Labour Day is a day to recognize and celebrate the contributions of working people.
Our members at UFCW Locals 175 & 633 are 70,000 strong, working hard every day to produce vital goods and services that ensure the people in this province and beyond can thrive.
From retail to healthcare, food and beverage production and distribution, meat and poultry processing, industrial manufacturing and packaging, hospitality, the service industry and much more, the members of UFCW Locals 175 & 633 are integral to the success of our economy and our communities.
UFCW
President
Secretary-Treasurer
Karen
Executive
Chris
HOPE Sector
Director, Long-Term Care & Retirement: Sandra Ashcroft; Union Representatives: Todd Janes, Dean McLaren, Maxine Prince, Mike Windley
Directors, Community Care: Mike Mattioli, Sabrina Qadir; Union Representatives: Sacha Edey, Kasiobi Nwankudu, Meemee Seto; Servicing Representative: Kirsten Hansen
Region 1 Director: Tracy Stubbs; Union Representative: Alex Stubbs; Servicing Representative: Lynn Swiderski
Region 2 Director: Jason Hanley; Union Representatives: Chris Bernardi, Ricardo Bocanegra, Amanda DeMelo, Christina Mayberry, Mario Tardelli, Amy Tran
Region 3 Director: Paul Hardwick; Union Representatives: Sean Carroll, Kimberly Hunter, Damian Hulshof, Joe Tenn; Servicing Representative: Mirella Fornieri
Region 4 Directors: Matt Davenport, John DiNardo; Union Representative: Jennifer Hanley; Servicing Representatives: Nunzio Cannistraci, Wyllan Dick, Art Gier, Patrick Griggs, Dawn Hanlon, Shirley Hepditch, Alan Reston
Region 5 Director: Derek Jokhu; Union Representatives: Arlene Robertson; Servicing Representative: Liam Aikens-Armbruster, Kelly Dick, Sharon Jones, Justin Poirier
Region 6 Director: Sam Caetano; Union Representatives: Dave Forbes, Chris Mayberry, Nelson Pereira, Melody Slattery, Navidad Talbot, Fred Teeple
Region 7 Director: Shannon Epp; Union Representative: John Beaton; Servicing Representatives: Julie Jodoin, Skip Pavlick
Region 8 Director: Derik McArthur; Union Representatives: Jeff Barry, Michael Bernier, Richard Eberhardt, Jim Hames, Peter Wasney
Health & Safety Director: Kelly Nicholas; Health & Safety Representative: Donna Rhodes
Legal Director: Jane Mulkewich; Paralegal: Gord Steinberg; Counsel: Christopher Jagodits, Matthew Jagodits, Ambar Reyes, Brandon Rodrigues
Organizing Director: Tony Nigro; Organizing Representatives: Alex Banaag, Joce Cote, Tim Hum, Jeffery Lu, Casey Magee; Organizing Apprentice: Gurpreet Singh
Training & Education Director: Kelly Nicholas; Servicing Representative: Teresa Wilson
Communications Coordinator: Jennifer Tunney; Communications Representatives: Laurie Duncan, Ashleigh Vink
Political Action & Member Engagement
Director: Debora De Angelis
Projects Coordinator: Wei Chen
What’s Inside
President Tosato's Message
A movement built on the every day actions of labour advocates: We are stronger together.
Resolving the day-to-day issues you face as workers –whether a grievance, a health and safety hazard, or other concerns – is worker advocacy in action on the ground. Finding solutions to protect workers every day is at the core of what the Union does, and what the labour movement is about.
Those day-to-day actions add up. That's how movements are built; little by little over time through the actions of many. And Labour Day is a chance to reflect on this work as a movement and to remember our power as working people because we are stronger together.
The labour movement showed up together in a big way when Air Canada flight attendants, represented by CUPE, took to the picket lines this summer and defied Section 107 – back-to-work legislation –imposed by the federal government.
Why wasn’t the company instead forced back to the table by the government? Because, again and again, governments put corporations ahead of
people; profit ahead of living wages; higher shares and stocks ahead of being able to afford the rising costs of living.
Time and time again, companies like Air Canada rely on government intervention.
In an interview on BNN Bloomberg, Air Canada CEO Michael Rousseau was asked whether the company made any provisions ahead of time to assist customers in the event of a strike. Rousseau essentially said that the company was relying on the government to impose Section 107 of the Canadian Labour Code, which they assumed the Union wouldn’t defy.
Is that bargaining in good faith? We know back-to-work legislation for what it is: basic Union-busting and a blatant attempt to weaken the workers’ side of the dispute.
The government’s intervention is a clear violation of Charterprotected rights and an infringement on a most fundamental part of our Canadian democracy.
But the Union members did defy the order, and Air Canada relented. Those members
stood their ground because labour united and had their back, and the two parties got back to the negotiating table, as it should be.
When the labour movement stands together, we are powerful.
I see that power every Labour Day, and this year was no different. The energy, strength, and resolve on display at events across the province is clear.
Whether it’s our more than 70,000 members here at Locals 175 & 633, or the millions of unionized workers across the country – we are a force to be reckoned with when we stand together.
Just like those day-to-day actions in the workplace, every attendee at every Labour Day event helps build that power and connection little by little, and I thank everyone who took the time to celebrate on September 1 this year.
In Solidarity, Kelly Tosato president@ufcw175.com
Secretary-Treasurer McLean's Message
Finding strength, resolve, and power in your Union membership and collective agreement
This summer has been difficult for a number of our members as some employers – most of which have been in their communities for many years – announced layoffs and closures. As a result, some of our members have lost their jobs or will be out of work by the end of the year.
About 50 members are losing their jobs as Wonderbrands in Sudbury ends its sliced bread production. Lactalis, also in Sudbury, is closing its plantbased manufacturing facility just a few years after receiving $1.4 million in funding to retool their plant. That decision will put 26 members out of work.
Ridgewood Industries in Cornwall, a long-time employer in that area, announced it will close its doors by year end, putting 250 union members out of work.
Minute Maid announced it will eliminate 38 unionized positions on the production line at its Peterborough facility later this year.
Members at Post Foods in Cobourg will lose their jobs by the end of the year as that plant closes as well. And Wolseley Canada members in
Georgetown lost their jobs this past summer with that facility closure as well.
While a collective agreement can’t stop these changes, it can help see workers through these difficult circumstances where non-union workers may have no resources.
Very often, unionized workers can benefit from negotiated language that provides bumping rights, enhanced severance, layoff protocols, and more. And when closure announcements are made, the Union can reach out to an employer and often successfully negotiate closure agreements to assist our members as best as possible.
The Union assists with things like setting up meetings with Service Canada so everyone understands their options and members can continue to access resources like the UFCW Canada WebCampus, which can provide opportunities to develop other skills that may help them going forward.
In some cases, the Union has taken employers to court over failure to pay owed wages, pensions, vacation, and more to members upon closure.
The Union is here to fight for our members through all of it.
Each of the communities noted here will feel the impact of these job losses. But it was reassuring, despite their circumstances, to see some of these very members out at Labour Day this year, showing that their Union membership, and the community of labour run deep for those members. I hope every member of this Union enjoyed a wonderful Labour Day. Showing up to Labour Day, at a proposal or ratification meeting, at a protest – that's where it starts. It's how we, as a movement, continue to grow stronger, ready for the next challenge in the fight to build a province that looks after its workers.
I encourage you to visit ufcw175.com/unionmade and support products made by and services provided by members of this Union.
In Solidarity, Jim McLean treasurer@ufcw175.com
Staff News
Welcome New Staff
Gurpreet Singh has joined the Organizing team as an Apprentice Organizer. Gurpreet's Union history started in 1983 as a member of a medical representative’s union. In 1992, Gurpreet became part of a pharmacists' union in Delhi, India, until he moved to Canada in 2007.
In 2018, Gurpreet played an integral role in the campaign to organize his workplace, Polar Pak, in Brampton, which led to him becoming a Local 175 member. But Gurpreet’s advocacy for his co-workers at Polar Pak began in 2010, when he got active in workplace health and safety. When the workers did organize with Local 175, they encouraged Gurpreet to represent them in an official capacity as a Health & Safety representative, as a Steward, and as Chief Steward.
“Fixing health and safety and other issues helped me gain insight into what our members faced,” said Gurpreet. “This also encouraged me to take many online UFCW WebCampus courses and complete my Canada Labour College Certificate.”
In 2022, Gurpreet received an Outstanding Member Achievement Award for advancement of the UFCW. And, in 2024, Gurpreet became an elected Local 175 Executive Board Vice President.
Standing up against management and achieving better working conditions for his co-workers has given Gurpreet a great sense of accomplishment and drive to do more. And he got a chance to help more workers when the Organizing Department brought him in as a Special Projects Union Representative on campaigns over the last year. “Gurpreet is committed to learning and sharing information to empower workers and build safer workplaces,” said President Kelly Tosato. “His passion and his ability to connect with people make him a great asset to our Organizing Team.”
After 28 years working at Pepsi Cola in Sudbury, Peter Wasney has joined the Union' staff as a Representative in Region 8.
Starting as a warehouse picker, Peter worked in various roles during his time at Pepsi including in delivery, as a service technician, and a warehouse lead hand. He also served as a Steward for the members at the facility for more than 20 years and eventually became Chief Steward. Peter also was part of the health and safety committee.
Peter became a Steward because he saw how important it was for workers to have a voice and he wanted to represent their concerns fairly and push for improvements.
"I’ve always believed in fairness, accountability, and safety, so stepping into this role felt like a natural fit,” said Peter. “The experience that I gained was amazing, especially from union training over the years.”
In February 2024, Peter was sworn in as a Local 175 Executive Board Vice President. “I felt a greater responsibility to contribute at a broader level. I’m proud to be part of something bigger, and I’m committed to continuing the fight for dignity, fairness, and solidarity for all workers.”
Peter believes that every worker deserves to be treated with dignity, to have a safe workplace, and to be heard when issues arise. “I’m motivated by knowing that I can help protect jobs, ensure contract terms are respected, and support members through challenges. It gives real meaning to why I want to dive into this job.”
“Peter is a long-time member of the Union who has always fought for workers' dignity,” said President Kelly Tosato. “Those values make him a strong advocate and I know he will serve the members well as a Union Representative.”
Member & Steward Features
Members in the North
Peter Malcolm is a member of UFCW Local 175 at Metro #421 in Thunder Bay. Peter Malcolm is a part-time employee who has worked as a front end clerk for more than 24 years.
In July, Peter participated in the Special Olympics Ontario summer games that took place in Brantford. Among over 900 athletes and coaches competing, Peter took home an incredible three gold medals in track and field which he proudly displays here in the photo.
Congratulations Peter and thank you for being a valuable member of the Union and your community.
Peter Malcolm
Metro 421, Thunder Bay
Jamie Roth works at Busch’s Auto Supplies in Fort Frances as a Machine Operator. He began his career with Busch's Auto in 1987 and has been a member for more than 38 years.
Over his many years of service, Jamie has been an active member. He has served as a steward and on several negotiating committees, and is a staunch advocate for workers' rights.
Thank you, Jamie, for being a valuable member and a strong advocate for the Union.
Jamie Roth Busch's Auto Supplies, Fort Frances
Welcome New Members
Welcome to Your Union
Canna Cabana Ottawa
Over the summer, employees at two Ottawa Canna Cabana locations (Clarence and Rideau Streets) voted to join UFCW Local 175. These workers wanted to improve their working conditions for a number of reasons; from ending favouritism to having better compensation.
In 2020, employees at Canna Cabana in Hamilton made history by being the first Ontario retail cannabis location to unionize when they joined UFCW Local 175. The Local Union now represents Canna Cabana employees at 10 stores! Much like their colleagues at other retail cannabis locations, these workers wanted to secure the right to bargain together and benefit from the protections of a Union.
With a number of existing Canna Cabana collective agreements already bargained by UFCW Local 175, including a recently ratified deal for the Hamilton area stores (see page 22), these members are off to a good start in their goal to achieve better wages and benefits, improve job security, and ensure fair treatment, consistent scheduling, and more.
Belong Ottawa
Welcome to community healthcare providers at Belong Ottawa who voted Union Yes to join UFCW Local 175. The 75 new members, working full and part-
"Across many industries, workers are realizing just how powerful uniting together with one voice in solidarity can be. And our Local Union is ready to support every worker and help them build a better and brighter future.
Kelly Tosato President, UFCW Local 175
time at three locations in the city, provide support and services for people in the community who are in need of housing.
Members at Belong Ottawa will benefit from Local 175’s extensive negotiating experience in the community care sector. In bargaining their first collective agreement, these members hope to address compensation, job security, health and safety, respect on the job, and having enhanced transparency in the workplace.
Waterloo Heights
Employees at Waterloo Heights Senior Apartments wanted to join the Union to improve a number of their working conditions including stagnant wages, favouritism, and a lack of respect which all made the work environment unpleasant. From losing out on vacations, unfair treatment, and their voices not being heard at their employee resident council meetings, these workers decided enough was enough.
Waterloo Heights is an assisted living home for seniors where the newest members of UFCW Local 175 work as housekeepers, dietary aides, cooks, on-call attendants, and maintenance. The members will now begin the process for their first collective agreement, starting with a proposal meeting.
Organizers rally to support employees at a Canadian Tire store in Ottawa before their certification vote.
Canadian Tire
Retail workers at a Canadian Tire have voted to unionize. The approximately 75 employees at the store, which is located on Heron Road in Ottawa, are now members of UFCW Local 175.
Employees at the Canadian Tire store expressed a number of concerns that brought them to UFCW to unionize. From wages, benefits, and understaffing, to dispute resolution and disciplinary actions – these workers have felt unheard and disrespected for too long.
But now, with the vote behind them and with the support of the union, these members are optimistic and eager to move forward and begin the process of bargaining their first collective agreement so they can work toward securing meaningful improvements.
The vote took place over a 24-hour period beginning on August 21. And while the campaign tested the resolve and determination of the employees, they were ultimately successful with their vote and can now look forward to having the benefits of belonging to UFCW Local 175.
Celebrating Labour
SEPTEMBER 1, 2025
Cobourg
Guelph
Day
Toronto
Sault Ste. Marie Sudbury
North Bay
NDF Convention
In July, more than 300 UFCW members and staff from across Canada landed in the beautiful city of St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, for the annual National Defence Fund (NDF) Convention.
UFCW Locals 175 & 633 delegates took part in plenary sessions and sector meetings including retail, hospitality and services, soft drink and warehouse, packinghouse, and more. Topics covered included surveillance in the workplace, trends across the industries, and workplace mental health.
“At the NDF Convention, members gain resources and good information about what’s going on in their sectors and across Canada's labour movement," said President Kelly Tosato. “It is a great opportunity for UFCW members to connect, learn from each other, and return to their workplaces energized, informed, and empowered.”
UFCW Canada Resident Elder Eric Flett opened the convention with an Indigenous welcome and a teaching about humility.
The crowd heard from UFCW International President Milton Jones who spoke about current affairs in the U.S. and what it means for working people. Despite an administration determined to weaken the labour board and undermine the rights and protections of workers, President Jones is hopeful: “Our strength is our unity and our solidarity. We are one union, one voice, one family.”
UFCW Canada National President, and International Secretary-Treasurer, Shawn Haggerty welcomed delegates to the convention with a message of solidarity and determination in the face of many challenges, including the U.S. tariffs, which are having a significant impact on the jobs and livelihoods of Canadians.
The 2025 convention was hosted by the UFCW Eastern Provinces Council: Locals 1288P, 864, and 1252. Delegates stayed at the Delta St. John’s where the wonderful staff are members of UFCW Local 1252.
The NDF provides additional strike support to members in participating bargaining units to help those on the picket line stand strong and win a fair collective agreement.
Political Action
Your Voice Matters: Engaging with Ontario NDP to Address Urgent Issues
In August, Debora De Angelis, Director of Political Action and Member Engagement for UFCW Locals 175 & 633, met with Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles to discuss urgent issues affecting union members.
"Decisions made by our government have a direct impact on the lives of working people, so it's important to be engaged and informed, and take part in elections," said President Kelly Tosato. "Change happens when we show up, speak out, and demand better. And Locals 175 & 633 will continue to be politically active and fight to ensure our members' rights and concerns aren't forgotten, overlooked, or suspended by any government."
• Cost of Living
sits
Wages for many workers did not keep pace with inflation over the last few years. And with the continued high costs of everyday items like groceries, working people are still being left behind in the name of corporate greed.
• Understaffing and Mental Health
Across many sectors – healthcare, retail, warehousing, food, and more – workers are feeling the effects of chronic understaffing. Fewer workers doing more of the work can lead to burnout, injuries, and overwhelming mental health strain. This is particularly the case among women, newcomers, and racialized workers.
• Privatization & Public Service Cuts
The lack of funding in community health, developmental services, and long-term care homes, and the shift toward private healthcare clinics and contracting out threatens unionized jobs, lowers standards, and undermines the integrity of our public healthcare system.
• Bill 5
A major point of discussion was having Bill 5 repealed. Bill 5, which was enacted in June, is dangerous to working people because it allows the creation of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) where the government can suspend labour, safety, and environmental laws.
The government should not threaten to suspend workers' rights for any reason. Without these laws, everything – from minimum wage to maximum work hours, discrimination, discipline, and termination – could be up for grabs.
Read the UFCW Locals 175 & 633 submission on Bill 5 to the Standing Committee on the Interior at ufcw175.com/bill5 or read President Kelly Tosato's message in the Summer 2025 issue of Checkout.
Debora De Angelis, Local 175 Director of Political Action & Member Engagement,
with NDP Leader Marit Styles to discuss issues facing workers.
'Code Red' Shadow Summit to Save Healthcare
Canada's public healthcare is in crisis. On July 21 – 22, 2025, your Union took part in a 'Code Red' shadow summit and rally in Huntsville to address growing and urgent concerns in Ontario’s healthcare system.
Among the passionate voices were UFCW Locals 175 & 633 Directors Sandra Ashcroft and Debora De Angelis, standing in solidarity, fighting to protect and strengthen public health care.
The shadow summit took place at the same time that Premiers from across Canada were at a summit nearby hosted by Doug Ford.
"Public healthcare is under attack at the hands of corporate greed," said President Kelly Tosato. "This summit was an opportunity to
Negotiation Updates
make our Premiers hear us so that they know we won't back down in the fight to have a system that ensures healthcare is equitable, compassionate, and properly funded."
The Summit demands:
• Fund public health care adequately.
• Enforce the Canada Health Act. Stop extra billing and illegal fees.
• Halt privatization and deregulation schemes, including those advancing in Ontario and Alberta.
• Invest in public solutions: staffing, primary care, seniors’ care, mental health supports.
The shadow summit and rally were hosted by the Canadian Health Coalition, the Ontario Health Coalition, and the Ontario Federation of Labour.
GDI members in Whitby ratify wage and numerous other improvements
The members employed by GDI at the Oshawa Town Centre in Whitby ratified a three-year agreement on August 8, 2025.
The deal secures wage increases totalling $3 per hour over the term of the contract. The Union Negotiating Committee also negotiated minimum wage protection language to maintain a minimum rate of $0.50 per hour over minimum wage. Plus, the night shift premium increases to $0.25 per hour.
Employees who have completed their probation will receive one personal day per contract year. Members with one year of service will receive an additional sick day per year for a total of seven days. Employees with 30 years or more service
will receive an additional week of vacation per year and an additional 2% in vacation pay.
Other improvements address a reduced sunset clause, improved uniform allowance, and enhanced bereavement language.
Members will benefit from an improved safety footwear allowance of $125, and those who require anti-slip will increase to receive $85 per year.
Coverage of eye glasses/contact lenses for parttime increases to $250 every two years, up from the previous $200 every three years.
Union Negotiating Committee: Kirk McKee, Jeff Kellar, Paul Sayeau, and Union Representative Amy Tran.
Negotiation Updates
Members at Interval
House secure first collective agreement
Interval House members have ratified their first collective agreement. These members work in Ottawa providing safe shelter and support to women and gender-diverse people fleeing domestic and genderbased violence.
Members secured improved start rates for fulltime, part-time, and casual workers. Wages will increase by 3% in year one, paid retroactive to April 1, 2025, by 2% in year two, and by another 2% in year three.
In addition, members retain their matching RRSP contributions of 2% and their benefit plan, and both are now enshrined in the contract. Members receive mileage reimbursement for work-related use of a personal vehicle as per National Joint Council for government business travel, which is currently $0.62 per kilometre.
The On Call premium improves to eight hours' pay for each on-call week. Members attending work due to being on-call will be paid their regular rate for those hours. Further, the members successfully negotiated to reduce the frequency of on-call weeks, from almost every other week to a maximum of one in eight weeks. Sick leave is 70 hours per fiscal year and those hours can be carried over year-to-year to a maximum of 420 hours. Members maintained im-
portant benefits that now also form part of their agreement: Paid Personal Emergency Leave of five days per year, and paid Mental Health Leave of five days per year. This agreement also includes language that the employer will provide menstrual products to all employees at no cost.
Enshrined in this first agreement are ten paid statutory holidays and two float days per year. Paid vacation entitlement is set at three weeks for up to two years of service, four weeks for two to five years of service, and five weeks after five years of service.
Along with these improvements, members now benefit from language including a grievance and arbitration procedure, recall and scheduling of hours, a sunset clause for discipline, representation language, seniority rights for promotion, layoff, and the scheduling of hours.
Union Negotiating Committee: Lori Jardine, Sarah Woodward, Region 3 Director Paul Hardwick, and Union Representative Kim Hunter.
Negotiation Updates
Workplace improvements secured at Delmanor Prince Edward and at...
Members at Delmanor Prince Edward retirement residence in Etobicoke have ratified their first collective agreement. The deal secures significant wage increases, and the rights and benefits that come with being members of UFCW Local 175 with a negotiated Union contract.
These members, who belong to the Health, Office & Professional Employees (HOPE) Sector of the Union, will receive lump sum payments of 3.5% across the board in year one. In year two, red-circled workers will receive a 3% lump sum and all other workers will be placed on a new wage grid with increases as high as 14%.
A fourth week of vacation entitlement was achieved as well as the introduction of night and weekend premiums of fifteen cents per hour.
Members also benefit from an RRSP with the employer matching 4% of contributions.
In health and welfare benefits, the employer will pay 100% of the premiums for full-time and 50% of the premiums for part-time workers. These workers reached out to our Union and decided to organize to gain support when dealing with issues of harassment, hours of work, and lack of respect. They now have Union representation and negotiated language in a solid collective agreement to provide them the protections and support they sought.
Union Negotiating Committee: Jean Estocapio, Eun Jung, Ijohna Moses, and Union Representatives Todd Janes and Maxine Prince.
Delmanor Wynford as members at both homes ratify their first CBAs
Delmanor Wynford members ratified their first collective agreement a short time after members at Delmanor Prince Edward secured their own first deal. With secured wage increases, shift premiums, and language, this agreement gives these members the voice in the workplace they hoped to achieve when they joined the Union.
The two-year deal includes a 3.5% lump sum payment in the first year for all employees. In year two, there will be a 3% lump sum paid to members whose wages are red-circled. All other members are part of a wage grid and will receive increases amounting from 2.2% to 14%.
The Union Negotiating Committee successfully maintained both the RRSP, which has a 4% employer match, and the health and welfare benefit plan, which is employer paid at 100% for fulltime and 50% for part-time.
Language gains include a fourth week of vacation entitlement as well as new shift premiums of $0.15 per hour for nights and weekends.
This first agreement brings these workers all the benefits of unionization and will address their reasons for seeking union representation of harassment, hours of work and lack of respect with language to protect their rights at work.
Union Negotiating Committee: Maria Baang, Natalie Shaw, and Union Representative Todd Janes.
Wage improvements and more ratified by Hertz Canada members
On July 30, members at Hertz Canada Ltd. ratified a new three-year agreement with wage increases, benefit improvements, and other gains.
Full and part-time workers who are not in progression will receive an increase of $1.10 per hour in each year of the contract. Those workers in progression will receive increases ranging from $0.50 to $0.75 per hour.
Premiums improve to provide $1.50 per hour, up from $1.25, for the Lead person, and $1 per hour, up from $0.75, for both the Off Airport Vehicle Service Attendant (VSA) and Billy Bishop Airport Customer Service Representative (CSR).
Members benefit from a new health spending account of $300 each year, and basic dental and
major services now provide $1,500 per year in coverage. Life Insurance improves, and dependant insurance benefits increase to $10,000 for a spouse, up from $5,000, and $5,000, up from $2,500, for each child. Medical note reimbursement improves to $30 and long forms to $75.
Other improvements include an increased shoe allowance for VSA/IRR and Counter Agents, and part-time workers will now be entitled to two floating holidays with pay.
The employer contribution to the Training and Education Fund will increase to $900 each year.
Union Negotiating Committee: Ali Ahmed, Pathmarajah Jamesantony, Lily Tan, and Union Representative Mario Tardelli.
Negotiation Updates
Canna Cabana members secure new agreement with gains
Canna Cabana members in Hamilton, Stoney Creek, and Ancaster have ratified a three-year agreement after a difficult set of bargaining. Wages for the members improve as follows:
• Year 1 – increases range from $0.73 to $1 per hour, retroactive to date of expiry.
• Year 2 – increases range from $0.20 $0.45 per hour.
• Year 3 – increases range from $0.30 to $0.40 per hour.
In addition, the Midnight Premium will increase to $1.20 per hour, up from $1, and members will receive a one-time signing bonus of $500 for full-time and $300 for part-time workers.
The Union Negotiating Committee persevered through bargaining to achieve an important win for the members; an increase to the full-time commitment from seven to 14 employees.
Another improvement includes a new shift lead position that will create more opportunity for our
members. This is a promotional position which will see a top rate of $22 per hour by the end of the agreement term.
Full-time employees with two years of service benefit from the addition of a second float day.
This agreement secures an increase to the number of Stewards at each location and time limit protection with respect to grievance timelines as it relates to referral to arbitration.
The employer will now pay the wages of Negotiating Committee members for five days instead of three days. The employer will also increase its contribution to the Training and Education Fund to five cents, up from four cents, per hour, and pay up to $200 dollars towards the cost of printing collective agreements.
Union Negotiating Committee: Sarah Porter, Amanda Robertson, Wyatt Scratch, Felicia Upper, Union Servicing Representatives Liam Aikens-Armbruster and Sharon Jones, and Executive Assistant to the President Chris Fuller.
This summer, the Union welcomed new members at two Canna Cabana locations in Ottawa! Read more about their campaigns on page 8.
Canna Cabana members and Servicing Reps at the ratification vote for Hamilton, Stoney Creek, and Ancaster locations.
Cintas Route Sales Reps ratify new agreement
Cintas Route sales reps in Sault Ste. Marie secured wage increases and language to protect their sales commission in a new collective agreement.
Wages for the members will increase by 3% in each year of the term, and they will also receive a $500 signing bonus. A new premium negotiated for the remote gold mine sites pays $1 per hour.
The Union Negotiating Committee achieved significant language for the members which will see sales commission rates added to the contract language. There is no longer a risk of reduction or removal as these commissions are now protected in the collective agreement.
Employer contributions to the members' pension plan will increase by 10 cents per hour.
Members will receive ten hours in stat holiday pay when a holiday falls on a day that they would have regularly been working a 10-hour shift.
Union Negotiating Committee: Bryce Grimard and Union Representative Jim Hames.
Gains and important language secured at Sofina Foods
Members at Sofina Foods in London have ratified a threeyear agreement which includes wage and premium increases, and maintains important language.
The employer had been set on stripping the contract of both past practice and Saturday and Sunday overtime, but the Union Negotiating Committee held strong and retained this important language for the membership.
Wages for general labourers will increase by $0.90 per hour in year one, $0.60 per hour in year two, and $0.75 per hour in year three. Maintenance will receive $3.25 per hour over the term of the contract. Employer contributions to the pension plan will improve by $0.10 per hour over the term of the collective agreement.
Shift premiums improve as follows:
• Afternoon – $0.40 per hour, up from $0.35.
• Night Shift – $0.60 per hour, up from $0.55.
• Lead Hand – $0.75 per hour, up from $0.50.
• NEW – Dual ticket – $1.00 per hour.
Other improvements include:
• Four members, up from three, may take part on the Union Joint Health & Safety Committee (JHSC).
• PPE clothing improvements.
• Overtime to go to most senior members on weekends.
• New Apprenticeship language.
• Additional time for Chief Steward to spend with new employees.
Union Negotiating Committee: Dave Beale, Franco Dedato, John Keys, Rob Wyatt, and Union Representative, Melody Slattery.
Health & Safety
The Internal Responsibility System
One of the primary purposes of the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) is to facilitate a strong internal responsibility system (IRS) in the workplace.
What should you report?
X Injuries & Incidents
X Near Misses
X Defective Tools
X Unsafe Behaviour
X Hazards
X Questions or concerns
Report an issue
Encourage Reporting
Inspect, Investigate, Analyze
Discuss and assess.
Recommend Measures
Implement Measures
To ensure a safe workplace, a strong IRS should be an open, consistent process where hazards and concerns can be identified and addressed, and recommendations can be put forward for improvements.
An effective IRS includes reporting all accidents, injuries, workplace illnesses, and near misses. In addition, the system should encourage reporting those issues, and must include completing workplace inspections and holding regularly scheduled Joint Health & Safety Committee (JHSC) meetings.
Your JHSC plays a vital role in the IRS at work as well. Your Union JHSC members are there to hear your concerns and follow up on them using the proper process provided through the IRS. Every employee must know:
• WHY it is critical to make a report.
•WHAT should be reported and what to include in a report.
•WHO to make a report to in the workplace.
•HOW to make these reports.
No matter what you are documenting, always include the date, time, issue, department, concerns, and any relevant equipment, conditions, design, personal protective equipment (PPE), etc.
•Report it! Document what was reported.
• Inspect it! Document your findings.
• Investigate it! Document your findings.
• Have a meeting! Document everything from the meeting including attendance and agenda.
•Make recommendations! Document this in meeting minutes and/or through a formal written recommendation through the JHSC.
•Discuss it! Document even informal conversations, especially if decisions or actions were discussed. And always document conversations with the employer, any Committee member(s), Steward(s), and your Union Rep.
Workers' Compensation
First strike at the WSIB in over 100 years
After six weeks on the picket line, more than 3,000 Workplace Safety & Insurance Board (WSIB) workers, represented by the Ontario Compensation Employees Union (OCEU/CUPE 1750), ratified an agreement in early July.
The issues at hand for these workers were safer workloads and a lack of investment in frontline staffing. In addition, OCEU/CUPE uncovered that the employer had plans to contract out work currently done by unionized staff.
Unionized WSIB staff provide services to 5.3 million people at 300,000 Ontario workplaces. Those services include case management, claims access, customer service, and appeals decisions.
How did the strike impact Locals 175 & 633 members?
No WSIB case decisions were made during the strike. All claims were essentially on hold with no progress made on behalf of our members.
There is a WSIB Portal for Injured Workers with existing or new injury claims or appeals.
Injured workers are already familiar with how slow the WSIB process can be. With a lack of frontline staff being a main issue of the strike, it is clear that how the WSIB uses its profits – such as refunding employers – is unacceptable to its workforce as well as injured workers and their advocates.
With no WSIB decisions made during the strike, only limited progress was possible on claims. Your Workers Compensation department, however, took that time to process many reconsiderations, correspondences, intent to object notifications, and appeals readiness forms on behalf of our members. We also continued to register incoming cases.
Workers Portal
One takeaway from this strike is the importance of injured workers having access to the WSIB worker portal. The portal offers various services such as:
• Reporting injury, illness or exposure incidences.
• Viewing claim status, payment, returnto-work and benefit details.
• Adding direct deposit information.
• Booking a pre-approved taxi.
• Submitting claim documents.
• Sending emails.
We encourage members with existing or new injury claims or appeals to create an account on the WSIB portal to maintain some communication and access to benefits. The portal is at wsib.ca/en/online-services-injured-or-ill-people
The WSIB has promised a worker’s representative portal in the coming years that, once available, should further aid the Union in providing timely guidance and claim information to our members.
Training & Education
2025 UFCW Canada Young-Workers Internship Program
In July, the UFCW Canada Young-Workers Internship Program (YIP) for Ontario members took place in Niagara Falls. Ten activists from UFCW Locals 175 & 633 took part in this year's program.
"The young adults in this year's course are hardworking and determined, and they are the among the many members who are going to lead this Union and the labour movement into the future," said President Kelly Tosato.
The YIP is an opportunity for younger workers to explore workers' rights, labour history, and politics, and gain some hands-on experience. The course provides members with the tools, knowledge, and confidence needed to continue becoming leaders in the labour movement.
Community
This year's UFCW Locals 175 & 633 participants (in no particular order) were: Colby and Jun from Zehrs, Felicia and Shameela from Canna Cabana, Raden from Westfort Foods, Nikki from Metro, Kaci from Karis Disability Services, Caitlin from Caressant Care, Asma from Fortinos, and Paul Cedric from The Barn Markets.
ufcw.ca/yip
2025 Pride Celebrations | Ottawa, Toronto, and Diversity Cornwall
From streetfairs to parades, advocacy, donations, and more, UFCW Locals 175 & 633 is proud to support our members in the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in the continued fight for equality. Thank you to everyone who joined us this summer.
In June, Local 175 Executive Board Vice President Gloria Almonte (below, right) and member Maia Almonte (left), who both work at Olymel Cornwall, presented a donation to Wade Wilson, a volunteer at Diversity Cornwall, in support of that organization's work in the community.
Community
A summer of barbecues and fundraising for the LLSC
Over the summer, members at a number of workplaces enjoyed barbecues and fundraising events at their workplaces including Cavendish Farms, Highbury Canco, Maple Leaf Heritage, and Burnbrae Farms Mississauga. President Kelly Tosato and Secretary-Treasurer Jim McLean visited with members at a number of these events and helped out behind the barbecue, too.
Members came out to each of these events to enjoy great food and good company, despite a few rainy days, and together they raised nearly $7,000 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada (LLSC). Thank you to everyone for your generosity.
Outstanding Member Achievement Awards
Your Union offers four annual awards (one per category below) of $500 each to members who:
1. Demonstrate outstanding contributions to the community;
2. Manifest leadership and advancement of the UFCW;
3. Dedicate themselves to fundraising for Leukemia research, or;
4. Enhance & achieve improvements in health and safety (including WSIB) for their workplace.
Nominate yourself, a co-worker, or a family member that belongs to the Local Union. Nominees MUST be a member in good standing of either Local 175 or Local 633 for at least six consecutive months.
