UFCW Locals 175 & 633 unveils new mural by Indigenous artist Philip Cote
On April 15, 2026, UFCW Locals 175 & 633 welcomed Indigenous artist Philip Cote, a team from Moccasin Identifier, Executive Board members, and guests to the unveiling of a new mural called The Sacred Circle of Unity.
The mural, painted by Cote and installed at the Local Union's head office in Mississauga, is a result of a welcome partnership between UFCW Canada and the Moccasin Identifier, a group working to connect all Canadians with a deeper understanding of Reconciliation and Treaty Recognition through symbolic art, education, and more.
Cote's mural looks at the interconnection of family, spirituality, and the earth through an Indigenous perspective. Through symbolism, colour, and storytelling, the mural captures the time of the Eighth Fire and the pathway to heart-thinking. “This thing is really important because this is part of the Truth and Reconciliation. This is why it’s all happening,” said artist Philip Cote. “This is why the union decided that they needed some representation of Indigenous people on their property.”
“It is our responsibility to acknowledge that our offices, our staff, and our members live and work on the unceded territories of many First Nations, Métis, and Inuit people. We take that responsibility seriously and we continue to pledge to do our part in raising awareness, advancing Reconciliation, and taking an active role in dismantling existing racist and classist systems that continue to harm Indigenous people,” said President Kelly Tosato. “We wanted this mural to anchor the entryway to our office to ensure that anyone who enters our space understands our commitment to those principles and to the spirit of Reconciliation.”
Union Repreresentative Alex Stubbs, who is part of the UFCW Canada National Council Indigenous Committee, spoke to guests about the work of the Committee as well.
Head to ufcw175.com/sacredcircle to learn more about the artist and the important work of the Moccasin Identifier.
ufcw175.com/sacredcircle
H
Director, Long-Term Care & Retirement: Sandra Ashcroft; Union Representatives: Todd Janes, Dean McLaren, Fawzia Mohamed, Maxine Prince, Mike Windley
Directors, Community Care: 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: Ricardo Bocanegra, Amanda DeMelo, Christina Mayberry, Mario Tardelli, Amy Tran
Region 3 Director: Paul Hardwick; Union Representatives: Sean Carroll, Mirella Fornieri, Kimberly Hunter, Damian Hulshof, Joe Tenn
Region 4 Directors: Matt Davenport, John DiNardo; Union Representative: Jennifer Hanley; Servicing Representatives: Maggie Brayson, Nunzio Cannistraci, Frank Curto, Wyllan Dick, Art Gier, Patrick Griggs, Kevin Hachey, Dawn Hanlon, 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: Mike Mattioli; Union Representatives: Chris Mayberry, Nelson Pereira, Melody Slattery, Navidad Talbot, Fred Teeple, Ashleigh Vink
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
Worker's Compensation Coordinator: Sarah Neath; Workers’ Compensation Intake Representative: Georgina MacDonald; Workers’ Compensation Representatives: Fatima Butt, Joanne Ford, Ashley Hunt, Anneela Perumal, Courtney Salomons
Pay Equity Coordinator: Orsola Augurusa; Pay Equity Representative: Nabeela Irfan
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, Gurpreet Singh
Training & Education Director: Kelly Nicholas; Servicing Representative: Teresa Wilson
Communications Coordinator: Jennifer Tunney; Communications Representatives: Michael Ahn, Gabriel Duenas
Political Action & Member Engagement
Director: Debora De Angelis
Projects Coordinator: Wei Chen
President Tosato’s Message
Recognizing the power of being a Union member in the face of challenges
On the heels of the 2026 CLC Convention, which you can read more about on page 11, I've come away with a reinvigorated sense of Union pride. That's what spending a week alongside 2,200 other workers' rights advocates will do; give you hope and energy in the face of non-stop challenges that working people are going through.
And we do continue to face challenges. But sitting amongst peers in the house of labour is always an important demonstration of just how much power there is in the Union and in democracy.
That power is yours as Union members.
It comes from having 70,000 Union Sisters, Brothers, and Friends across this Local Union; from having 230,000 UFCW family members across Canada, and; from having the support of more than 3 million union members nation-wide.
This province — this country — doesn't move forward without the labour and productivity of working people every day.
That's power.
But that power is only as strong as our support and advocacy for one another.
We must always be looking for ways to help workers achieve more, and raise all people up, and stop looking for ways to tear each other down. Because even though when one rises, we all rise, the same can also be said for setbacks. When any worker suffers, we all suffer; when one workers' rights are threatened, it's a threat to us all.
Your power as a Union member shows up in many ways.
Recognize the power that sits in your hands when you hold your collective agreement.
Call on that power when your employer breaches that agreement.
Recognize the power of your vote — whether you're casting a ballot for a new collective agreement, sanctioning strike action, or electing government at any level.
Use that power to have your voice heard no matter the outcome.
Recognize the power you have when you use your voice, backed by Union members in this Local Union and beyond, to stand up to mistreatment in all its forms.
Fire up that power to make sure that no worker gets left behind.
Believing that all workers deserve stable living wages, safe and healthy workplaces, and equitable treatment is not political — it's human.
So, we have to remain steadfast and united as a powerful movement. We cannot let any employer, corporation, or government trample on or erode any workers' rights; to do this is a betrayal of what the Union movement stands for.
Please enjoy a safe and healthy summer filled with warm weather, good friends, and family. I hope to see many of you out celebrating your Union power at Labour Day on September 7.
In Solidarity, Kelly Tosato president@ufcw175.com
Secretary-Treasurer McLean's Message
Education as a tool to build a stronger Union: Opportunities available to you as a member
With another year of our weekend Stewards seminars in the books, I have been encouraged by the level of dedication and commitment our Stewards continue to show in defending their co-workers, upholding workers' rights, and being incredible ambassadors for your Local Union.
Your Local Union supports lifelong education for our members. We work hard to ensure there are opportunities not only to get involved and learn about the Union, workers' rights, and the larger labour movement, but to support our members' educational goals through scholarships and free online courses as well.
Visit ufcw175.com/education to learn more about what's available to you as a member.
Education in all its forms is vital to building a strong, engaged, and active Union of empowered members who are looking out for each other.
And education doesn't have to mean sitting in a classroom day after day. Your collective agreement is an opportunity for education: it is a powerful tool when everyone understands what's contained within its language. If you haven't read yours, I encourage you to do so.
Ask questions of your Stewards, your JHSC, and your Union Rep. Because informing yourself is the best way to ensure you know if your rights are being violated at work and what to do when it happens.
Engagement also comes in many forms. From taking on the role of Steward or Health & Safety Representative, to attending meetings and ratifications, your role in the Union is important no matter how you get involved.
Whether you're a new member just learning about what a Union is and what it means to you as a worker, or a longtime member, your Union membership, just like many things, is ultimately what you make of it.
And regardless of your involvement, you always have your Union at your back,
supporting you and looking out for you.
In the last issue of Checkout, President Tosato announced the first-ever Member Engagement Conference, which will be happening this fall.
With that announcement came a call for members to apply as part of the conference planning committee. And now, with the Member Engagement Committee selected, applications are open to attend the conference.
Head to the back cover of the magazine or visit us at ufcw175.com/engage to learn more and apply.
Educated, empowered, and engaged Union members are a powerful force to be reckoned with and we can't wait to welcome a great group of members to this first-ever Engagement Conference! Until then, have a great summer and stay Union strong.
In
Solidarity, Jim McLean treasurer@ufcw175.com
New Local 633 Recorder
At the regular meeting of the UFCW Locals 175 & 633 Executive Board on April 15, 2026, the Local 633 President Brian Kozlowski put forth the name of Dennis Gagnon as the new Recorder, which the Local 633 Executive Board Vice Presidents then endorsed.
Dennis, pictured here, is a long-time member who works at the Zehrs in Kingsville as the Meat/Seafood Manager. Dennis is a member of the Health and Safety committee and says that he originally ran for a position on the Executive Board to support Local Union members for a better work environment.
Congratulations to Dennis on his new role as Recorder for Local 633 and thank you for your ongoing service to the membership.
Welcome New Executive Board members
The April 15th Executive Board meeting also welcomed 11 new Vice Presidents, who were led through their Oath of Office by President Kelly Tosato. The Local Union Executive Board, made up of sectoral Vice Presidents from both Local 175 and Local 633, represent the 70,000 rank-and-file members of our Union across Ontario. The Executive Board provides valuable insight and direction to the Union's Officers and votes on matters that require Board approval. Congratulations and welcome to:
UFCW Local 175
• George Benham, The Westin Hotel
• Angela Boudreau, Zehrs
• Barb Gravelle, Fearmans
• Alexandra Green, Homewood Healthcare
• Gladys Igharo, Meta Centre
• Jesse Lynn, Loblaws
• Braden Messervey, Zehrs
• Jen Pomber, OATC
• Matt Rome, PepsiCo
• Carlos Simas, Cavendish
UFCW Local 633
• Brian Oles, Metro
Happy Retirement
After 37 dedicated years working for the members of UFCW Locals 175 & 633, Sandy Brezinski has decided to retire this spring.
Sandy first joined the Local Union in the Accounts Payable department working out of a previous office on International Drive, and over her decades of work, Sandy has witnessed a lot of technological changes.
“I joined the Local when I was 27 years old,” said Sandy. “My role at that time involved using a typewriter and check writer. But now, changes in technology allow us to process our day-today work far more efficiently while continuing to serve our members.”
While the technology may have changed, Sandy’s commitment to the members and mission of the Union never wavered. She was always working behind the scenes, adapting to new systems, to help ensure the Local Union moved forward and that members and service providers always had their money on time.
“I would like to sincerely thank the Officers of the Local for giving me the opportunity to work here and serve our members,” said Sandy. “It has truly been a great honour.”
As Sandy moves into retirement, she looks forward to spending more time with the people who have supported her over the years: her husband, family, her two boys, and grandchildren, who are all very dear to her.
“And I will always remember the extended family I gained over these past 37 years working at the Local Union,” she added. “Thank you all for the memories, the friendships, and the opportunity to serve.”
Welcome New Staff
New Union Representative for the HOPE Long-Term Care and Retirement sector, Fawzia Mohamed, brings extensive experience from many facets of the care sector. Becoming a Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) in 2007, Fawzia has worked in palliative, geriatric, extended, and complex care.
No stranger to the labour movement, Fawzia's introduction to Local 175 came from organizing her previous workplace, the Waterford Retirement Residence in Ottawa, in 2019. After being hired at that home in May 2018, she spearheaded a union drive and had it certified within nine months. Her efforts led to the sister retirement home certifying a few years later.
Fawzia took on the role of Chief Steward for her co-workers. She was also elected to the Negotiating Committee three times and served on the Health & Safety and Infection Control Committees. As of 2024, Fawzia has also served on the UFCW Local 175 Executive Board.
As someone who has experienced scheduling discrimination and healthcare specific violations, Fawzia looks forward to applying her practical experience in her new role. She has been a lifelong advocate for her extended family members and is passionate about advocating for unheard voices. In her past workplaces, Fawzia was able to get multiple part-time co-workers full-time roles through the collective agreement. She has also won grievances for co-workers on the basis of wrongful termination. Fawzia may have a quiet demeanour, but make no mistake — she is a fighter and a fierce ally to HOPE sector workers.
"Fawzia's passion and experience in both hospitals and retirement homes makes her an incredible addition for our members in the HOPE sector," said President Tosato.
STAFF NEWS
Working most of his career at Fortinos, Kevin Hachey has found a new calling in the labour movement. Through taking part in his first Union negotiating committee, Kevin realized how his degree in Commerce and Business could help with strategic negotiations, and found a deeper financial understanding of the grocery industry.
Now, working out of Region 4, Kevin sees his role as a mix of informing members of their rights, providing professional support, and listening when members need it most.
"I started to like the union aspects and helping people more than my actual job. So that's when I thought, 'Let's try and take this seriously and see where I could take it,'" said Kevin.
At Fortinos, Kevin saw himself as a mentor for younger staff and openly shared his past mistakes as teachable moments. Initially a disengaged union member, Kevin had never opened his collective agreement. But after a Union Rep encouraged Kevin to take on the Union Steward role, he saw how much support the Union provides for its members. Now, Kevin believes that educating members on what's available to them is key to building a stronger, unified membership.
Outside of work, Kevin is a passionate cook and can be found hanging out in the backyard with his family and friends. With a 9-year-old daughter with alopecia, Kevin advocates for stronger benefit coverage regarding wigs and cranial prostheses as he believes it is an important part of a child's self-esteem and development. He also enjoys playing baseball and basketball.
"Kevin's commitment to making sure members understand the benefits of being Union is a valuable quality that will absolutely benefit our members," said President Tosato.
Frank Curto joins the team as a Servicing Representative for Region 4. Frank’s experience as an advocate spans 24 years at Fortinos; with 15 of those years spent as a Union Steward and participating on Union negotiating committees.
At the start of his career, Frank was passed over for a full-time position as a Meat Cutter. One night, he got a phone call from his Union Representative Angela Mattioli, telling him that, based on seniority, the full-time position should have been his. Recognizing that the newly promoted individual had a family to support, Frank declined the opportunity to pursue the position. However, with Angela's support, he did obtain full-time hours due to a scheduling clause in his collective agreement.
"I worked hard to become full-time. I was being overlooked, and I got the opportunity thanks to that collective agreement and Angela's persistence and her passion for the job,” said Frank. Frank believes that members deserve proper recognition for their work, and to have a safe and healthy workplace. Being scared is the last thing anyone needs when they go to work. And in his new role, facing difficult conversations and hard situations, Frank intends to find a path forward with members with transparency and direct communication to alleviate fear and stress.
Frank is a lifelong hockey player and recently picked up golf in his spare time. He enjoys hanging out with his kids and taking them to indoor parks and Wonderland. While joining the Union's staff feels like a life goal he's finally achieved, it's just the beginning; the work to become the best Rep he can be starts now.
"Frank brings a dedication to making sure workers are safe and respected, and he will make a great addition to our team of Representatives," said President Tosato.
Welcome New Members
UFCW Local 175 continues to welcome healthcare and community workers to the Union!
Partners in Parenting
Nearly 200 employees at Partners in Parenting in Ottawa voted to join UFCW Local 175 earlier this year. With concerns over wages, benefits, respect, fairness, and more, these healthcare workers are looking forward to building a strong first collective agreement.
These new members work as facilitators, residential support workers, and mental health support workers for a variety of programs across 13 locations in Ottawa.
Arab Community Centre of Toronto
Employees at the Arab Community Centre of Toronto have voted Union Yes to joining UFCW Local 175. These new members assist newcomers to Canada with settlement services and support, including working with youth and women, assisting with employment issues, providing wellbeing support, and more.
A number of concerns brought these members to our Union including stress over workload and having no wage increases in two years. In bargaining their first Union collective agreement, the employees will be looking to address those concerns as well as equality and equity, and ensuring that seniority provisions are included.
"Kentwood Park RNs
Registered Nurses at OMNI Quality Living Kentwood Park in Picton have voted to join the Union. UFCW Local 175 already represents the other workers at the private long-term and specialized care home, and now welcome the Nurses to the membership as well.
Our newest members at Kentwood Park are looking to secure better scheduling, assured hours, and achieve real pension and benefits security.
Victorian Order of Nurses
In Brantford, employees at the Victorian Order of Nurses (VON) reached out to our Organizers to address growing concerns over low wages and limited benefits, scheduling and job security, and more.
UFCW Local 175 already represents VON members in Elgin County (read about their recently ratified agreement on page 14), so these members are a natural fit for the growing Health, Office, and Professional Employees (HOPE) Sector at the Local Union.
Their successful certification vote brings 40 new members to the Union.
Every year, our Organizers meet more and more healthcare workers as they turn to UFCW Local 175 for Union representation. We welcome these workers to our HOPE Sector, and look forward to supporting them in their journey to build better workplaces. Congratulations and welcome to your Union family.
Kelly Tosato — President,
UFCW Local 175
Political Action BAN SURVEILLANCE PRICING
The government must step up to protect people and ensure fair pricing, especially when it comes to food and other necessities.
President Kelly Tosato
Send a message to your Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) and ask them to support a ban on surveillance pricing.
The letter is ready to send!
Grocery prices have risen by 30% over the past five years.
And now, some companies are using your data and AI-driven algorithms to increase prices even more – and not just on groceries.
This is surveillance pricing.
• Those companies are using data collected about what you search for, what you click on, what you’ve bought in the past, and more, to adjust their prices UPh for you.
• This practice is called surveillance pricing, where systems estimate the highest price you are likely to pay and charge accordingly.
In Manitoba, Premier Wab Kinew’s NDP government has already banned this practice. In Ontario, we need to do the same.
2026 CLC Convention
More than 2,200 delegates took part in the 2026 Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) Convention over a week filled with unity, passion, and action. From UFCW Locals 175 & 633, 47 Executive Board and staff were on hand to take part among 180 UFCW delegates from across the country.
Resolutions during the convention formed the CLC Action Plans:
• We Fight for Democracy
• We Build the Future
• We Fight for Dignity
• We Care for All
• We Fight for Justice
• We Build Worker Power
For each Action Plan, a panel of Union leaders spoke to current concerns faced by workers in sectors affected by the resolutions put forth.
Over the week, delegates welcomed a number of keynote speakers including:
• Wab Kinew, Premier of Manitoba
• Avi Lewis, Leader of the Federal NDP
• Judy Darcy, Former BC Minister of Mental Health and Addictions/CUPE/CMHA
• Dr. Adelle Blackett, Professor of Law & Canada Research Chair in Transnational Labour Law at McGill University
No election was needed on Day 4, as each of the four CLC leadership positions were acclaimed. Congratulations to President Bea Bruske, Secretary-Treasurer Lily Chang, and Executive Vice-President Siobhan Vipond on continuing their roles, and welcome to new Executive Vice-President Marc-Édouard Joubert.
The week was filled with thought-provoking discussion, inspiring speakers, and workers taking an active role in the democratic process, bringing a renewed sense of purpose and pride to the convention floor to build a better future for working people across Canada.
We build. We care. We fight.
Negotiation Updates
First Collective Agreement ratified by members at Morriston Park
After more than 20 days of bargaining, employees at Morriston Park in Puslinch have achieved their first collective agreement as members of UFCW Local 175’s HOPE Sector.
Wages increases by 4.5% in year one, 3.5% in year two, and 3.5% in year three. Registered Nurses (RNs) will see a new wage grid apply which includes significant increases and retroactive pay for hours worked since August 2025, plus paid lunches. Plus, members continue to receive a Retention bonus which provides all full-time employees with 3,600 hours or more worked with a $50 payment every two weeks.
New shift premiums provide $0.25 cents per hour for the Evening and Weekend shifts; $0.50 cents per hour for Night shift and for the Nurses 12hour Shift, and; $2 per hour for Training. The annual uniform allowance improves to $100 for part-time staff and $150 for full-time staff.
Members benefit from secured paid sick leave for both full and part-time employees plus unused sick leave payout of 50%. And members
will now participate in the UFCW Local 175 Employee Life and Health Trust Fund which provides family coverage for full-time and single coverage for all part-time, with an option to purchase a family upgrade, and premiums are all 100% employer paid.
The Union Negotiating Committee secured language for paid Surge training of 15 hours per year. In addition, members will benefit from the addition of a second float day per year.
Union Negotiating Committee: Komal Komal, and Union Representatives Dean McLaren and Todd Janes.
Hallmark workers in downtown Toronto ratify three-year agreement
Members working for Hallmark Housekeeping at three locations in downtown Toronto have achieved a new three-year collective agreement.
Members receive increases of $1 in year one, $0.80 in year two, and $0.80 in year three. Premiums improve to $1 per hour for Lead Hands on morning and afternoon shifts. Night shift premiums increase to $0.75 per hour at all three locations, which is an increase from $0.50 per hour at two locations and from $0.35 cents at the third location.
New language provides employees who have passed their probation period with an employermatching RRSP plan starting at a cap of 1% of an employee’s gross earnings. This cap will
increase to 2% effective January 1, 2027.
The Union Negotiating Committee also achieved an additional week of vacation, now six weeks paid at 12%, for those with 20 years of service.
A number of further improvements brings language in line across all three locations regarding leaves of absence, seniority credits when moving from part-time to full-time, overtime, uniforms, and doctor’s notes. In addition, members at all three locations are now covered by the same health and welfare plan which will also provide improved benefits.
Union Negotiating Committee: Paula Bedoya, Laura Obando, and Union Representative Rick Daudlin.
Meta Centre members achieve improvements in new agreement
Members at Meta Centre across Toronto are a part of a sector that is traditionally underfunded, and their workplace is no exception. With little funding, there is often little room for raises, but the Union Negotiating Committee worked hard to secure improvements for these members that go beyond wage increases.
Hourly increases will total $1.91 per hour over the term of the agreement. The first increase will be paid retroactively for hours worked since the expiry of the previous agreement. Further monetary improvements increase reimbursement to $0.65 per kilometre, up from $0.50, for the use of a personal vehicle for work purposes.
Members will move to the UFCW Locals 175 & 633 Ontario Dental Benefit Trust Fund which means 200 part-time employees now have dental coverage for the first time. This also improves full-time coverage to 100% of basics and 80% coverage for major dental.
Members now participate in the UFCW Benefit Trust Fund through Manion which improves their healthcare spending account to $1,000, up from $500, with no deductible. Vision care improves to $450, and members now have no cap on their per-visit massage therapy coverage. Part-time employees now receive a paid sick day per year starting in 2027.
Members may also now carry over up to 40 hours of vacation time to the following calendar year, and if not used, it will be paid out. Members
can also now bank up to 32 hours of lieu time to be paid out if unused. Bereavement entitlement may now be taken in two blocks of time within a 12-month period.
Members benefit from improved language regarding layoff. Improvements on additional shifts include time limits on shift call-outs, and bidding and awarding of shifts based on seniority will now align with the shift app used by the employer. Previous language on call-outs and time limits did not align with the app.
Other language imrovements include the implementation of a menstrual products program within one year of ratification, and an understanding that should additional funding be received for wages and benefits, that the money goes toward wage increases for bargaining unit members. Plus, the Union Negotiating Committee achieved breakthrough language allowing Day program members with seniority choice on start time.
The employer will pay for the Union Negotiating Committee’s lost hours, and 50% of the cost for negotiation meeting rooms and costs of printing collective agreements for the members. In addition, the employer will now contribute $0.03 per hour paid to bargaining unit employees toward the UFCW Local 175 Training & Education Fund.
Union Negotiating Committee: Tamara Dickenson, Gladys Igharo, Kingsley Osabuohien, Sophia Sagias, Sean Samura, and Union Representatives Kasiobi Nwankudu and Meemee Seto.
Negotiation Updates
Lyfe Group Corp. members ratify wage & language improvements
The 170 full-time employees at CapsCanada, now called Lyfe Group Corp., in Windsor have ratified a new collective agreement with a number of important language improvements sought by the members.
New double time language applies on the second consecutive day worked for overtime, plus the overtime threshold has been lowered. Members previously had to hold two weeks of their vacation time aside for an annual plant shutdown. Now, members only need to hold one week which frees up that second week for employees to use as regular vacation.
Members receive a one-time signing bonus of $500, and will see annual raises totalling $3 per hour over the term of the agreement. Night shift premiums improve to $0.90 per hour.
Other improvements that will help put money back in our members’ pockets include increases to the shoe allowance, now $160 per year, and the Mechanic allowance, now $100 per year.
The Union Negotiating Committee secured improved employer-matching contributions to members’ RRSPs equal to half an employee’s contribution to a maximum of 4% of that employee’s annual earnings.
Dental coverage improves to $1,750, up from $1,500, and eye exams are now covered for $100, up from $40. Paramedical coverage increases to $1,000, and Mental Health is now covered at $500.
Union Negotiating Committee: Kayley Quenneville, Duran St. Pierre, Brian Thompson, and Union Representative Jennifer Hanley.
Victorian Order of Nurses secure strong across-the-board increases
Members at the Victorian Order of Nurses (VON) in Elgin County ratified a new collective agreement following a round of bargaining where the parties met in conciliation over wages. The employer tried to offer only lump sums, but the Committee pushed the employer to adjust their approach, and as a result, members will see:
• A retroactive lump sum of 3.5% for hours worked April 1, 2024 to March 31, 2025;
• A retroactive lump sum of 1% for hours worked April 1, 2025 to March 31, 2026, calculated at the March 31, 2025 rate.
• A 2.5% across-the-board increase effective April 1, 2025, calculated after the lump sum payment has been implemented.
• A 2.5% across-the-board increase effective April 1, 2026.
• Wage reopener for April 1, 2027 where the employer agrees to meet a minimum of 30 days prior to the date to bargain new wage increases in good faith based on applicable trends for the Homecare Sector in 2027.
Personal Support Workers (PSWs) receive a special wage adjustment as of April 1, 2026, that will set their indirect start rates at a minimum of 3% above the Ontario minimum wage.
Union Negotiating Committee: Christine O’Donovan, Stacie Sproul, Servicing Representative Kirsten Hansen, and Union Representative Sacha Edey.
Mondelez members ratify wage and language improvements
The 240 members at Mondelez Canada in Toronto ratified a new collective agreement which secures a number of solid improvements.
Members receive a raise of 4% in year one, paid retroactive for hours worked since the expiry of the previous agreement. Rates will increase again by 3% in year two, and 4% in year three.
Premiums improve in year one to provide an additional $0.10 per hour for afternoon, night, and weekend shifts, and in year two the weekend premium improves by another $0.05 per hour. Other monetary improvements put more money back in members’ pockets through increased boot and tool allowances.
Members will see improved Life insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment insurance, which both increase by $25,000. Members receive $500 more toward their Extended Health Benefit program coverage, $50 more for eyeglasses/contacts, $50 more for eye exams, and $50 more for children’s vision care coverage.
Mondelez members wanted significant improvements to various language items. Their Union Negotiating Committee secured voluntary severance packages to be offered by seniority, improved language on the use of agency workers, language and a commitment from the employer on filling open full-time vacancies, and job filling language regarding Technical Operators.
Further improvements address job posting procedures, a training matrix for trainees, and additional bereavement entitlement. Members also benefit from sick days no longer being deducted from their overtime, and Maintenance apprentices are now eligible for overtime. Other language improvements address vacation payout and the creation of a back-up technical operator position. Lastly, the employer has agreed to increase its annual contributions to the UFCW Local 175 Training & Education Fund.
Union Negotiating Committee: Habil Chakera, Richard Champayne, Frank Manno, David Rego, Laura Rego, and Union Representative Ricardo Bocanegra.
Strong
wage increases & more paid sick days at Imperial Parking
The 36 members at Imperial Parking in Ottawa have ratified a new collective agreement which will see wages increase by 5% in year one, 4% in year two, and another 4% in year three.
Members will see improved premiums of $1.50, up from $1.25, per hour for overnight shift, and $0.85, up from $0.75, per hour for the Traffic/Jockey shift.
The Union Negotiating Committee successfully maintained the members’ current health and welfare benefits, and negotiated improvements to paid bereavement to ensure five days’ paid leave, up from four, for the death of an immediate family member.
New language provides two paid sick days per year for part-time employees with more than two years of seniority. Full-time employees with at least eight years of seniority receive an additional paid sick day per year, for a total of nine annually. Members also benefit from an improved pay out rate of 75%, up from 50%, for unused sick days.
Further improvements provide $130, up from $120, per year toward the boot allowance, and $15, up from $12.50, for a meal allowance for those working more than 12 hours on a shift.
Union Negotiating Committee: Mohammoud Abdi, Guled Yusuf Adan, Yosef Russom, and Union Representatives Mirella Fornieri and Joe Tenn.
Negotiation Updates
Members at Core Molding Technologies ratify monetary improvements
The ratified collective agreement at Core Molding Technologies covers 125 full-time employees at the Cobourg plant. The parties met in conciliation to come to an agreement on hourly wage improvements for the members.
Members at all rates and progressions receive raises of 5% in year one, 3% in year two, 3% in year three, and another 3% in year four. Shift premiums improve to provide $0.80, up from $0.70, per hour for the afternoon shift, and $1, up from $0.90, per hour for the midnight shift.
Members benefit from increased employer matching contributions toward their RRSPs of 5%, up from 4.75%, an increased boot allowance of $275, up from $250, an enhanced tool allowance of $475, up from $400, and $150 toward high-visibility clothing, up from $100.
Dental coverage improves to $2,300, up from $2,000, and coverage for dentures now has a lifetime maximum of $4,000 instead of $2,500. Members aged 50 years or older get new coverage of 50% reimbursement for the shingles vaccine, up to a $175 lifetime maximum. Orthotics
are now covered up to $385, vision care coverage improves to $500 every 24 months, and the health spending account improves to $300.
The Union Negotiating Committee achieved significant improvements that provide three weeks’ paid vacation for those employees with more than one year but less than five years seniority. And the Committee also secured a new Xylem classification for the members. Employer contributions to the UFCW Local 175 Training & Education Fund improve to $1,550 per year.
Union Negotiating Committee: Tom Bell, Don Kent, Daniel Petruk, and Union Representative Sean Carroll.
Jollibee members ratify after challenging round of bargaining
In an industry where the vast majority of employees are non-unionized, the members at Jollibee in Toronto wanted to maintain the Minimum Wage Plus (MW+) wage grid, which the employer wanted to get rid of. The Union Negotiating Committee also worked to achieve language to help support members with their retirement savings.
The agreement maintains a MW+ grid for both full and part-time employees with enhanced rates of MW+ $0.30 - $0.65 per hour instead of the previous $0.20 - $0.45 per hour. Members also benefit from improved night shift premiums of $0.50 per hour, up from $0.25. Crew training premiums also improve to $50 per month.
Both full and part-time employees now benefit from language that will see the company match employee RRSP contributions up to 2% of an employee’s earnings.
Members will benefit from improved health and safety language and may now wear Union pins during work hours. Further improvements include an increased meal allowance and discount, and enhanced language regarding statutory holiday payments, bereavement days, and store closure severance pay over and above what is provided by the Employment Standards Act (ESA).
Union Negotiating Committee: Gerry Aspiras, Rafael Bori, Elmer Minimano, and Union Representative Amanda DeMelo.
Ventura Foods members ratify improved wage grid and more
The 199 members of UFCW Local 175 who work at Ventura Foods in Etobicoke have ratified a new three-year collective agreement.
One of the major concerns in this round of bargaining for our Ventura Foods members was the wage grid and its language. The Union Negotiating Committee made it a top priority and successfully achieved an improved grid that will ensure members get to top rate faster with increases effective the date of hire each year, not to exceed a 12-month wait. In addition, a new Sunset Clause of 24 months has been achieved for discipline as outlined in the agreement.
Wages for the members improve by 4% in year one, 2.5% in year two, and another 2.5% in year three. Over the life of the collective agreement, this will amount to rate increases between $1.87 and $4.35 per hour depending on classification.
The improved wage grid also now requires less time, 12 months instead of 36 months, to achieve top rate. This means that 52 employees will receive an immediate increase of between $2.34
and $4.48 per hour. By the end of 2026, another 28 employees will jump to top rate as well.
Other monetary improvements provide $50 per paramedical visit, up from $25, and a boot allowance of $175, up from $150. Additional language ensures that premiums for Afternoon and Night shifts are paid for all hours worked by those employees.
Union Negotiating Committee: Karran Ramoutar, Beven Sullivan, and Union Representative Melody Slattery.
Health & Safety
The Right to Refuse Unsafe Work
A worker can, and has a duty to, refuse work if they believe a situation may endanger themselves or another worker, or if there is a breach of the Occupational Health & Safety Act (OHSA) such as a missing guard on a machine.
To Refuse Unsafe Work, follow these steps:
• Always notify the employer or supervisor of a work refusal. They must investigate immediately. A health and safety committee member or representative (or a worker selected by the Union in the absence of either of these) must be present during this investigation.
• The worker shall remain in a safe place near their work station during the investigation.
• Upon completion of the investigation and after any changes are made to the situation, the worker can decide whether the changes are adequate.
• If the worker continues to refuse the work, the Ministry of Labour (MOL) is notified.
• After the MOL is notified, another worker can be offered the refused work in the presence of the health and safety committee member but the worker must be made aware of the refusal and reasons why it was made. That worker can either support their co-worker’s decision or perform the job.
• An MOL Inspector will complete an in-person investigation and determine whether the work is likely to endanger the worker or another person. The worker, a committee member and the employer will be involved with that inspection.
• The inspector will provide a written copy of their decision to the worker, the committee member and the employer, and it must be posted in the workplace for 14 days.
• The employer or worker can appeal this decision.
Your employer CANNOT dismiss, suspend, intimidate, coerce, threaten or penalize a worker who acts in good faith in refusing unsafe work.
Workers' Compensation INJURED WORKERS
Bill 105: Concerning legislation that could impact injured workers in Ontario
UFCW Locals 175 & 633 is concerned with proposed changes in the recent Bill 105, the “Protecting Ontario’s Workers and Economic Resilience Act, 2026.”
Bill 105 contains an increase to the Loss of Earnings (LOE) for injured workers, which is a great step forward, but it would also end the 72-month lock-in on benefits for injured workers. Removing that lock-in strips away income stability for injured workers who are already in a precarious economic position. Workers with permanent disabilities and other marginalized workers will bear the brunt of this change.
The legislation also needs stronger protections for older workers including raising the retirement age to receive LOE benefits to at least the age of 70, or at least five years post-injury, so that WSIB can truly cover all working people.
UFCW Locals 175 & 633 made a submission to the Standing Committee on Finance & Economic Affairs regarding Bill 105 on those two serious issues, as well as:
• Recommending a greater increase to the LOE of either 95% or 100%; or, in the alternative, make the LOE rate of 90% retroactive to 1998 when the Conservative government reduced the benefit, and;
• Urging the government to expand Workplace Safety & Insurance Board (WSIB) benefits to all workers to provide true universal coverage.
Ultimately, any reduction in WSIB benefits means increased costs to our public programs to support and provide for injured workers even though it’s the WSIB’s job to provide that support.
Add your voice to our petition!
Demand public hearings and stand up for injured workers. Scan the QR here to send a pre-written email to your Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) to demand better for injured workers in Ontario.
DAY
Every year on June 1, we mark Injured Workers Day to pay respect to workers who have died or become injured while working at their jobs.
It is an opportunity to rally, protest, and demand that our government do more to ensure safer and healthier workplaces.
Find photos from this year's event on our Facebook & Instagram.
Training & Education
Through April and May, your Local Union hosted six weekend Steward Seminars across Hamilton, Kingston, London, Sudbury, Thunder Bay, and Toronto.
"Belonging to UFCW Locals 175 & 633 is about taking steps forward every day to help build a better and brighter future for our members and for working people. Our Union Stewards are an integral part of why we’re able to continue to take those steps forward and fight for our members," said President Kelly Tosato.
"These weekends – and every training opportunity – are important," added President Tosato. "We want to make sure that our Stewards have what they need to feel supported, be informed, and take what they learn in training back to the workplace to continue being incredible ambassadors for the union and advocates for their co-workers."
"If the news over the last while has taught us nothing else – it’s that we have to be advocates for each other," said Secretary-Treasurer Jim McLean. "We have to stand up and speak out and fight for what’s right. Being an advocate takes a commitment to the cause and a lot of persistence. Because workers’ rights are a non-negotiable."
More than 600 Union Stewards attended these seminars, which included courses covering Stewards Training, Health & Safety, arbitration, accommodation, and organizing. Weekend steward seminars happen every two years and are complemented by one-day cell training held in cities throughout the province in alternate years.
HAMILTON
THUNDER BAY
Solidarity SCHOLARSHIPS & WEEKLONG Training Programs
Applications are now open for the 2026 Solidarity Scholarships for post-secondary education AND the 2026 Stewards and Health & Safety Weeklong Paid Training Programs. Find applications and more info online at ufcw175.com/education.
LABOUR DAY
September 7, 2026
Your Union will celebrate a number of events in the province for Labour Day 2026.
• Cobourg
• Cornwall
• Hamilton
• Kitchener/Waterloo
• London
• North Bay
• Sault Ste. Marie
• Sudbury
• Thunder Bay
• Toronto
• Windsor
Look for posters in your workplaces over the summer, and as information becomes available, you can find all of it online at ufcw175.com/labourday2026.
2026 Member Engagement Conference
