 175 Shawn Haggerty, President; Kelly Tosato, Secretary-Treasurer; Karen Vaughan, Recorder; Ray Bromley, Al McLean, Harry Sutton - Executive Assistants LOCAL 633 Dan Bondy, President; Marylou Mallett, Secretary-Treasurer; Neil Hotchkiss, Recorder BENEFITS Georgina MacDonald - Intake Representative; Sherree Backus, Joce Cote, Joanne Ford, Jody Jones, Sarah Neath - Benefits 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, Mike Mattioli, Tony Nigro, Amy Tran - Organizing Representatives; Derek Jokhu - Organizing Apprentice.

TRAINING & EDUCATION Rob Armbruster - Director; Kelly Nicholas - Co-ordinator REGION 1 Dan Lacroix - Regional Director; Colby Flank, Jason Hanley - Union Representatives REGION 2 Derik McArthur - Regional Director; Mona Bailey, John DiFalco, Anthony DiMaio, John Di Nardo, Rob Nicholas, Mark Stockton - Union Representatives; Melody Slattery - Servicing Representative

President’s Message

Welcome New Members

Secretary-Treasurer’s Message

Fundraising

Page 3

Page 4

Union News

Page 5

Scholarships & Awards Page 6

Altered Lives Project Tamara’s Story

Page 9

Page 10

Community Action Network

Page 11

Negotiations Page 12

Stewards Seminars

Page 14

Page 8

REGION 3 Dan Lacroix - Regional Director; Simon Baker, Shannon Epp, Paul Hardwick, Dean McLaren, Daniel Mercier - Union Representatives; Jacques Niquet Servicing Representative REGION 4 Sylvia Groom - Regional Director; Ron McGuire - Union Representative; Orsola Augurusa, Rick Daudlin, Virginia Haggith, Lee Johnson-Koehn, Casey Magee, Arlene Robertson, Brenda Simmons - Servicing Representatives REGION 5 Jim McLean - Regional Director; Jehan Ahamed, Bob Kearney, Brad Morrison, Mario Tardelli Union Representatives REGION 6 Luc Lacelle - Regional Director; Wendy Absolom, Sam Caetano, Matt Davenport, Tim Deelstra, Joe De Melo, Jeffery Lu, Angela Mattioli Union Representatives; Ashleigh Garner - Servicing Representative REGION 7 Jim McLean - Regional Director; Sharon Kempf, Diane Sanvido, Steve Springall - Union Representatives; Dave Forbes - Servicing Representative REGION 8 Chris Fuller - Regional Director; Jeff Barry, Matt Belanger, Lionel MacEachern, Sandra Rogerson, Dave White - Union Representatives ISSN No. 1703-3926

CHECKOUT is an official publication of Locals 175 & 633 of the United Food & Commercial Workers (UFCW)

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UUWO

President’s Message Shawn Haggerty

Your voices made the difference in the election I want to congratulate each and every one of you who voted in the Federal Election on October 19. Your voices made a difference: Harper is gone.

Trudeau’s tenure as Prime Minister is brand new of course, but he started off on the right foot at his swearing-in ceremony on November 4 by presenting a cabinet that reflects Canada. The cabinet includes 15 women, geographic representation and even titles – like Minister of Environment and Climate Change – that embrace today’s reality. And he named the first aboriginal person to serve as justice minister and attorney general. It’s these kinds of things that can invigorate a nation, and it shows that Canada is on the cusp of change and, hopefully, progress.

As we move forward with the new government we must continue to be vigilant and hold the new leadership accountable to the working families of this country. On November 10, Trudeau became the first sitting Prime Minister in 50 years to address the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) where he spoke about his commitment to repeal anti-worker Bills C-377 and C-525. That’s a good start, but we must also make sure that Trudeau stays true to his word.

We must make sure that Canada’s universal health care system is preserved and funded properly going forward to meet the ever changing needs of our population and that the rest of our social support system stays intact to take care of our most vulnerable.

Our staff, our Stewards and our thousands of members fight every day to protect the vulnerable at work and in our communities. The generosity and kindness shown throughout our membership – whether it’s fundraising for the LLSC, volunteering as a Steward, gathering funds to support coworkers going through rough times, or donating time in the community – tells me we have a lot to be proud of right here in our Union family. It’s one of the reasons I am

so proud to work for this Union and be part of the labour movement.

Thank you to everyone who came out to vote for your Executive Board Vice-Presidents (VPs) at the September membership meetings. Your involvement goes a long way to ensuring that your voice is heard as your concerns are brought forward by your elected representatives. I take pride in representing each member of this Local Union and I want to thank you for placing your confidence in me as your President for another term. Welcome to our newest, and returning, board members, and thank you to those outgoing VPs who served the membership well during their term on the Board.

There have been a number of retirement announcements which will bring about some transitions in our staff (look for more on these changes in the next issue of Checkout).

Long-time Union members and dedicated labour activists Al McLean, Ray Bromley, Harry Sutton and Dan Lacroix will all be retiring. With these leadership positions opening up, we welcome new Executive Assistants Sylvia Groom, Luc Lacelle, and Jim McLean. I also want to congratulate our new Directors: Sandra Rogerson (Region 8), Rob Nicholas (Region 6), Angela Mattioli (Region 5), Sharon Kempf (Region 7), and Daniel Mercier (Region 3). Chris Fuller will now be Director of Region 4. These changes will all take place over the coming months. The absences left by our retiring staff are tough to fill but I know we’ve got a strong and talented team, and I look forward to working with them in their new roles as we move forward into 2016.

I wish you all a great holiday season and a wonderful New Year.

In Solidarity, Shawn Haggerty | December 2015

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Secretary-Treasurer’s Message Kelly Tosato

Taking action on violence against women

UN Women took on a 16-day campaign to ‘Orange the World’ and end violence against women and girls globally.

It’s an important endeavour that reveals truths about the crimes against women in many countries. Learn more about this campaign and the ongoing work of UN Women at facebook.com/SayNO.UNiTE or twitter.com/SayNO_UNiTE. Women across Canada are twice as likely as men to report being a victim of sexual assault, 11 times more likely than men to be sexually victimized, and three times as likely to be stalked. And 45% of violent acts against women are committed by a woman’s intimate partner. That’s about four times higher than men whose rate of intimate partner violence is at about 12%.These acts also lead to increased rates of depression, anxiety, and fear1.

Indigenous women are disproportionately represented in the number of murders and missing persons in Canada. Indigenous women make up about 4.3% of the female population2, but 16% of the cases where a female is murdered and more than 11% of the missing women and girls3. Aboriginal women experience violence at a rate almost three times as high as non-Aboriginal women4.

Our new Prime Minister has, thankfully, promised to call an inquiry into the 1,200 missing and murdered indigenous women in this country. What Prime Minister Trudeau is promising is a good start, but it will take time and patience to interview families and those affected.

Violence continues to affect women and girls in this

country and we must stand up, speak up and fight back. It requires a drastic change of mindset and our laws.

[

The United Nations (UN) declared November 25 as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. In Canada, we also observe a Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women on December 6 in honour of the 14 women who lost their lives due to violence at Montréal’s École Polytechnique in 1989.

But we can do a lot to create change in our own communities by supporting all If you or women seeking protection from violence. someone you know Ensuring that families have a safe place to go is a vital step to visit making sure violence gets reported. If you or someone you know is affected by violence, please visit ShelterSafe.ca for resources and support.

NEEDS HELP

ShelterSafe.ca

Locals 175 & 633 joined the UFCW Canada Shoe Memorial collection which sought donations of shoes to commemorate women and families affected by violence. The shoes collected are being displayed at a December 6 ceremony and will be donated to local women’s shelters.

I know our members take the safety and well-being of their families to heart, and I am proud to represent the amazing members of this Local Union. I want to thank you for your support and for entrusting me with this leadership role for another four years. I wish you all the best of the holiday season and the New Year.

In Solidarity, Kelly Tosato

StatsCan (2013) Measuring violence against women: Statistical trends. Pgs. 8, 9, 11, 17. www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/85-002-x/2013001/article/11766-eng.pdf 2 StatsCan (2011) National Housing Survey 3 RCMP (2014) Missing and Murdered Aboriginal Women: A National Operational Overview. Pgs. 8, 9. www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/pubs/mmaw-faapd-eng.pdf 4 StatsCan (2011) Violent victimization of Aboriginal women in the Canadian provinces, 2009. Pg. 5. www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/85-002-x/2011001/article/11439-eng.pdf 1

UNION NEWS OUR MEMBERS Proud father and long-time Local 175 member at Canada Malting in Thunder Bay, Rick Romick is pictured below with his son Nigel Romick. Nigel wears jersey #47 for the CFL’s Ottawa Redblacks as Defensive End and Special Teams. Nigel also worked at Canada Malting as a summer student.

We first featured a story about Nigel’s rise to football stardom in the April 2013 issue of Checkout while he was in his third year at St. Mary’s in Halifax after receiving a football scholarship to attend the school.

At the time he was one of three players from St. Mary’s called to compete in the East-West Bowl, which made him eligible for the 2014 CFL draft. In fact, he was selected 23rd overall in the third round of that draft.

“Rick is so proud of his son’s accomplishments,” explained Union Rep Jason Hanley. “You can see it in his face when he talks about him. It’s great to see people from this northern community, especially when it’s our own Union members, do so well.”

LETTERS My name is Kevin E. Pessoa, former worker at Maple Lodge Farms Ltd. Having worked at Maple Lodge for three years, two months, and twelve days: Never absent; late for six minutes once due to an accident at Heritage Road and Steeles Avenue, which created a major backup of traffic in every direction.

I lost my job on 29th December, 2014 due to the delay in receiving my renewal of my work permit. This information wasn’t forwarded to the Union until the last week of January 2015. Not knowing what to do, I contacted Joce Cote who gave me Sam’s (Caetano, Union Rep) info.

To cut a long story short, I want to take this opportunity to say a big thank you to the Union and the manner in which it was professionally dealth with by Mr. Sam Caetano.

Having someone with his expertise at your back, you are in very good hands.

When I was down and out, seemingly going nowhere and appeared to be on my own, the Union stood by me all the way and was satisfied with the eventual outcome. Every ‘red cent’ that was deducted by the Union was well worth it. I can say without a shadow of a doubt the true purpose of the Union and its effectiveness to all Canadian workers.

If the Union should be nullified out of the system, a lot of employees would be at the mercy of employers who would have them like ‘puppets on a string.’ Thanks again and all the best in future endeavours.

Kevin Pessoa

ORANGE THE WORLD

Locals 175 & 633 Executive Board members show their support for the UN Women Orange the World campaign.

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SCHOLARSHIPS & AWARDS Solidarity Scholarships REGION 1 Reine Sky Nathan Pyhtila Adam Costa Kathleen Murray Tyler Stoiber Libby Paleczny Alexis Hell Raymond Mattila

REGION 2 Cameron Penn Mable Thomas Sadia Irshad Merilyn Igharo Thomas Brodhaecker Dillanique Knight Jessica Doodahnand John Caffery Marcus Pevide Courtney MacDonald Jade Sullivan Tanya Verma

REGION 3 Emma Fulco Mackennsie Pritchard Nicole Forndron Draven Flood Michael Wood Sierra-Skye Beauchamp-Stephenson Heather Melissa McRae Liam McCoy Jacqueline Grace Gauvreau Cole O’Sullivan Tessa Senneker Krista Nicole May

REGION 4 Nicolle Mahaffy-Schmidt Lauren Crawford Anthony Walker Misrah Mahmood Dexter Hurtado Kendra MacKenzie Angela Visser Isabella Romano Lisa Tremblay Lillian Stathopoulos Taylor Penny Mathias Franzem

REGION 5 Alesha-Marie Grummett-Roesch Nimisha Sumanthi Carolynn Taylor Erika Weber Mandeep Virk Cody Forrest Ryanne Florence Kira Kauer Genna Villella Skylar Rego Jason Hands Chelsey Leppard

REGION 6 Taylor Chiomey Megan Watchorn Zachary Benjamin Rex William James Austin Durward Gabriella Hubert Daniel Lwis Jane Kang Sarah Luu Christopher Lam Amanda Felker Crystal Kim Dayle Parker

REGION 7 Meagan Bridge Ekbal Bolbol Michelle Lelievre Rachel McMullin Andrew Hutfluss Jasmine O’Halloran Erin Knischewsky Benjamin Burley Ethan Main Timothy Sproule Brooklyn Westlake Kenneth Scriven

REGION 8 Oliver Rankin Scott Sampson Lauren McLaren Danielle Mathias Jessica Pelchat Mara Faggioni Lindsey Barron Paige Morton

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more photos available on our Facebook facebook.com/ufcwlocals175633

Outstanding Member Achievement Awards BOB HOWARD Maple Leaf Heritage

KATHLEEN ST. GERMAIN Prince Foods

Manifest leadership & advancement of the UFCW

Enhance & achieve improvements in health & safety, and WSIB

Bob has been a member since 2005 when he began working at the Maple Leaf plant in Hamilton. He was an active Steward until that facility closed in 2014.

When the new plant opened, he was instrumental in negotiating a new collective agreement which allowed members to transfer to the new facility and retain their seniority.

The new plant has more than 800 members but Bob still ensures his co-workers, and in particular new members, have their concerns addressed.

“Bob is a leader in the workplace and vigilant on the enforcement of the collective agreement” says Union Rep Matt Davenport. “We are fortunate to have him as a Steward. Bob is a dedicated supporter of the members and the Union.”

Kathleen has been a member of the Health & Safety committee at Prince Foods for nine years.

She is a dedicated advocate who has represented members at return to work meetings and with other labour related concerns.

Kathleen is very active within the Union and can be relied on to provide support and assistance whenever it’s needed.

“Kathleen works diligently to reduce injuries by concentrating on the ergonomics of a job,” says Louise Summers, Chief Steward at Prince Foods and Local 175 Executive Board member. “You can always count on Kathleen to stand up and help a fellow employee.”

VICKY GARINGER Oak Pharmacy Metro #474

DAN PHILION Metro #181

Outstanding contributions to the community

Dedication to fundraising for Leukemia research

Vicky is an active member and Steward for the bargaining unit members at Metro #474.

As a long-standing UFCW member, Dan has served as a Steward and Health & Safety representative. He has always fought for workers’ rights in the workplace and is a strong voice for all members.

Vicky is a key organizer and volunteer for the Special Olympics Sudbury Chapter. On Friday night you will find her at the bowling alley coaching 96 Special Olympics athletes.

She is passionate about helping others and assists at many community events throughout the year raising funds and awareness for Our Children Our Future, Leukemia and other organizations.

“Vicky is always the first person to step forward whenever a volunteer is needed,” says Union Rep Matt Belanger, “She is an advocate for those in need who represents the values of our local union.”

Dan is also an advocate for his community and a Leukemia Fundraiser. Dan has been instrumental in organizing fundraising events such as the Bake Sale in Sault Ste. Marie this year, which raised over $9,000 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada (LLSC).

“Dan proudly wears his union pin at work and in the community. He is a volunteer who gives back to those in need selflessly throughout the year,” says Union Rep Sandra Rogerson.

For info on how to apply for a Solidarity Scholarship or nominate yourself / co-worker for an Outstanding Achievement Award

VISIT UFCW175.COM/SCHOLARSHIPS

altered altered livesproject livesproject ufcw175.com/alteredlivesproject

Tamara’s story Tamara lives on an island in a small city situated on the Lake of the Woods in Northwestern Ontario. She travels to work by boat during the summer and on the ice roads during the winter.

For the past 33 years, Tamara has worked at one of the city’s most popular grocery stores. She has enjoyed her employment there and she recalls memories fondly of working in the store in her youth, singing out the price of each item as it went through her checkout.

If you landed a job at this store, you were considered one of the lucky ones. Management was tough but fair with their student employees like Tamara, requiring them to provide proof of good grades to maintain employment. It was, and is, considered a great place to work.

Being located in a city often frequented by tourists, the work environment by default became fast and friendly where workers wanted to provide customers a gratifying experience including ‘above and beyond’ service like loading their cars and boats with groceries, if requested. However, there is a downside to this idyllic workplace.

Her injuries started when her right wrist started to fall asleep and tingle before it gradually progressed to numbness and then pain as it became worse. Tamara suffered Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSIs) to both her arms and wrists as a result of such fast-paced and repetitive work. These injuries have forever altered her family and working life and she worries that one day she will not have use of her hands at all.

Due to these injuries “it feels like I am 20 years older than I am,” she shared. Tamara describes being uncharacteristically miserable from persistent pain combined with the inability to enjoy hobbies. Her horse Freckles brings her great joy.

Before her injuries, she rode Freckles whenever she could

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but now is heartbroken that she can only bear to ride him on ‘good’ days – at best one to two times per week.

Before her injuries, Tamara also enjoyed water-skiing, kayaking, and fishing, but she had to give up these pleasures as well due to pain, along with her fear of making things worse. Recently, Tamara held her friend’s new baby and realized her arms could not take it. Being a mother of three sons, Tamara grieves the likelihood that she will not be able to hold her future grandchildren.

When asked what her message to other workers would be, Tamara said: “Even though you are young when you are starting… think about the future. Try and do something in an easier, safer way. Don’t think you have anything to prove.”

Injury prevention is a responsibility shared by workers, employers, co-workers, unions and the community.

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS In the fall months of 2015, the Local Union welcomed three groups of workers who were all successful in campaigns to organize their workplaces.

On September 4, 2015, a successful certification vote took place for approximately 70 workers at

Square One Dental and Meadowvale Dental, making them part of Local 175’s growing Health,

Office & Professional Employees (HOPE) sector. Their positive outcome makes these workers the second ever dental services unit to join our Local Union. The new members work as Dental Assistants, Dental Hygienists, Administrative Staff, and Coordinators at the two workplaces: one located in the Square One Walmart store and the other in Meadowvale Town Centre in Mississauga. There is some crossover between the two offices and the workers were seeking to improve wages, benefits, working conditions, and job security.

Retirement care workers at Millwood Manor Retirement Residence in Kitchener achieved Union certification at a vote held September 18, 2015. Once some new employees are hired to resolve the current under-staffing issue, this bargaining unit will be comprised of approximately 30 people.

Members at the home work as Registered Nurses (RNs), Personal Support Workers (PSWs), Dietary Aides, and kitchen cleaners. Important issues that the workers want to address through negotiations include job security, benefits, working conditions, and wages.

At a vote held October 23, 2015, employees at Denninger’s Manufacturing Plant and Warehouse in Hamilton became part of Local 175 following a successful vote. The plant supplies meat and other products to six retail stores in Hamilton, Stoney Creek, Burlington, and Oakville. The more than 50 employees work as selectors, shipper/receivers, packagers, lift truck drivers, and butchers. In addition to wanting to improve their wages, working conditions, job security, and benefits, the employees also want to address the way management treats them.

“These victories belong to the workers,” said President Haggerty. “It is their hard work, dedication, and courage that makes it all possible and I know all the staff here at the Union looks forward to helping our newest members achieve good, solid contracts and a better future for their families.”

Celebrate Family Day with your Union Family!

Saturday February 20, 2016 Check for full details in the New Year on your Union bulletin board or www.ufcw175.com

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FUNDRAISING

Light the Night Ottawa On October 24, members and staff of Locals 175 & 633, along with thousands of supporters from the community and other UFCW Locals, took part in a Light the Night walk in Ottawa to benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada (LLSC).

Walkers carried illuminated lanterns: White for those with blood cancer or survivors, red for those walking as a supporter, and gold for those walking in memory of a loved one who they have lost to blood cancer.

Thanks to the $5,000 raised by our Local Union, generous donations, and pledges collected by everyone who walked that night, the LLSC raised $335,000!

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COMMUNITY ACTION NETWORK Ontario Expands Health Care Access for Transgendered People Eric Hoskins, Minister of Health has announced a plan to reduce long wait times currently faced by transgendered people. The provincial government is proposing to allow all qualified Ontario health care providers the ability to refer patients for sex-reassignment surgery, starting in 2016.

Currently, patients can only receive a referral for surgeries through the Gender Identity Clinic program at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) in Toronto. Hoskins said that this improvement will help Ontario’s health care system better reflect the vision that everyone has a right to be who they are.

The existing criteria that aligns with internationally recognized standards of care will still be used as the basis for the referral process for the surgery, and anyone looking to access these services should talk to their primary health care provider.

The announcement was made at a news conference held on November 6, 2015 at the Sherbourne Health Centre in Toronto, a Community Health Centre unionized with Local 175. *** On August 27, in Orlando Florida International President Marc Perrone addressed UFCW members from the LGBTQ community and allies at the AFL-CIO Pride at Work conference. We are proud to report that the UFCW was the first labour union to endorse the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) in the United States. This legislation would prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity in hiring and employment.

“Even though we are celebrating marriage equality this summer, too many LGBTQ workers still endure discrimination in workplaces that are far from equal. Today, in 29 states, it is still legal to fire a worker on the basis of their sexual orientation. In 33 states, a worker can be fired for being transgendered.

“Right now, the only way for these workers to gain the protection at work that we all deserve is through a union contract. “The UFCW is committed to putting an end to discrimination in the workplace. We will stand up, speak out and fight for what is right when companies disregard the value of hard-working men and women, based on whom they may love or who they are.”

Saturday, February 13, 2016 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

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Where: Peninsula Resort, Pefferlaw

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Registration fee: $25 (includes lunch) or get your Registration + Hut Rental, Bait & Breakfast: $60

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Contact Sherree Backus (1-800-267-1977) to pre-register

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Call Peninsula Resort directly (1-800-565-5253) for room and/or package costs.

NEGOTIATIONS

3-year contract for members at Massey Wholesale On October 18, the members of UFCW Local 175 who work at Massey Wholesale Ltd. voted yes to a new threeyear contract.

Wages increase over the life of the contract by classification including a total of 7% for Transportation, 5.5% for Office/ Warehouse, and 5.5% for part-time workers. In addition, the premium for Freezer shifts increases to $1.25 per hour, up from $1. Pension contributions increase to 2.75% and both vision care and contact lens coverage increase to $150.

Improved language addresses additional bereavement days, pay out of unused sick days, paid lunches for warehouse workers, two personal days, and a reduction in the years of service required for vacation entitlement.

The Boot/Shoe allowance for full and part-time workers improves to $125, from $110, and the meal allowance for drivers on overnight runs increases to $40, up from $30.

The employer will pay 50% of the cost of printing contract books for the members, and will contribute $500 toward the UFCW Local 175 Education & Training Fund.

Union Negotiating Committee: Denis Duff, Kevin Goddard, Wanda Hall, and Union Rep Lionel MacEachern. ...

Rekai Centre members vote yes on 2-year agreement A two-year deal was ratified on October 11 by members at Dr.’s Paul & John Rekai Centre in Toronto. The agreement includes across-the-board wage increases of 1.5% in year one and 1.4% in year two. Language improvements address Health & Safety, grievance procedure and a ‘whistle blowing’ protection guarantee. Registered Nurses (RNs) are now covered by the employer for Liability Insurance.

Union Negotiating Committee: Glenda Idolor, Evangeline Lacuesta and Union Rep John DiFalco. ...

Members at Mobile Climate achieve deal On October 24, more than 200 members of Local 175 at Mobile Climate achieved a new contract following a challenging set of negotiations. Wages increase for all rates by at least two per cent in each year of the agreement and negotiated language includes the reclassification of 25 employees immediately into higher paying jobs and higher rates of pay.

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Members benefit from one additional floater holiday to bring their entitlement to a total of three per year. Vision care improves to $180, up from $135, and the dental fee cap increases to $1,600, up from $1,500, per year. The dispensing fee cap for prescriptions increases to $10, up from $7, and the reimbursement amount for required doctor’s notes also increases. The safety boot allowance also improves.

New language provides interdepartmental training and transfers. Several other language improvements provide employees with more Union Security.

Union Negotiation Committee: Mach Duong, Raja Nadarajah, Matthew Taylor, and Union Rep John DiNardo. ...

Members at Delta in Sault Ste. Marie ratify Hospitality workers at the Delta Waterfront Hotel in Sault Ste. Marie have achieved a three-year agreement. The ratified contract includes wage increases throughout the grids for all employees of 2% in each year of the term. By 2017, the safety boot allowance will improve to $100 per year, up from $75, for maintenance and kitchen employees.

The shoe allowance for all other employees is now $50 for full-time and $25 per year for part-time.

Union Negotiating Committee: Debbie Boyer, Joel Grandmont, Nancy Hayes-Sheen, Lenelle Jackson, Mark McLeod and Union Rep Sandra Rogerson. ...

Mississauga Transit workers ratify 4-year contract At a meeting held November 8 members of the bargaining unit at Mississauga Transit ratified a four-year contract.

Wages improve by 1.5% in the first year, retroactive for hours worked since the expiry of the previous contract.

Subsequent increases are 1.5% in the second year, 1.5% in the third year, and 1.75% in the fourth year.

Vision care coverage increases to $400, up from $325, and eye exams will now be covered for $75, up from $50. Dental coverage improves from the 2009 Ontario Dental Association (ODA) fee guide to a one-year lag going forward.

Workers also benefit from the introduction of a prescription drug card including 100% reimbursement and no dispensing fee caps, as well as the ability to pay direct with a card for dental claims.

Vacation credit improves for full-time employees to provide three weeks upon hire, instead of the previous one year required, four weeks after seven years instead of nine years, five weeks after 15 years instead of 17 years, and six weeks

All of our negotiations don’t always fit into the magazine! You can find more online at www.ufcw175.com after 22 years down from the previous 24 years required.

Language improvements address minimum shift scheduling for part-time, vacation selection, job vacancies, paid holidays, and scheduling.

Union Negotiating Committee: Michelle O’Connor, Dana Pollard, and Union Rep John DiNardo. ...

3-year contract for members at G&K Services The 25 members of Local 175 working at G&K Services in Cambridge ratified a new three-year contract at a meeting held November 11.

Wages increase retroactively, by 54 cents per hour for Route Sales Representatives (RSRs) and 27 cents for Route Helpers, for hours worked since July 1, 2015. Subsequent increases will be paid in lump sums of $1,000 to RSRs and $500 to Route Helpers in 2016, $400 and $200 respectively in 2017, and $400 and $200 respectively again in 2018.

Members will see increased employer contributions to their RRSP of 20 cents per hour in each year of the contract term, which will bring them to a contribution rate of $2 per hour by the third year. The workers benefit from a move to the UFCW Trusteed Benefit health and welfare plan which will see improved benefits such as Long-Term Disability coverage, a drug card, and higher Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) coverage.

Language improvements address increased time limits on filing for arbitration, costs of printing agreements and committee wages for negotiations, and protection for members

who are disciplined with no Steward present.

Union Negotiating Committee: Ken Carroll, Pat Murphy, and Union Reps Jeffery Lu and Tim Deelstra. ...

S. Gumperts workers ratify new agreement On November 15, the approximately 40-member bargaining unit at S. Gumperts of Canada in Mississauga achieved a three-year collective agreement.

The contract includes wage improvements in the form of a $400 lump sum payment effective date of ratification plus subsequent increases totalling 50 cents per hour over the next two years in the contract term. Vision care coverage improves to $300, up from $250, and workers benefit from the implementation of a drug card. A new Long-Term Disability (LTD) plan will be available subject to 100% member participation. Improved language provides end of year payout for unused vacation days, new vacation selection by seniority, and shift preference by seniority.

Union Negotiating Committee: Janeta Brown, Lala Rajalingam, and Union Rep John DiNardo. ...

Sudbury Rona workers ratify: End 5-day lockout Members of Local 175 at Rona in Sudbury were locked out by their employer at 12:01 a.m. on November 12 after being notified only a few hours earlier.

One of the outstanding issues was that the employer took the unlawful position to force some employees with seniority to work Sundays. Under the Employment Standards Act, however, retail employees hired before September 4, 2001 have the right to refuse Sunday work; a provision which applied to a number of employees at this store. After five days on the picket line and overwhelming support from the Sudbury community, the Union’s negotiating committee and the employer agreed on a two-year contract, which the members ratified unanimously on November 16.

“We are satisfied that this agreement meets the needs of our hard-working members including retaining their right to refuse Sunday work,” explained President Haggerty.

The agreement contains wage increases of 1.25% plus a $500 lump sum in the first year, and 2% in the second year.

Workers receive five paid sick days per calendar year and required doctor’s notes will be reimbursed up to $40. The employer will pay 100% of the cost of uniforms. ...

STEWARD SEMINARS This year, more than 800 Stewards took part in learning seminars to improve and build on their skills.

“Our Stewards are a lifeline for many of our members who need help in their workplace every day,” explained President Haggerty. “I want to make sure they are armed with the best knowledge, the most complete skillset, and the vital experience they need to help protect their co-workers.”

Sessions included everything from introductory Stewards’ training, to focused Health & Safety and injured workers issues, the use of social media and much more.

Visit www.ufcw175.com to see more photos of these weekends!

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TORONTO

The 2016 Steward Seminar Schedule more information will follow next year

Hamilton Seminar & London Seminar

Sudbury Seminar & Thunder Bay Seminar

Toronto Seminar & Kingston Seminar

APRIL 30 & MAY 1

MAY 14 & 15

NOVEMBER 5 & 6

LONDON

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Visit www.ufcw175.com or like us on Facebook for more photos!

SAULT STE. MARIE

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THUNDER BAY

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Visit www.ufcw175.com or like us on Facebook for more photos!

KINGSTON

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Just like life insurance or a will you need to make sure you

designate a

for your pension & benefit plans.

Contact your pension plan and benefit plan administrators to make sure your beneficiary information and contact information is up to date.

If you have moved, please make sure you also 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