Checkout December 2008

THE NEWS MAGAZINE FOR MEMBERS OF LOCALS 175 & 633 UFCW CANADA

VOLUME XVII NO. 4 DECEMBER

2008

Labour Day Celebrations Local Union Election Results

. . . page 5

. . . page 21

CONTENTS

President’s Message............................................................................. 3 Secretary-Treasurer’s Message............................................................. 4 Labour Day

Training + Member Education Program

5

Supporting Members through good times & bad.................................. 8

UFCW Local 633 President Dan Bondy Secretary-Treasurer Marylou Mallett Recorder Neil Hotchkiss

People

2008 Member Achievement Awards Announced.................................. 10

Arbitration & Grievance Resolutions

Workplace News

12

The Westin Ottawa members are at your service: They spare no effort in taking care of guests........................................ 14

Fundraising

21

Youth

25

Community

2

16

Local Union Election Results Negotiations

LOCAL 175 President Shawn Haggerty Secretary-Treasurer Teresa Magee Recorder Betty Pardy Executive Assistants Ray Bromley Jim Hastings Harry Sutton

24

26

Provincial Office 2200 Argentia Road Mississauga L5N 2K7 905-821-8329 Toll free 1-800-565-8329 Fax 905-821-7144 Benefits Representatives Sherree Backus, Joanne Ford Benefits Intake Representative Orsola Augurusa Legal Counsel Victoria Shen Communications Representatives Cheryl Mumford, Jennifer Tunney Servicing Representative Lien Huynh Health & Safety Representative Janice Klenot Legal Counsel Marcia Barry, Michael Hancock, Rebecca Woodrow, Natalie Wiley Legal Representative Fernando Reis Organizing Representatives Roy Etling, Rick Hogue, Steve Robinson

CENTRAL EAST REGION Director Luc Lacelle Union Representatives Jehan Ahamed, Mona Bailey, John DiFalco, Anthony DiMaio, John DiNardo, Emmanuelle Lopez, Angela Mattioli, Rob Nicholas, Dave White SOUTH CENTRAL REGION Director Sylvia Groom Union Representative Judith Burch Servicing Representatives Brenda Simmons, Mark Stockton, Mario Tardelli cep Local 571

CENTRAL WEST REGION 412 Rennie Street Hamilton L8H 3P5 905-545-8354 Toll free 1-800-567-2125 Fax 905-545-8355 Director Paul Jokhu Union Representatives Matt Davenport, Tim Deelstra, Joe DeMelo, Linval Dixon, Dan Serbin, Kelly Tosato Servicing Representative Sam Caetano EASTERN REGION 20 Hamilton Avenue North Ottawa K1Y 1B6 613-725-2154 Toll free 1-800-267-5295 Fax 613-725-2328 Director Dan Lacroix Union Representatives Simon Baker, Chris Fuller, Paul Hardwick, Marilyn Lang, Daniel Mercier Servicing Representative Jacques Niquet

SOUTH WEST REGION 124 Sydney Street South Kitchener N2G 3V2 519-744-5231 Toll free 1-800-265-6345 Fax 519-744-8357 Director Ray Bromley Union Representatives Wendy Absolom, Kevin Dowling, Julie Johnston, Angus Locke, Roy Reed, Rick Wauhkonen Representative Mike Duden NORTH WEST REGION Lakehead Labour Centre 21-929 Fort William Road Thunder Bay P7B 3A6 807-346-4227 Toll free 1-800-465-6932 Fax 807-346-4055 Director Harry Sutton Union Representatives Colby Flank, Dean McLaren

TRAINING & EDUCATION CENTRE Coordinator of Education Kelly Nicholas Education Representatives Georgina Broeckel, Laurie Duncan Derek Jokhu, Ashleigh Vink

Web site: www.ufcw175.com E-mail: membership@ufcw175.com

President’s Message

Published six times yearly.

ISSN no. 1703-3926 CHECKOUT is an official publication of Locals 175 & 633 of the United Food & Commercial Workers.

Local 175 Elections: Thank You to ALL Our Supporters

In the month of September of this year, a series of 81 special election membership meetings were conducted for members at locations all across the province.

SHAWN HAGGERTY

At these meetings, all members had the opportunity to elect the Officers of their Local Unions. I am pleased and honoured that you have re-elected Sister Teresa Magee and I as your Local 175 Secretary-Treasurer and President, respectively. We are both fully committed to a renewed program of building and strengthening our Local Union for the benefit of you, the members. We dedicate ourselves and the Local’s staff to providing outstanding servicing and representation, facilitated through ongoing organizing initiatives.

A complete listing of your recently elected representatives is printed on page 21 of this issue of Checkout. These are your co-workers who help establish the policies and priorities of the Local Unions and ensure that the Officers and Staff of the Locals continue to provide excellent representation on your behalf.

This issue also includes a report on the 2008 Labour Day celebrations. On Monday, September 1, hundreds of UFCW Locals 175 & 633 members came out to join families, friends, co-workers and other trade unionists at events throughout Ontario.

For many, the annual celebrations include at least two generations, and for some families the tradition has been continuing for at least a decade or more in Canada. There are families who have continued to participate in the trade union movement and celebrate Labour Day here, after immigrating to Canada from countries around the globe.

Other families are especially happy to celebrate Labour Day – and the benefits that Union membership brings – because they may not have had the right or ability to belong to a Union in their birth countries.

In 2008 in Ontario, however, these celebrations are bittersweet because we know that good-paying Union jobs are disappearing at a horrendous rate, several thousand over the last few years and 55,000 in July of 2008 alone. Ontario has lost the largest number of these, and it appears to be getting worse. Corporations that demand greater profits, regardless of the cost to the workers, their families or the local communities, are a frequent cause of these layoffs. Cangro is one example. It was owned by Kraft Foods until 2006. Then the assets of the company, which included about 800 employees, were sold off to two private American equity firms – Sun Capital Partners Inc and EG Capital Group LLC. Cangro’s Exeter plant, which processed vegetables, closed in May. The one in St. David’s, which canned peaches, pears, mandarins and mixed fruit, closed in June. As

. . . continues on next page

DECEMBER 2008

3

Secretary-Treasurer’s Message

Good Jobs and Organizing are Priorities for 2009

TERESA MAGEE

lenge us over the next four years.

I too am honoured, like President Haggerty, to have been re-elected by the members of Local 175.

Let me begin by assuring you that the Officers, Directors and Staff of both Local Unions are aware and prepared to meet the many issues that will chal-

Of paramount importance is the maintenance of good-paying jobs. We will do all we can, as a Union, to protect these jobs and we will continue our aggressive organizing campaigns to unionize unorganized workers, and improve their wages and benefits too. Through membership growth and education, we can create a better future for Locals 175 & 633 members – and for all working people.

On the page opposite, you can read about the Local Union's recent successful organizing campaign for the work-

President’s Message Message

. . . continued from previous page

a result, nearly 300 UFCW Local 175 members became unemployed. Losing the security of these good jobs, and the camaraderie that resulted from many years of work friendships with co-workers, has been hard on these members. Local 175 is doing everything possible to assist them in obtaining new employment.

But there is only so much that one Local Union, no matter how strong, can accomplish. We also need to see much more leadership from our elected governments, so that working people are not constantly being harmed by their economic policies. The federal government in particular needs to show leadership to restrict foreign takeovers of our industries, unless they are linked to specific job guarantees.

We also need more tax incentives and innovative programs to create new, sustainable “green” jobs, as Europeans are

4

ers at Wing's Asian Specialty Foods. In 2009, we will continue to reach out to even more unorganized workers to bring them the benefit of good Union contracts.

At the same time, our governments – both provincially and federally – need to create innovative programs and initiatives that will keep good jobs in Canada and establish new ones in leading-edge industries. They need to enact better laws to ensure that foreign owners act responsibly to sustain good jobs and enhance – not destroy – local communities.

The Ontario government needs to re-enact cardbased certification for all job sectors so that workers who wish to belong to a Union are afforded that opportunity.

Together, we can build a sustainable economy with a comfortable lifestyle for all working families. In closing, on behalf of the Officers and Staff of Locals 175 & 633, I thank you for your recent vote of confidence. Please accept our best wishes for a joyous holiday season and a happy, healthy and prosperous 2009.

doing. More “green” investment can better harness our natural resources – such as land, water, wind, sun and human innovation – and create new work sectors. With some leadership, we can create highlyskilled, good-paying jobs in renewable energy, in alternative cars and fuels and in high-performance buildings. Through innovation, and the retrofit of homes, plants and office buildings, we can reduce our reliance on non-renewable energy sources and create good jobs that can’t be outsourced to other parts of the world.

Unless the government acts now, we will continue to lose the good-paying jobs that have ensured a comfortable lifestyle for working families in Canada.

L OCALS 175 & 633

Some of the 170 members who work at WHL Management Limited Partnership (Wing’s Foods) participated in their first Labour Day parade after receiving certification to be represented by Local 175 on August 11, 2008. Wing’s, which has two Toronto plants, produces fortune cookies, won ton skins, noodles and various sauces for restaurants and supermarkets.

MEMBERS , TOGETHER WITH THEIR

FAMILIES AND FRIENDS , TURNED OUT IN HUGE NUM -

BERS TO CELEBRATE

O N S EPTEMBER 1,

L ABOUR D AY 2008.

H UNDREDS

T ORONTO

OF OTHERS ATTENDED THE

H AMILTON PARADE AND PICNIC D UNDURN C ASTLE P ARK .

I N C ORNWALL ,

TORONTO

MEMBERS JOINED SEVERAL THOU -

SAND WORKERS WHO MARCHED IN THE PARADE .

LABOUR DAY

Labour Day 2008

THAT FOLLOWED AT

WORKERS AND THEIR FAMILIES

ENJOYED A GREAT DAY.

S OME

PARTICIPATED IN THE

WELL - ORGANIZED PROGRAM THAT FEATURED CLOWNS ,

FACE PAINTING , FIRE TRUCKS , A SMOKE HOUSE , A

BBQ, ELECTRIC TRAIN RIDES AND GAMES FOR CHILDREN – AND OTHERS JUST HUNG OUT WITH FRIENDS AND CO - WORKERS . V OLUNTEERS AND PARTIC IPANTS RAISED $3,000 FOR LEUKEMIA RESEARCH .

FAMILY

IN OTHER CENTRES , MEMBERS CAME TOGETHER TO

CELEBRATE WITH PARADES , PICNICS AND GAMES FOR

THE CHILDREN

.

HAMILTON

DECEMBER 2008

5

LABOUR DAY KENORA

H A M I LT O N

T H U N D E R B AY

SUDBURY H A M I LT O N PORT HOPE

KINGSTON 6

LABOUR DAY

CORNWALL

CORNWALL

TORONTO TORONTO

H A M I LT O N

TORONTO LONDON

TORONTO

DECEMBER 2008

7

TRAINING

Supporting Members through good

It’s all over the news media these days: good Canadian jobs are being lost across the province and throughout Canada. Members are suffering as a result of these many layoffs and closures, which span the province from Windsor to Niagara Falls and even up to Thunder Bay. In 2008, in July alone, Canadians were hit by the biggest monthly job loss – 55,000 – since the 1991 recession. Thousands more good jobs have gradually disappeared over the last few years. You only have to listen to the news, or glance at a newspaper, to know that there is no sure sign of “a light at the end of the tunnel.”

to provide funds for the adjustment process. This normally involves setting up a committee to coordinate activities for the affected workers. The goal of labour adjustment is to provide services to workers that will enable them to find meaningful employment, selfemployment or access to training opportunities. The Union takes an active role throughout the adjustment process to ensure the needs of members are met.

Labour adjustment is not a new phenomenon. We have been doing labour adjustment work with our members since the early 1990s. Currently we have active labour adjustment committees in Windsor (Qualicaps/ Pharmaphil), Niagara Falls (St. Davids Cangro), and Exeter (Cangro). Our past comLocals 175 & 633 are always commitmittees included Cargill (Guelph) “A S A U NION IT IS OUR ted to helping members, especially which closed with 77 per cent of the when it’s needed most in these “bad laid off members being adjusted and DUTY TO ASSIST THESE times” of frequent closures and layoffs.

Rowanwood Retirement Residence MEMBERS FOR AS LONG AS We do not abandon members in their (Huntsville) where 90 per cent of those IT TAKES TO COMPLETE THE hour of need. Locals 175 & 633 work who accessed services are now adjusted. . . .

ADJUSTMENT PROCESS with the provincial government’s Where a closure is less than 50 people Ministry of Training, Colleges & EVEN AFTER THEY ARE NO or an Action Centre/Committee is not Universities (MTCU) to provide labour LONGER ACTIVE MEMBERS ,” adjustment services to members who possible, we will work with area SAYS P RESIDENT S HAWN providers to offer services to the affected lose good Union jobs to restructuring, H AGGERTY. workers. Recently, Rathburn Price lost production or closures.

Chopper and Avon Sportsware, which “As a Union it is our duty to assist these are both located in the Greater members for as long as it takes to complete the adjustToronto Area, announced closures. These members ment process . . . even after they are no longer active were referred to the community agencies in their area. members,” says President Shawn Haggerty. “We help All members involved in a closure of one of our Locals these former active members enroll in workshops to 175 or 633 workplaces continue to have access to all write resumes and practice job interviewing skills, training and education programs offered by our Local access training and look for other meaningful employUnions’ Training & Education Centres in both Missisment. Those who are successful in finding new employsauga and Hamilton, as well as Online courses. ment may no longer be Local 175 or 633 members.

But nevertheless, we are committed to assisting them for We are – and will remain – strongly committed to helpas long as help is needed. It’s the right thing to do.” ing laid-off members in any way we can, for as long as they need assistance.

Labour Adjustment is a coordinated program to provide services to workers who have lost their jobs or are at V ISIT: WWW. UFCW 175. COM TO VIEW ONLINE AND risk of losing their jobs. The first thing we do as a OTHER COURSES , WHICH ARE AVAILABLE WITHOUT Union is attempt to negotiate a closure agreement with CHARGE TO MEMBERS AND LAID - OFF MEMBERS – the employer. We try to obtain enhanced severance packages – or at the very least – pressure the employer AS WELL AS TO THEIR FAMILIES .

8

Y ES ,

THERE CAN BE A LIGHT AT THE END OF THE UNEMPLOYMENT TUNNEL :

IF YOU ’ RE A LAID - OFF

L OCAL 175

OR

633

MEMBER

Thanks to the support of our Local Unions, laid-off workers are obtaining the assistance, knowledge and skills they need to move forward to a better future.

TRAINING

times and bad

The Cangro St. Davids Action Centre in Thorold officially opened on July 9, 2008. In just over two months, it was successful in “adjusting” 47 per cent of its 130 workers. This means they are already working full or part-time, or had decided not to seek new employment. Another 13 former active members signed on for a four-week computer program through the Niagara Literacy Council, which will provide both the skills and new insights that workers need to plan and secure good new employment. Once they’ve completed these courses, they may choose to continue learning and upgrading their skills, either with the Local Union or through other programs offered with Ontario’s Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities.

The Cangro Exeter Action Centre opened in a building adjacent to the 102-year old plant, shortly after the latter ceased operation in late May, 2008. As of September 7, the Centre had succeeded in “adjusting” 59 per cent of the former active members. The laid-off workers have also been kept “enthusiastically” busy with Local 175’s ABCs of Computers course.

“People were ecstatic about the computer courses,” says the Centre’s coordinator and former member Sherrie Davidson.

“Nine out of 10 students were computer illiterate at the beginning, but everyone really enjoyed the course. The Local 175 Instructor, Derek Jokhu, was a big hit!”

Carmen Levine, a former member and 30-year employee with Cangro St. David’s, is a peer helper at the Action Centre, which shares space with the Canada Employment Centre in Thorold.

Members of the Cangro Exeter Adjustment Committee below are, from left: Monica Shurgold, Chairperson; Barb Hartman, Company Committee Member; Sherrie Davidson, Action Centre Coordinator; Michelle Bennewies, Union Committee Member; Martin Doornekamp, Company Committee Member; Wendy Absolom, Union Representative; Helen Vincent, Union Committee Member; Ray Brown, Union Committee Member; Gayle Jones Smith, MTCU; June Ferguson, MTCU.

DECEMBER 2008

9

PEOPLE

2008 Member Achievement Award

P RESIDENT S HAWN H AGGERTY HAS ANNOUNCED THE WINNERS OF THE 3 RD ANNUAL L OCALS 175 & 633 A CHIEVEMENT A WARDS .

IN

RECOGNITION , EACH RECIPIENT RECEIVES A

$500

CHEQUE , WHICH IS MADE AVAILABLE THROUGH A

A MERICAN I NCOME L IFE (AIL) C ANADA . T HE 2008 WINNERS ARE : S UE A MSBURY, S HERWIN F LIGHT, H EATHER M C G REGOR AND J ASMIN U PTON .

PARTNERSHIP WITH

Sue Amsbury was selected for her dedication to fundraising for leukemia research. She is a 14-year member from Minute Maid in Peterborough. During that time she has been a Union Steward and also a Negotiating Committee member.

Her greatest passion for the past seven years, however, has been in the role of fundraising coordinator for the annual Ted on the Roof event. Each year, Ted is assisted by the local fire department to climb onto the roof of Morello’s YIG where he camps out to raise money for leukemia research. In these last seven years, Sue, coworker Ted Dawes – plus numerous fundraising committee members and other helpers – have raised more than $72,000. Because of their efforts, children and adults with leukemia are living longer and enjoying a better quality of life.

Union Rep Chris Fuller nominated Sue for the award.

He wrote: “As I prepared this nomination letter, it provided me with the opportunity to reflect on Sister Amsbury’s tremendous commitment to her Union and her fundraising efforts for leukemia research. I am certainly proud of Sister Amsbury who typifies the caring spirit that is shared by so many UFCW Locals 175 & 633 members.”

Sue and Ted, with leukemia mascot “Spike,” at the 2008 Ted on the Roof event.

10

Sherwin Flight, of Liberté Natural Foods in Brampton was chosen for his leadership and advancement of the UFCW.

He has worked there, mostly in shipping and receiving, for the past three years. When his Sherwin never misses an opportunity to talk about the benefits of Union co-workers started membership. talking about the need for a Union, Sherwin decided to do some online research. Subsequently he called Local 175 for assistance in organizing his workplace.

Sherwin says getting involved with the Union affected him positively, both personally and professionally.

Self-described as “once a quiet person, even a little shy,” he says the Union Organizing Campaign got him to open up and talk to more people both inside and outside work. He participated in certification hearings before the Ontario Labour Relations Board and also with Howard Hampton in a media conference related to the need for card-based certification.

At work, Sherwin and his colleagues appreciate the benefits of belonging to a good Union. He cited job security, a grievance procedure, wages and benefits that are spelled out in the collective agreement, and of course, the wide array of educational opportunities.

He says: “I use every chance I can to spread this information to people that may not be as fortunate as I am to be a member of such an incredible organization. I actually have my own stack of organizing flyers. I often take them with me when shopping and hand them to employees of the stores, or leave them around on shelves to encourage other workers to contact the Local 175 Organizing Department.”

Do you know someone who needs a good Union?

Call 1-800-565-8329 (UFCW) or log on to www.ufcw175.com to learn how to enforce the laws that protect you in your workplace.

Ask for the Organizing Department.

youth that success is not the result of spontaneous combustion; you have to light yourself on fire.” She is currently in her second year at McMaster University, studying psychology, behaviour and neuroscience. The award money will be useful for educational expenses, as she is planning to pursue a career in research or medicine.

Heather McGregor of Sarnia won the Outstanding Member Achievement Award for her contributions to the community.

She has worked as a cashier at Food Basics #868 for the past three years while attending secondary school. Heather spent the last ten years dancing with the non-profit Sarnia Showstoppers. She was active with various fundraising initiatives for this group, such as charity bingos and park cleanups after concerts and festivals.

PEOPLE

Winners Announced

Heather is a volunteer dance teacher with Harmony. It is a community-based music and arts program with a mission to boost the self-esteem of Sarnia’s youth.

It is readily accessible to all young people.

Heather recognizes that dance is a wonderful outlet for young people, but one that it is unaffordable for many families. So she became involved with Harmony, which provides dance classes for youth – with no fees, waiting lists or prerequisites. Harmony requires students to “pay it forward,” by giving back to the community, hour for hour, for the dance instruction that they receive.

Heather has an impressive list of accomplishments, awards and other volunteer activities. Some of these include competing in the Big Brothers Dragon Boat Festival and doing volunteer fundraising for the Boxing Club for at-risk youth. She has given motivational speeches at the Hanna Memorial Elementary School. At Sarnia Collegiate Institute, she participated in the antismoking campaign and was a volunteer tutor.

She has received awards from more than a dozen organizations including the Kinsman (High Ideals & Citizenship), YMCA (Volunteerism in the Arts) and St. Clair Conservation Authority (Environmental AwareHeather also won a Workers’ Health & ness). She says: “My Safety Centre contest for creating this poster. aim is to teach our

Jasmin Upton was selected for enhancing and achieving improvements in health & safety in her workplace.

She has worked at Food Basics store #888 (formerly A&P) in Simcoe for about seven years. When she was asked to become the certified Health & Safety member for her workplace, she readily agreed. “I want to ensure everyone is safe,” she says.

Jasmin is the certified H&S member at her Food Basics workplace in Simcoe.

Jasmine says her focus is always on health & safety.

During her entire forty-hour workweek, she is constantly on the lookout for hazards and takes action to correct the problem whenever she sees anything that could pose a danger to her co-workers. She also does a safety “I T ’ S IMPORTANT inspection every month, and TO ME THAT PEO participates in the Joint Health PLE ARE MADE & Safety Committee meeting.

AWARE OF POLI She ensures that any concerns that members raise, or hazards CIES AND HAZARDS that she spots, are reported to SO THEY KNOW management. Then she follows HOW TO WORK up to ensure the problems are SAFELY.” fixed.

“It usually involves a lot of little things,” she says, “but it's important to me that people are made aware of policies and hazards so they know how to work safely.”

Her nominee and coworker, Jamie Smithers, says: “The people that Jasmin works with are more to her than just co-workers . . . they are treated like part of her family. And in Jasmin's book, “family” health and safety is paramount.”

DECEMBER 2008

11

GRIEVANCES

Arbitration & Grievance Achieving a good Union Contract is just the first step to better working conditions.

It is essential that everyone reads and understands the agreement and remains vigilant to ensure that the employer respects its terms.

If you feel your employer is not living up to the contract, please speak to your Union Steward, and when appropriate, be prepared to file a grievance. It is sometimes the only way you can be assured the benefits that are part of your Union contract.

On these two pages are specific situations where your Union was successful in enforcing the terms of the collective agreement, through the grievance and arbitration procedure.

Arbitrator requires company to pay worker

At Good Humor Breyers in Simcoe, a member was reimbursed for pay from what had originally been a three-day suspension.

The Union said the suspension was without just cause because on December 18, 2006, the grievor had called in to report his illness, which was the correct procedure. The supervisor phoned the worker’s home several times during the day but was unable to speak with him. They met together at work the next morning. The worker said he had been very ill with what he thought was food poisoning, but had not seen his doctor. The supervisor said he did not believe the grievor had been ill and was going to take the matter to the disciplinary committee, which resulted in the three-day suspension.

The company claimed that the grievor had the onus of proving he was ill by providing medical evidence, which he had failed to do.

The Union refuted the company’s arguments, specifically saying that the grievor’s failure to answer the phone or return the supervisor’s call was not proof that he was not ill. The Union also said

12

that the company cannot fault the grievor for failing to bring in a medical note because it did not ask for one. The Union concluded that the company did not show that the grievor was guilty of blameworthy conduct.

The arbitrator agreed with the Union. She found that the grievor was ill on the day in question and was therefore entitled to be absent from work. She directed the company to reimburse the worker for any wages lost as a result of the three-day suspension and to remove the suspension from the worker’s personnel file. Factors noted that led the arbitrator to make the award included: the brief one-day nature of the illness; the company’s failure to notify him that medical evidence was required or that his absences were being scrutinized. Additionally, the grievor had a credible friend who had witnessed his illness and was able to corroborate his version of events.

Union wins vacation scheduling grievance

The Union won a grievance on behalf of members at Pinty’s Delicious Foods in Port Colborne.

The past practice, for at least eight years, had been to maintain separate vacation schedules so that sanitation workers were not part of the general plant-wide limit as to when vacations could be taken. When management decided to lump these workers in with all others in the plant for vacation scheduling purposes, some of the workers lost the ability to choose their preferred vacation period, which they had been able to do previously.

They asked the Union to file a grievance on their behalf.

Although the company said the change in procedure was simply an exercise of its management rights, the Union said that the legal doctrine of estoppel stops management from doing what it would normally have the legal right to do. Estoppel is based on the notion that a party cannot go back to insisting on its legal rights after it has, by words and actions, led another party to believe that it would not enforce these legal rights.

The arbitrator agreed with the Union. He said because of the longstanding past practice, the employer cannot now insist on enforcing the contract as written, without the consent of the Union. As the employer did not raise the issue during the last round of bargaining, the arbitrator said the current vacation schedule practice must continue, unchanged, for the life of the current collective agreement.

GRIEVANCES

Re s o l u t i o n s

Member at Smuckers Foods awarded six days pay

A full-time member filed a grievance seeking six days of pay as compensation for work she said should have been offered to her in March, 2007. It had been given to another employee with lower seniority.

The grievor was classified as a fork-lift operator, but had been working as a lead hand and formerly as a sanitation worker. She filled out Absence Approval Forms to request vacation during the annual plant shutdown period, writing: “will come in for sanitation.”

Although she was offered a half shift as a fork-lift operator, no one offered her work in sanitation. Instead the work was performed by at least one employee with less seniority than the grievor.

Articles in the collective agreement allow the employee to revert vacation scheduled during shutdown and state that employees in a classification with the most plant seniority will have preference of the work available in that classification.

The company scheduler, Ms. Butler, said the grievor was not eligible to work until two weeks after the announced shutdown, unless she cancelled her vacation. Miss Butler also stated that once an employee had declined a day or afternoon shift, the company’s practice was to not call them back to offer an “immediately following” night shift.

The Union rep disputed Ms. Butler’s evidence on past practice. The arbitrator said it was the company’s responsibility to schedule work in accordance with the seniority requirements of the collective agreement and therefore the company should have fulfilled the grievor’s clear request to reverse her vacation claim if sanitation work became available. He ordered the company to compensate the grievor for six shifts at the sanitation rate in effect at the time.

Arbitrator awards three days pay

A member was suspended for three days, without pay, due to frequent absences.

According to company records, the grievor had an absenteeism of 9.42 per cent, whereas their target was less than four per cent. Absences were not

counted if the company received a “quality” doctor’s note, offering verification of the reasons for the absences. Between the period of September 1 and October 11, 2007, the grievor had been absent from work for 17.4 hours, bringing his undocumented absenteeism rate to 12.4 per cent. In total, he was absent for eight of the 17 days he was scheduled to work, although he did produce a doctor’s note to explain some of the absences.

The collective agreement provides that a doctor’s note is required for absences of more than three days and the Employer’s Absence Policy reserves the right of the company to request supporting documentation for an absence. The company, however, did not ask the grievor to provide a medical note, nor did it advise the grievor that the note provided was unsatisfactory. Therefore the arbitrator ordered the company to compensate the grievor and to remove the discipline from his record.

Members gain extra shift pay

Local 175 filed a grievance on behalf of ten members who work at the Maple Leaf Poultry plant in Brampton. It said the company violated the collective agreement by not calling the grievors to work on the deboning line for the processing of a rush order. Instead, the company designated workers with less seniority, alleging that the grievors lacked the skill and ability to perform the work required.

The arbitrator dismissed the grievances of six of the workers, saying that there was no evidence that they had sufficient recent experience to do the job. He allowed the grievances of the other four, however, stating that their several months experience on the auto deboning line of two to three years ago indicated they could probably do the job. He required the company to pay each of these four grievors for seven hours wages at the rate they would have been paid had they been assigned this work.

DECEMBER 2008

13

WORKPLACE NEWS

The Westin Ottawa members They spare no effort in taking care Whether it’s reception, front desk, dining areas, kitchens, offices, housekeeping, stores room, receiving or maintenance these members do their upmost to exceed guest expectations.

Last year, a guest services agent at the hotel, Fiby Labib, was recognized with the prestigious Star of the City award for exceptional customer service. She was among a few front-line workers nominated from across the city for this Ottawa Tourism Award, but just one of the more than 250 members at the hotel who are exceptionally dedicated to making every guest’s stay a memorable experience.

The hotel just celebrated its 25th anniversary on October 23, 2008. Approximately 25 of the hotel’s 350 employees have worked at the hotel from the time it opened, which attests to the successful working partnership between the Union and company.

Situated on the famous Rideau Canal with stunning views of Parliament Hill and steps from the Byward Market, the Westin Ottawa is committed to being your haven for renewal and rejuvenation. Local 175 members are there to make it happen. For more information about the hotel visit: www.westin.com/ottawa and for a comprehensive list of things to see and do in Canada’s capital visit: www.ottawatourism.ca.

14

WORKPLACE NEWS

are at your service:

of guests

S PECIAL O FFER

FOR

L OCALS 175

OR

633

MEMBERS

Enjoy a special UFCW friends and family weekend rate of $119 traditional or $149 deluxe.

Offer valid from December 1, 2008 thru to March 31, 2009 and is subject to availability.

Quote reference #UFCWFF when making the reservation and present UFCW ID at check-in.

DECEMBER 2008

15

FUNDRAISING CONFERENCES

Numerous Summer and Fall Events col T HE L EUKEMIA & L YMPHOMA S OCIETY OF C ANADA (LLSC) WILL RECEIVE ANOTHER $64,739.58 IN DONATIONS , THANKS TO THE GENEROSITY OF UFCW L OCALS 175 & 633 MEMBERS .

T HROUGHOUT THE SUMMER AND EARLY FALL THEY

CONTINUED THEIR FUNDRAISING EFFORTS TO

ADVANCE RESEARCH TO FIND A CURE FOR LEUKEMIA AND OTHER BLOOD - RELATED CANCERS .

ON

THE NEXT FOUR PAGES ARE NEWS AND PHOTOS

ON SOME OF THESE OUTSTANDING FUNDRAISING ACHIEVEMENTS .

F ISHING

DERBY NETS

$1,258

On July 20, the Wheatley Harbour fishing derby was a big hit with fisher people of all ages.

It was organized by Mike Collins of Holiday Select in Windsor. He was assisted by Union Rep Julie Johnston and numerous staff from his workplace.

Local 175 President Shawn Haggerty and Secretary-

Holiday Inn members Waldo Puello, (front) along with Steve Belanger and Robert Fabiano, joins Spike and young friends at the derby.

16

Treasurer Teresa Magee travelled from Mississauga to support the weekend event. It raised $1,258 for leukemia research.

Michelle Young won a fishing rod and tackle box for the largest catch by an adult. She is a friend of members Denis Kendell, Zehrmart store # 571 and Sue Pare, Zehrmart store # 571, both in Windsor. Travis Young took the intermediate prize.

Other activities, in addition to fishing, included face painting and games provided by the CAN and Youth Committees.

Wheatley Harbour is located at the outlet of Muddy Creek on the North Shore of Lake Erie, about 60 kilometres east of Windsor.

M EMBERS AT S MUCKER F OODS D UNNVILLE DONATE $1,209

OF

C ANADA (B ICKS )

IN

The majority of the 220 members who work at the plant came out to support a BBQ event on July 24 & 25.

Assistance at the event was provided (from right) by President Shawn Haggerty and Union staff, who were reps Tim Deelstra, Kelly Tosato (absent from photo) and Sam Caetano with the help of Youth Committee member Jason Hanley of Membership Records in Mississauga.

T HE ON

T HUNDER B AY G OLF T OURNAMENT, 26, 2008, COLLECTED $3,000

ANNUAL

J ULY

This 10th annual Leukemia Golf Tournament for Locals 175 & 633 members and friends provided good golfing, great weather, tasty food and some terrific prizes. All 50 people who participated had a wonderful time.

74 G OLFERS ENJOYED A DAY G OLF C LUB IN M C G REGOR

AT THE

F OX G LEN

The 9th annual Windsor Golf Tournament on Saturday, August 9, 2008, netted $5,100 for leukemia research.

FUNDRAISING

llect $64,739.58 to benefit the LLSC

It was organized by Executive Board members Neil Hotchkiss, A&P store #341, Dan Bondy, A&P store #141and Brad Wigle, A&P store #139.

They were assisted by Union Rep Julie Johnston.

The event wrapped up with a great dinner featuring entertainment by the comedian, Sean Patrick.

McGregor is about 25 kilometres south of Windsor.

Canada Malt members, from left: Bill Arvelin, Rick Romick, Dale Simon and Ernie Buckman enjoyed a golf day together. Dale is also a member of the Locals 175 & 633 Executive Board.

L OCAL 175 HELPS CELEBRATE P ORT C OLBORNE ’ S ANNUAL C ANAL D AYS WITH A BBQ L UNCH

Supporters of the McGregor tournament included, from left: Executive Board Members Neil Hotchkiss, Dan Bondy, Tim Kelly and Brad Wigle, as well as Union Reps Angus Locke and Julie Johnston (absent from photo).

On August 2, South Central Region staff organized a fundraiser in the Food Basics parking lot in Port Colborne and raised $562.58.

The Locals 175 & 633 Youth Committee members (in red), photographed with Local 175 President Shawn Haggerty, provided volunteer assistance at the BBQ. They were: Michael Yager, Pepsi Hamilton; Lee Johnson-Koehn, Fortinos store #67; Shawn; Mark Stockton, Local 175 Union Rep; Jennifer Johnston and Jason Hanley, Local 175 staff.

DECEMBER 2008

17

FUNDRAISING

Numerous Summer and Fall Events col R IDE

FOR A

RESEARCH

C URE

GIVES

$13,115

TO LEUKEMIA

The 4th annual UFCW Ride for a Cure – was another thundering success! This year’s participants helped to raise $13,115 for leukemia research, bringing the four-year total to $35,828. “What a tremendous group of people we had here today,” commented President Shawn Haggerty. “For these people to brave the rain instead of staying dry at home, really shows we have a great event and participants that are committed to this important cause.”

The day’s ride, held on August 9, attracted 47 riders and volunteers. It included Terra Cotta, Cheltenham Badlands, and Hockley Valley. Riders stopped for lunch at the Loretto Inn where Barry Mailloux, won the 32” Toshiba TV at the lunch time raf- It was a dark and rainy Saturday . . . but spirits remained high at the 4th annual Ride For A Cure. fle. Barry is a returning rider whose family has been affected by cancer. At the end of the day, he donated the big TV back to the Union to raffle off at their next event.

For a complete report on the day’s events, visit: www.ufcwrideforacure.ca or contact dave.white@ufcwrideforacure.ca. Next year’s ride is scheduled for Saturday August 8, 2009.

B ETTER B EEF BBQ

COLLECTS

$1,450

At Cargill Meat Solutions (formally Better Beef) in Guelph, the Union committee organized a BBQ that raised $1450 on August 14 and 15.

18

Prize winners at the event were Jan Ekiert (day off with pay), Dave Ward ($100 Future Shop gift certificate) and Ron Ripley ($35 Beer Store gift certificate).

The committee members (front row) were: Sharon Daudlin, Recorder; and Rick Daudlin, Chief Steward. Back row: Chris Watson, Plant Chair; Dave Grennon, Plant Vice Chair and Shawn Jones, Steward. They were assisted by Union Reps Roy Reed, Rick Waukonen and Mike Duden.

M EMBERS

DONATE

$2,016

AT

T ORONTO BBQ

On August 15, 2008, members at Quality Meat Packers (QMP) and Toronto Abbatoirs Limited (TAL) enjoyed a BBQ, which contributed $2,016 to the LLSC. It was organized by the Union committee members Frank Menezes, Plant Chairperson; Nuno Flamino, TAL Chief Steward and QMP Chief Steward, John Caldeira, who were assisted by Union Representative Dan Serbin and Servicing Representative Sam Caetano.

6 TH A NNUAL B ASEBALL T OURNAMENT R AISES MONEY FOR L EUKEMIA R ESEARCH

MORE

On Saturday, August 23, the Locals 175 & 633 Hit for A Cure – its 6th Annual Slo-Pitch Tournament – was held at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Borden, just west of Barrie.

On a bright sunny day, there were a few home runs on the diamonds but none were bigger than the one hit for the LLSC. It raised the most money to date – $3,500!

2009, at the same location.

F IRST D UNK F OR A C URE $7,144

IN

B URLINGTON

FUNDRAISING

llect $64,739.58 to benefit the LLSC

RAISES

Members at the Maple Leaf Foods processing facility in Burlington were enthusiastic participants in an innovative fundraising initiative there.

It took place on September 25, 26 & 29. Members donated $3,577 from the purchase of tickets for the dunk tank, head shave and raffle for prizes which included a 32” LCD TV and a day off with pay. The company provided BBQ food and matched the members’ donations to bring the total contribution to $7,144.

The winning team was Gang Green with members from the Vera M. Davis Centre in Bolton.

Second place went to Mash 479 with members from A&P Orillia. Third place went to the Pirates with members from Quality Meats, Toronto. More news and photos at www.ufcw175.com.

G OLF E XTRAVAGANZA

NETS

$26,500

The 6th annual Golf For A Cure Extravaganza was held on September 13, at Innisbrook Golf and Country Club in Barrie. One hundred and twenty seven golfers participated in this year’s event, which contributed $26,500 for leukemia research.

This year’s special guest was Heidi Hayes, a young movie actress who was diagnosed with leukemia in February of 2008. Heidi spoke about her treatments. She gave everyone a closer insight into what this terrible disease is all about and how money raised by UFCW members helps in the fight to ease suffering and to find a cure.

Next year’s event is scheduled for Saturday, September 12,

Members threw balls or punches to activate the dunk tank.

Putting contest winner, Peter Chauvin, (on right, shown with tournament organizer Jerry Clifford and special guest Heidi Hayes) generously donated his prize clubs back to the Union to raffle off at a future event.

DECEMBER 2008

19

MORE LOCAL NEWS

Locals 175 & 633 Members participate in historic conference More than 2,000 UFCW leaders and activists from across North America pledged to devote themselves to a unity program that strives to grow the International Union to three million members by 2018.

UFCW International President Joe Hansen issued the call for a renewed, aggressive, and coordinated commitment to doubling the size of our Union’s membership in the next 10 years. His message was delivered on the second day of the UFCW’s Sixth Regular Convention, held in Montreal from August 18 to 22. He said: “We must have a program that unites us together, that combines our resources, that has a strategic plan to guarantee that we coordinate our actions and build on our strengths. That is the One Union, One Voice pro-

gram. That is the foundation of our future.”

The One Union, One Voice program involves UFCW members and officers looking far beyond their Local Unions and taking an active role in issues and campaigns that affect the Union and the worker movement as a whole. “Our Local Union is committed to enthusiastically embracing President Hansen’s ambitious challenge,” says Local 175 President Shawn Haggerty.

“There are hundreds of thousands of workers in Canada who want and need a Union. Working with other Locals throughout Canada, together with the National Office, we can reach our objective of making UFCW Canada 500,000 members strong by 2018.”

Earlier this year, members elected delegates to represent them at the UFCW International Convention, which is held every five years. Under the UFCW International constitution, each Local Union is entitled to send a fixed number of delegates, based on its membership. Locals 175 & 633 – with more than 50,000 members – form the largest group of UFCW members and therefore made up approximately 25 percent of the Canadian delegates. Many of our delegates appear (in yellow) in the photo excerpt above.

20

(Official results as of November 7, 2008) Local 175

President – Shawn Haggerty Secretary-Treasurer – Teresa Magee Recorder – Betty Pardy Vice Presidents: HOPE Sector/Central Region VP #1 Jim Montgomery VP #2 VACANT HOPE Sector/Eastern Region VP #3 Karen Vaughan

HOPE Sector/North West Region VP #4 Kimberley White HOPE Sector/South West Region VP #5 Harry Sutton Industrial Sector/Central Region VP #6 Virginia Haggith VP #7 Jim Hough VP #8 Joe Pereira VP #9 Frank Menezes VP #10 Fitzroy Reid VP #11 Lionel MacEachern Industrial Sector/Eastern Region VP #12 Lynn Jillings VP #13 Jean Patenaude

Industrial Sector/North West Region VP #14 Dale Simon Industrial Sector/South West Region VP #15 Bruce Dosman VP #16 Don Schmidt VP #17 Chris Watson

Retail & Service Sector/Central Region VP #18 Rick Alagierski

VP VP VP VP VP

#19 #20 #21 #22 #23

VACANT Tony Morello Toni Pettitt Colleen Cox Lee Johnson-Koehn

Retail & Service Sector/Eastern Region VP #24 Scott Molnar VP #25 Sandra Proulx

Retail & Service Sector/North West Region VP #26 Cheryl Henry Retail & VP #27 VP #28 VP #29

MORE LOCAL NEWS

2008 Election Results* For Locals 175 & 633

Service Sector/South West Region Bryan Braithwaite Tim Kelly Carolyn Levesque

At Large/Central Region VP #30 Brian Ogilvie At Large/Eastern Region VP #31 Louise Summers

At Large/North West Region VP #32 Barbara Carr At Large/South West Region VP #33 Marc Praill Local 633

President – Dan Bondy Secretary-Treasurer – Marylou Mallett Recorder – Neil Hotchkiss VP #1 VP #2 VP #3

Brian Kozlowski Tony Nigro Brad Wigle

*Nominations and elections were conducted, overseen and have been finalized in accordance with the International Constitution and the Local Union Bylaws.

John Hurley: Election Chairperson

DECEMBER 2008 21

MORE LOCAL NEWS

Locals 175 & 633 members share expertise at NDF Conference

UFCW Canada’s National Defence Fund was established in 1986 as an optional fund to which bargaining units could choose to affiliate individually, with a small weekly contribution guaranteeing higher strike pay and other financial support in the event of a work stoppage.

Intended originally for the often-volatile packinghouse and other industrial workplaces, it became a popular option anywhere in the Union where strikes or lockouts were likely.

NDF members meet annually to participate in events, sectoral meetings, and presentations. According to the NDF’s administrator, Bryan Neath, the NDF is not only growing at a rapid rate – more than 6,300 members have voted to join the optional fund in the last two years alone – but is also more reflective of the Union in demographic, regional, and sectoral terms than it has ever been. Of 45 local unions in Canada, 27 have members who are affiliated with the NDF, and half of the fund’s 35,000 members work in retail.

Numerous Locals 175 & 633 members, including Paul Sihota of Delft Blue/Grober (at podium) and Chris Watson of Better Beef (on right) made presentations at the conference.

Local Union wins Labour Communication Awards Once again this year, the International Labor Communications Association has selected Local 175 from among Local Unions throughout North America to receive three of its prestigious awards.

The Local won “First Awards” for Best News Story – Long and Tough Negotiations are now the Norm in Grocery Industry; Best Graphic – Your Union: Taking Labour Education to New Heights; and Best Campaign Web Site –

22

www.ufcw175can.ca.

Additionally, the Canadian Association of Labour Media (CALM) chose Local 175 to receive its “Best Poster” award for Labour Rights are Human Rights!

In October, Brother Ray Bromley was appointed Executive Assistant to the President. He will now be responsible for Union Organizing, as well as for the South West Region.

Effective Monday, October 6, 2008, Laurie Duncan joined the Training & Education Centre as an Education Representative. She has worked for Local 175 for eight years, in various capacities in Hamilton, Thunder Bay and most recently in the Mississauga office.

MORE LOCAL NEWS

Staff news

Dean McLaren has been appointed Union Representative for the North West Region.

Formerly, Dean was an Education Representative with the Locals 175 & 633 Training & Education Centre in Mississauga.

On September 1, 2008, at the annual North West Region Thunder Bay Labour Day Picnic, Union Representative Colby Flank was recognized as “Labour Person of the Year.”

“Colby certainly deserves this award,” says Local 175 President, Shawn Haggerty. She has always done an outstanding job of defending the rights of workers, first as a Local 175 member and steward at Canada Safeway store #681 and more recently, since October 1998, as a Union Representative.

Colby Flank (left) receives plaque from Labour Council Representatives.

DECEMBER 2008 23

NEGOTIATIONS

P&H Foods members vote on two-year deal

F OR

ALL THE MOST

RECENT

UFCW

NEWS ,

INCLUDING MORE UP -TO - DATE AND

DETAILED INFORMATION

ON NEGOTIATIONS , VISIT

W EB SITE : W W W. U F C W 1 7 5 . C O M OUR

AMCO workers achieve first contract

On July 27, 2008, new members working at AMCO Storage in Leamington, voted on their first collective agreement. The 20-member bargaining unit benefits from a number of improvements including: • A new wage scale with increases ranging from 50 cents per hour to $2 per hour and an additional signing bonus of $200.

• A 2 per cent annual lump sum.

• One paid sick day, improved vacation entitlement, a boot allowance and vision care coverage of $150 per 24-month period.

• Additional language establishes: - Just cause protection; - Steward representation; - Seniority rights; - Grievance and arbitration procedure; - Job posting guidelines; - Reporting allowance and; - Health and safety language.

Union Negotiating Committee: Ray Collard and Union Rep Kevin Dowling.

24

On July 13, 2008, workers at the P&H Foods poultry processing facility in Hanover ratified a new contract. The 290-member bargaining unit secured the following improvements: • All wages increase by 3 per cent effective June 2, 2008 and another 3 per cent effective June 1, 2009.

• New language addresses technological change and job security, and workers with less than one year of service receive two weeks vacation at 4 per cent of their annual earnings.

• Company contributions to the Canadian Commercial Workers Industry Pension Plan (CCWIPP) increase to 95 cents per hour effective September 1, 2008. In addition, the company will contribute 2 cents per hour toward the CCWIPP Stabilization Fund effective September 1, 2008, and 4 cents per hour effective July 1, 2009.

• Members with 22 years service or more receive six weeks paid vacation. In addition, Family Day is recognized as a statutory holiday.

• Employees receive an improved safety wear allowance of $150, effective one month after ratification, and $160 effective July 1, 2009.

• A tool allowance of $550 will be provided to engineers and the maintenance tool allowance increases by $50. Effective June 1, 2009, the tool allowance for both engineers and maintenance will be $600.

• Workers benefit from improved health & welfare coverage including: - Chiropractic coverage of $500, effective September 1, 2008.

- Increased Clinical Psychiatric care coverage of $500, effective June 1, 2009.

- The addition of Homeopathic coverage to a maximum of $200, effective September 1, 2008.

• Effective September 1, 2008, Life Insurance and AD&D coverage increase to $40,000.

• Other language establishes that the Union and company will meet to discuss the feasibility of implementing 10-hour shifts and a committee will be established to create a wellness plan.

• The company will contribute $8,000 per year toward the UFCW Training & Education Fund.

Union Negotiating Committee: Bruce Dosman, Leif Gade, Doug MacKinnon, Sheila Weppler, Lorne Whittaker and Union Rep Angus Locke.

CFSU Ottawa ratifies collective agreement

The approximately 80 members working at the Canadian Forces Service Unit (CFSU) in Ottawa voted to ratify a new 44-month contract at a meeting held September 16, 2008.

• Wages increase by between 12 and 20 per cent, in relation to classification and pay band.

• Members can now bank overtime to take as paid time off and workers assigned to carry the duty phone after regular hours and on the weekend receive four hours time off in lieu, or a $70 payment per seven-day shift.

• Part-time workers receive two weeks salary entitlement in lieu of notice in the event of layoff.

• The negotiating committee increases to three bargaining unit members for the next negotiations.

• Workers benefit from improved vacation entitlement.

• New language addresses military leaves of absence for those who are members of the Reserve and provides full-time workers with family-related paid leave, to a maximum of five days per year.

• The employer agrees to distribute available hours of work based on seniority, giving priority to both part-time and full-time members of the bargaining unit.

• Other language improvements address grievance procedures, layoff and recall, medical notes, an increase to $75 for the safety footwear allowance and enhanced uniform provisions for Self-Help Housing (SHHO) Handymen.

Union Negotiating Committee: Joe Joseph, Kevin McLeod and Union Reps Jacques Niquet and Rob Nicholas.

From September 29 to October 3, 2008, 11 young members of Locals 175 & 633 participated in the Youth Leadership Development Program (YLDP) at the Training & Education Centre in Mississauga.

YOUTH

Youth are motivated by the 4th Annual YLDP This year’s program featured two of the Locals’ youth committee members – Laura Morton and Mike Mattioli – in the role of instructors. They covered topics such as Organizing, Globalization, Health & Safety, Youth Activism and Politics.

Our Local Unions offer this program to ensure that young workers know about their Union and its functions, and can be more involved as young workers. The goal is a strong and vocal youth membership who are educated, informed and involved in every aspect of their Union.

To better strengthen our great Union, we must reach out to members of all ages and backgrounds. This is especially true for today’s youth. They will need the skills and knowledge to ensure good jobs and working conditions for the workers of the future.

By being involved in their Union, members can ensure the changes that will benefit everyone in our Local Unions.

Top photo: President Shawn Haggerty and Secretary-Treasurer Teresa Magee present certificate to Shanekia Morgan.

Middle photo: Lance Folsum, Steven Guy and McKenzie Pinese.

Front Row: from left: Sylvie Pascoa, Maple Leaf Poultry; Jenna Padgett, Loblaws store #1052; Dilson Lopes, Maple Leaf Poultry. Middle Row: Shanekia Morgan, Compass Group Brampton; Marianne Brisbois, Food Basics; Amanda Moncrieff, Loblaws; Laura Morton, Instructor. Back Row: Georgina Broeckel, Local 175 Instructor; McKenzie Pinese, Dresden Industrial Ridgetown; Steven Guy, Maple Leaf Consumer Foods; Atif “Rick” Qamar, Budget Car Inc.; Michael Rapson, Sun Valley Foods; Lance Fulsom, O’Reilly’s YIG.

DECEMBER 2008

25

COMMUNITY

Local 175 Community Action Network: CAN

SUPPORTS

S RI L ANKAN E XHIBIT

On behalf of UFCW Canada Locals 175 & 633 Community Action Network (CAN), staff participated in the Call of the Conscience photographic and documentary exhibit.

This landmark event featured short films of various segments of Sri Lanka’s history. The exhibit was officially launched at Toronto’s Roy Thomson Hall on August 23, 2008.

Local 175 has been supporting Sri Lankan workers in the Greater Toronto Area. It has organized workplaces and bargained collective agreements to guarantee rights for Sri Lankan members at work. In addition, CAN has been a long time sponsor of the Sri Lankan Democracy Forum, a grassroots network of Sri Lankan peace and Human Rights activists, working in solidarity with their supporters.

L OCAL 175

SUPPORTS

S OMALI S OCCER T OURNAMENTS

For the third year in a row, Local 175 sponsored the Somali Soccer Tournament, hosted by the Somali Ontario Sports & Cultural Association (SOSCA).

The event featured 17 teams from Canada, Aden Mahad , assisted with the tournament, the USA and Europe. along with his co-worker, Ali Younis. Both are members from National Car Rental in downtown Toronto.

The semi-final matches, on Saturday, July 12, 2008, saw Wembly United (UK) defeat Banaadir (Toronto, Weston) and Cardiff (Wales) win out over last year’s champion, Dahabshil (Norway).

Local 175 Representatives Lien Huynh and Jehan Ahamed (far left and far right) with Event Organizer Manoranjan Selliah and UFCW Canada National Representative Kevin Shimmin.

On Sunday, a large crowd watched Cardiff triumph over Wembly, and be awarded a World Cup replica trophy.

Next year’s July tournament finals are scheduled once more for the Centennial Park Stadium in Etobicoke. For more information or to join/form a team, please contact Union Representative Jehan Ahamed at the Mississauga Provincial Office.

During the same week, the Local Union also supports the Somali Youth Tournament at Esther Shiner Stadium in North York.

Would you like to receive E-news bulletins, as well as e-mails related to your workplace or sector? We are gathering e-mail addresses from members to build lists that are workplace specific, so that we can send out notifications for ratification votes, proposal meetings and other important information. Just go to www.ufcw175.com and click on “Sign up for e-mail” to register for this free service.

26

CAN BBQ

A POPULAR EVENT FOR BOTH

ADULTS AND CHILDREN

Saturday, July 26 at the Boyd Conservation Area in Vaughan was the venue for the second annual Locals 175 & 633 Community Action Network (CAN) BBQ, which ran from noon until 4 p.m.

COMMUNITY

Making A Difference in the Community

Despite a torrential midday downpour, complete with thunder and lightning, the day was a total success.

Members and their families enjoyed camaraderie, good food and entertaining games. Photos and info on the games, which were organized by the Locals 175 & 633 Youth Committee, are on the back cover of this issue of Checkout.

The Boyd Conservation area is located at 8739 Islington Avenue, about 8 kilometers north east of Canada's Wonderland.

DECEMBER 2008 27

CAN BBQ: Youth Committee organized a fun-filled activity program for all ages

L OCALS 175 & 633 Y OUTH C OMMITTEE CONDUCTED A BUSY ACTIVITY PROGRAM , WHICH INCLUDED A COLOURING CONTEST, BALLOON ANIMALS , MUSICAL SQUARES , A SHOE KICK , “ SIMON SAYS ” AND “ WHAT TIME IS IT MR . WOLF.” FACE PAINTING WAS ONCE AGAIN A POPULAR EVENT DURING THIS ANNUAL BBQ .

Return postage will be paid by:

United Food and Commercial Workers Locals 175 and 633 2200 Argentia Road Mississauga ON L5N 2K7

Canada Post Corporation Publication Agreement No. 40064671

1