Checkout June 2006

THE NEWS MAGAZINE FOR MEMBERS OF LOCALS 175 & 633 UFCW CANADA VOLUME XV NO. 3

JUNE 2006

President Hanley unanimously elected Canadian Director after Michael Fraser steps down P

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CONTENTS

President’s Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Secretary-Treasurer’s Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

LOCAL 175 President Wayne Hanley Secretary-Treasurer Jerry Clifford Recorder Betty Pardy Executive Assistants Shawn Haggerty, Jim Hastings, Teresa Magee

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PEOPLE Steward Profiles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Retirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Adult Education Profiles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Staff Announcements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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

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EVENTS Local 175: Making a difference in the community . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Outstanding Member Achievement Award. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

LEUKEMIA FUNDRAISING

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CONFERENCES 2006 Health Care Conference focuses on current issues. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Members at Olymel process chickens for restaurants and supermarkets . . .

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NEGOTIATIONS Schneiders workers achieve good new first collective agreement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Other Negotiations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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GRIEVANCE & ARBITRATION NEWS The Local Union assists laid-off workers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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ORGANIZING More new members join Local 175 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Health & Safety Representative Janice Klenot Senior Legal Counsel Naveen Mehta, Georgina Watts Legal Counsel Michael Hancock, Rebecca Woodrow Legal Representative Fernando Reis Organizing Coordinator & Pay Equity Michael Duden Organizing Representatives Steve Robinson, Kevin Shimmin Servicing Representative Lien Huynh

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LETTERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  HEALTH & SAFETY H&S Training is ongoing across the province . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

April 28 is the Annual Day of Mourning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Calling for proposals from artists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Benefits Representatives Sherree Backus, Emmanuelle Lopez-Tambasco Benefits Intake Representative Diana Chaparro Communications Representatives Cheryl Mumford, Jennifer Tunney

WORKPLACE NEWS

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PROVINCIAL OFFICE 2200 Argentia Road Mississauga L5N 2K7 905-821-8329 or 1-800-565-8329 Fax 905-821-7144

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Graphic design by ARTiFACT

CENTRAL EAST REGION Director Luc Lacelle Union Representatives Jehan Ahamed, Mona Bailey, Tim Deelstra, John DiFalco, Anthony DiMaio, John DiNardo, Paul Jokhu, Rob Nicholas SOUTH CENTRAL REGION Union Representatives Judith Burch, Sylvia Groom Servicing Representatives Angela Mattioli, Brenda Simmons, Mario Tardelli TRAINING & EDUCATION CENTRE (TEC) 2200 Argentia Road Mississauga L5N 2K7 905-821-8329 or 1-800-565-8329 Fax 905-821-7144

cep Local 571

CHECKOUT is an official publication of Locals 175 & 633 of the United Food & Commercial Workers.

Web site: www.ufcw175.com E-mail: membership@ufcw175.com CENTRAL WEST REGION 412 Rennie Street Hamilton L8H 3P5 905-545-8354 or 1-800-567-2125 Fax: 905-545-8355 Director Harry Sutton Union Representatives Matt Davenport, Joe DeMelo, Linval Dixon, Rick Hogue, Fernando Reis, Dan Serbin, Kelly Tosato Servicing Representative Sam Caetano EASTERN REGION 20 Hamilton Avenue North Ottawa K1Y 1B6 613-725-2154 or 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 or 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 NORTH WEST REGION Room 21, Lakehead Labour Centre 929 Fort William Road Thunder Bay P7B 3A6 807-346-4227 or 1-800-465-6932 Fax 807-346-4055

President’s Message

Published six times yearly.

ISSN no. 1703-3926

I am committed to serving Local 175 members, both as President and UFCW Canada National Director UFCW Canada represents more than 230,000 workers from St. John’s to Victoria.

I have always felt proud of the leading role that our own locals unions, with a combined membership of approximately 50,000 in Ontario, have achieved within the UFCW.

WAYNE HANLEY

At the UFCW Canada National Council meeting, which took place on April 27, 2006, UFCW Canada National Director, Michael J. Fraser announced his intention to retire. I was honoured to be unanimously elected as his successor.

Let me assure you, however, that I am also continuing as President of Local 175.

And I will continue to perform my duties to the level and expectation demonstrated in the past. My heart, my soul and my love has always been – and will always be – with the members and the staff of Local 175.

Of course, my day-to-day involvement with Local 175 members and staff will undoubtedly change. I have agreed to take on this new leadership role because I know how important it is to build and maintain a strong national presence for UFCW Canada. We face many pressing issues within our union and within the labour movement. These must be addressed if Canadian workers are to maintain good wages, benefits and working conditions.

As UFCW Canada National Director I will be able to guide policies and priorities that improve the working lives of all our Canadian members. We need better laws to protect workers, ensure safe workplaces and make it easier to organize and bargain collectively.

Local 175 has tremendous resources in terms of officers and staff representatives who are all committed and skilled in meeting the needs of the membership. I am confident they can, and will, continue to provide the good representation you deserve and the support to allow me to strengthen our great union throughout Canada.

MY HEART, MY SOUL AND MY LOVE

Director Shawn Haggerty Union Representatives Colby Flank, David Noonan

HAS ALWAYS BEEN – AND WILL

TRAINING & EDUCATION CENTRE (TEC) Director of Education Victor Carrozzino Education Representatives Georgina Broeckel, Gail Carrozzino, Kelly Provost-Nicholas, Ashleigh Vink, Dave White

AND THE STAFF OF LOCAL 175.

ALWAYS BE – WITH THE MEMBERS

JUNE 2006 

Secretary-Treasurer’s Message

Workers need government support for Bill of Rights The right to join a union and bargain collectively should be a basic right that’s protected in Canada, and around the world.

JERRY CLIFFORD

During the last federal election, UFCW Canada – representing our Local Unions and other UFCW Locals across Canada – and the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) asked all political parties to sign the Workers’ Bill of Rights. The document declares that all workers have the freedom to form unions and determine wages and working conditions, through collective bargaining, without interference by government.

During the election campaign, all national leaders, except Stephen Harper, signed the document on behalf of their parties. Harper has still not signed, despite receiving a second letter during the campaign and a third request more recently. UFCW and NUPGE, together, represent more than half a million workers in the private and public sectors.

Is it any wonder then that corporations are also disrespectful of workers rights and the laws concerning the right to organize? When the UFCW started an organizing drive, in early 2006, to unionize 1,500 workers at the Sears Canada distribution and call centre in Belleville, the company fired 100 of them “due to restructuring.” On this very same day, the employer began actively accepting applications from potential new employees.

UFCW made an application to the Ontario Labour Relations Board to reinstate the terminated workers. As a result, Sears agreed to reinstate, with back pay, all those workers who were terminated and members of the union organizing committee. It is illegal in Ontario to fire a worker for union organizing activity. Sears also agreed to pay a substantial additional severance to other terminated workers who had been active in the organizing drive. The settlement included an assurance from Sears of no further reprisals against employees for union organizing activity.

UFCW will always defend the rights of workers, to the extent that the law will allow us. Please help by telling your elected representatives that you want to see them value Canadian workers, and commit to ensuring the rights of all to organize and bargain collectively for better working conditions.

Labour Day Mark your calendar to participate in events in your area on Monday, September 4. Many Locals 175 & 633 members march in parades and join numerous festivities in Toronto, Hamilton, Kenora, Sudbury, Cornwall, Waterloo and other locations throughout the province.

This photo was taken at last year’s Toronto Labour Day parade.

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PEOPLE

STEWARD PROFILES Eduarda “Eddie” Moniz became a participated in a number of arbitraUFCW member about 12 years ago tions and the last two sets of negowhen her Zellers store was organized. tiations for his workplace. “Ahmed At that time she worked closely with is well-respected by his co-workers,” management in the office and wasn’t says Union Rep Jehan Ahamed. “He’s initially in favour of the union. Later a very dedicated individual who is she changed her mind, “once I start- always looking out for the interests of ed paying more attention to what was the members.” happening in the store and saw how workers were treated.” About five years ago, when a steward position came open, Eddie volunteered. She says she likes being able to help and enjoys the satisfaction of seeing the contract enforced when it comes to scheduling, promotions and other EDDIE MONIZ ALEXANDER NG issues. “Eduarda is a wonderful steward,” says Union Rep Mona Alexander Ng of Impark has been Bailey. “Workers in her store are fortua member since about 1995. This nate to have such a dedicated steward was his first seminar, after becomready to speak up for their rights.” ing a steward in 2005. He says the material he learned is very helpful Ahmed Hussein has been a counter and he’s looking forward to using it representative at Hertz since 1989 in his workplace. “The workers need and a steward since 1990. When protection,” he says. “Knowing more it comes to helping co-workers, he helps ensure that their rights in the says it’s essential to know the “ins workplace are respected.” He served and outs” of the contract and have on his first negotiating committee last the knowledge to solve the issues. year and found it to be an enlightenHe takes his responsibility as a stewing experience. ard seriously. “My co-workers rely on me to have – and provide them with Union Rep John DiNardo says: “Alex – the right information,” he says. learned a lot about the Union contract Accordingly, Ahmed has attended during bargaining and didn’t hesitate about 10 stewards seminars, which to share his knowledge as a union he believes to be essential in equip- steward. He stands up for his coping stewards with the knowledge workers whenever the need arises.” they need to do the job. He has also Sophia Verrydt has worked at PharmaPlus since 1988. She’s a certified Pharmacy Technician and a steward at store #1602 in Pickering – although she’s also worked at the stores in Oshawa, Richmond Hill and Whitby. She became a steward about three AHMED HUSSEIN SOPHIA VERRYDT years ago because fairness is

important to her, as is making people aware of their rights; she’s always willing to speak up for those who are too reluctant to voice their concerns.

The Toronto stewards’ seminar in February was her first. Sophia says it was invaluable for providing useful information and reminding stewards that “management is management” and so it’s up to workers to “stick up for our rights.” She also highly recommends the week-long members scholarship program, which she attended in the fall of 2005.

Union Rep Mona Bailey says: “Sophia is always willing to make sure management respects the collective agreement. The members are lucky to have such a determined person to represent them.”

Muhammad Haile has been a sales representative with Avis at Pearson International airport, since 1998.

He became a steward in 2000 after MUHAMMAD HAILE members asked him to take on the role of speaking out for them. Haile, who says he likes a challenge, works hard to fulfill their faith in him. “We have to stand up for what’s right,” he says. He likes being a steward for the opportunities it provides to listen to co-workers, discuss issues and derive satisfaction from enforcing the union contract. “Haile is a very good steward,” says Union Rep Jehan Ahamed.

“He understands the issues and is always ready to work on resolving problems.”

JUNE 2006 

PEOPLE

SHARON GALL RETIRES Sharon Gall has retired after serving the members of Locals 175 & 633 for more than 17 years.

She first became a UFCW member in 1979 while working as a part-time meat wrapper at A&P. Sharon became a steward the next year and subsequently a member of several negotiating committees, representing both part- and full-time workers.

In 1989, she joined the Local 175 staff as a union representative, becoming a senior rep and then director in 1999 and 2000. She says: “I vowed to myself that on my watch,

there would be no injustice that would go unchallenged, no member of this union would be unjustly reduced to tears, and more importantly, no employer was going to violate the terms of our collective agreements.”

During her 17 years, Sharon spoke out frequently and passionately for the rights of members at A&P, Miracle Food Mart, Super Fresh, Food Basics, Barn Markets, Fortinos and others. Simultaneously, she served on UFCW provincial and national women’s committees and negotiated the first four-day workweek for retail workers.

She looks forward to spending more time with her husband Gary, children Spring and Skyler, their partners and her grandchildren.

STEWARD PROFILES

cont.

ADULT EDUCATION PROFILES

GLEN BATES & ALLAN LEHTONEN SILVIA SILVA

Glen Bates (left) and Allan Lehtonen have both been stewards at Loeb Elmvale in Ottawa for approximately five years. Both are active on the store’s Health & Safety committee and enthusiastic participants in the annual stewards’ conferences. They’re involved in leukemia fundraising and always ready to sign up for union courses, rallies and other events. “Glen and Allan are both extremely knowledgeable and experienced resources who never hesitate to go the extra mile to assist their co-workers,” says union rep Jacques Niquet. “They are tremendous assets to the local union and the members.”

GLENN AVILA

Silvia Silva, who works at Maple Leaf Poultry in Brampton is enrolled in the English as a Second Language course to improve her language skills. Her steward suggested the course might be helpful, and it has been. When she and the steward were recently trying to formulate a grievance, they were stuck on a word. It was Silvia that came up with just the right word – “minimize.”

Glenn Avila has worked at Maple Lodge Farms in Brampton for 16 years. He’s taken Internet 101 through the Locals 175 & 633 Training & Education Centre and felt that studying for the Graduate Equivalency Diploma (GED) would be a good opportunity to upgrade his skills and qualifications.

“It’s something I’ve been thinking of doing for awhile,” he says.

STAFF ANNOUNCEMENTS

LIEN HUYNH

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Lien Huynh, who speaks Mandarin, Cantonese and Vietnamese, has joined the staff of Locals 175 & 633 as a Servicing Representative. She works out of the Provincial Office, with responsibilities in various de-

partments and regions, including the Community Action Network, “United Through Diversity.” With Lien’s appointment, the Locals now have staff who can communicate in 14 languages. The ability to communicate in several additional languages and dialects is available through the Special Union Project Representative (SPUR) program.

the Outstanding Member Achievement Award

Locals 175 & 633 now offer four annual awards (one per criterion) of $500 each to members who: Some of the supporters of the On Your Mark gala, which took place on Saturday, April 1, 2006, included, back row: Hermano Teixeira, Maple Lodge Farms; Mayor David Miller, Americo Cirurgiao, Maple Lodge Farms; Local 175 Training & Education Director, Victor Carrozzino. Front Row: Alma David, guest; Marie Cirurgiao, guest; Executive Assistant Teresa Magee; Jose Amaral, Cadbury Adams; Zoraida Amaral, guest.

1) Demonstrate outstanding contributions to the community; 2) Manifest leadership and advancement of the UFCW; 3) Dedicate themselves to fundraising for Leukemia Research, or; 4) Enhance and achieve improvements in health and safety, including WSIB, for their workplaces.

Members can nominate co-workers, who they feel deserve recognition for outstanding achievement, in one of the above categories.

Nomination forms are available at www.ufcw175.com/Awards or by contacting your regional office.

On Your Mark

These awards are made available through partnership with American Income Life (AIL) insurance.

Executive Assistant Teresa Magee, on behalf of Local 175 members, accepts a Thank You card for the Local Union’s support of On Your Mark.

The early intervention program, offered through the Working Women’s Centre, develops reading and writing skills for immigrant children.

JUNE 2006 

EVENTS

Local 175: Making a difference in the community Announcing

EVENTS

Centennial Foundation’s Vaisakhi 2006 Gala On April 1, Local 175 supported the Centennial Foundation’s Vaisakhi 2006 Gala.

The Centennial Foundation was founded in 1997 to commemorate a century of Sikhs in Canada and is dedicated to creating and fostering a positive and accurate portrayal of Sikhs; celebrating the achievement of excellence in accordance with Sikh ideals; promoting an awareness and understanding of Sikh milestones; promoting an understanding of the Sikh way of life; and making Sikh heritage and history accessible.

Sikhism is a religion with an estimated 23-million followers world-wide. It originated in the Punjab region of India and believes in equality, diversity, democracy, freedom of expression and freedom of religion. Vaisakhi represents a time of rebirth, renewal, equality and strength. The 2006 Vaisakhi Gala Awards recognized individuals who’s accomplishments live up to the best of Sikh ideals.

Sikhs, like trade unionists, have a long, celebrated heritage of speaking out against injustice, and standing up for the defenseless.

International Women’s Day On March 11, 2006, Union Reps Mona Bailey and Kevin Shimmin, along with South West Regional Director Ray Bromley (centre), attended a rally in support of International Women’s Day. The rally and march, which was organized by Women Working with Immigrant Women, attracted hundreds of participants. The premarch rally featured activists speaking about the fight for decent wages and working conditions for all Canadian women, and demanding action to stop the increasing violence in our communities.

Leukemia Fundraising Events

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Event

Location

Date

Place / Contact

Golf Tournament

Thunder Bay

July 22

Northern Lights Complex North West Regional Office

Ride for a Cure

Mississauga

August 19

Dave White, Mississauga Office or dave.white@ufcwrideforacure.ca

Members’ Golf

Brampton

August 20

Banty’s Roost Jerry Clifford, Mississauga Office

Barrie Baseball Tournament

TBA

Golf Extravaganza

Barrie

September 16

Innisbrook Golf Course Jerry Clifford, Mississauga Office

Light the Night Walk

Peterborough

September 9

Chris Fuller Eastern Regional Office

Light the Night walk

Toronto

October 5

Jerry Clifford, Mississauga Office

TBA

Rob Nicholas, Mississauga Office

Last year, Locals 175 & 633 members, families and staff contributed $250,000 to fund Canadian research to find a cure for leukemia and other blood-related cancers. Money for this important cause is raised through walk-a-thons, bake sales, raffles, golf tournaments, merchandise sales, payroll deductions and various other initiatives. Some of the upcoming events for 2006 are listed on the previous page.

Fundraisers are organized throughout the year. To find out more about events in your community, speak to your

union steward or representative or visit www.ufcw175.com/About/Community Nationally, the UFCW raised more than $900,000 in 2005 and more than $6,000,000 since adopting the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada (LLSC) as its charity of choice 17 years ago. All money raised is donated to the LLSC, which funds Canadian research to find cures for leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma.

These blood diseases affect both adults and children. Leukemia is the foremost killer of children under 19 years of age.

Bob Charron and Tom Faith of Loblaws #1051 in Ottawa, cooked hot dogs at the February 25 & 26, 2006 BBQ, which raised $900 for the LLSC.

The 9th Annual Skate for a Cure Hockey Tournament, in Oakville on April 28 & 29, 2006 raised an astounding $21,000 to fund research to find a cure for leukemia.

This year’s winning team was Bicks Dunnville. Second place honours went to the Local 175 team.

JUNE 2006 

FUNDRAISING

Leukemia Fundraising

CONFERENCES

2006 Health Care Confere focuses on current issues

Locals 175 & 633 Executive Assistant Teresa Magee opened the conference by welcoming all the members in attendance. She said health care workers need safe workplaces, particularly because of government cutbacks to our health care system and the stress it places on our health care workers, families and communities. She reaffirmed the Local Union’s commitment to assisting members in health care in every way possible. “We want members to have the skills and support they need to go out and do their jobs,” she said.

South West Regional Director Ray Bromley presided over the conference as Master of Ceremonies and introduced each of the knowledgeable guest speakers. He helped participants identify emerging concerns, which included: physical or verbal abuse from residents and their family members; having proper supplies

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for both residents and personal safety requirements; and “working short” issues and strategies.

who have grown old building our society to the level that each of us currently enjoys today.

Participants agreed that “working short” was a very serious health & safety issue both physically and mentally and a key factor in the high degree of burnout rates – reported at almost 60 per cent – suffered by health care workers.

“Our struggle is their struggle,” he said.

“We are now to be their voice, so let our voices be heard, be it to politicians, family, friends and neighbours and all others who are willing to listen.”

Ray shared with participants the thoughts he had while driving to service the community nursing home in Warkworth, Ontario, which is also home to the Warkworth penitentiary.

“As much as I am an absolute believer in the proper treatment of all those incarcerated within our prisons and jails,” he said, “I could not help but think of all those behind the walls who have torn down the very fabric of society and have more rights, fairer treatment and better funding in these government-run facilities, than those

CONFERENCES

ence s government from taxpayers who are angry about cutbacks, while opening up the health care system to profithungry corporations.

Terry Downey, Executive Vice-President of the Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL), gave an in-depth look at the issue of Public-Private-Partnerships (P3s) in our health care system and the threat of Local Health Integration Network (LHINs). Terry discussed how the LHINs model is anti-democratic and serves to cushion the provincial

Locals 175 & 633 Union Rep Marilyn Lang, who worked at Carewell Brighton Nursing Home for 16 years, gave a presentation on Case Mix Indexing (CMI) and its direct relation to staffing levels at individual health care facilities.

Since 1993, the Case Mix Measure (CMM) has reflected the need for, and degree of, care required for residents in a particular long-term care facility. Throughout the province, care has become more complex and requires more time to deal with a larger percentage of residents who suffer from incontinence, dementia, restricted mobility and/or are completely “bedridden.”

Outbreaks such as SARS and other infectious disease put an increased strain on all staff, requiring ongoing diligence.

Edgar Gadoy, Vice-President of CUPE Local 2191 and Chair of the CUPE National Global Justice Committee spoke emphatically about “health as a human right for all and a responsibility of the state.” Edgar discussed the role of labour organizations at the Second Health Care Workers Conference (2004) and the Third People’s Summit of the Americas (2005) – both held in Argentina.

Shelley Martel, MPP for the Nickel Belt and NDP Health and Seniors’ Issues Critic, focused on the various issues facing the health care sector such as LHINs and the importance of mandatory safety-engineered devices for the disposal of needles and sharps in our health care facilities. The latter is part of Shelley’s Private Member’s Bill ‘Safe Needles Save Lives.’

Ruth Collins works as an RN and an Infection Control Specialist for Communicable Disease at the Peel District Health Unit. She presented on two topics: Beat the Bugs at Work and Preparing for Pandemic. Beat the Bugs addressed the transmission of infectious diseases and how best to protect oneself from infection.

Preparing for Pandemic compared seasonal influenza with the more serious avian and pandemic versions and highlighted the need for global preparation for these possible outbreaks.

Visit www.ufcw175.com and go to the March News section to read more about the March 27, 2006 Health Care Conference.

JUNE 2006 

WORKPLACE NEWS

Members at Olymel process chickens for restaurants and supermarkets

The Olymel poultry plant in Brampton operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

supermarkets. The plant’s customers include Wendy’s, KFC, Burger King and President’s Choice.

The 650 mostly full-time members who work there process millions of pieces of chicken products every year. On each shift, they clean, cut, skin, debone and package various cuts of poultry. They also bread and cook chicken pieces, fingers, filets and “popcorn” servings for restaurants and

Local 175 members work around the clock in 8, 10 and 12 hour shifts. A team of nine stewards do a wonderful job of defending the members in the workplace, says Union Rep Mona Bailey. “They really stick up for the members and have no problem standing up to management.”

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JUNE 2006 

WORKPLACE NEWS

NEGOTIATIONS

For all the most recent UFCW news, including more up-to-date and

Schneiders workers achieve good new first collective agreement

Union Negotiating Committee members are (from left): Kevin Bannister, Cathy Stead, Union Rep Rick Wauhkonen, Kim Cornwall and Mike Jones. Absent from photo, South West Regional Director Ray Bromley.

Members at the Schneider Foods poultry plant in St. Mary’s, have been working hard to hammer out a first collective agreement. In the seven months between September 2005 and April 2006, the committee met with the company 19 times!

Although the meetings – and later the conciliation process – resulted in securing solid contract language, the negotiating committee still felt the company could do better. So on April 1, 2006, the Union convened a meeting and the members voted almost 80 per cent in favour of giving their committee a strike mandate.

Contract mediation started on April 13, 2006. Finally, at a meeting held April 23, 2006, members were successful in ratifying a good new first collective agreement. It covers the approximately 350 workers in the bargaining unit.

“These workers have been striving to build a good unionized workplace and gain the associated benefits, including fair treatment in the workplace, for decades,” says South West Regional Director Ray Bromley.

“Workers at most high-volume poul-

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try processors have enjoyed union representation for several decades, but it was not quite a year ago, on May 11, 2005, that this plant was certified by the Ontario Labour Relations Board.”

In addition to standard language, the approximately three-year contract includes the following highlights: Monetary improvements: • Across-the-board hourly wage increases of 35 cents, retroactive to December 1, 2005, with subsequent 35-cent increases in both the second and third year of the contract.

• Hourly afternoon shift premium increases to 45 cents and 50 cents for those on the night shift.

• Annual boot allowance is $250 for eligible workers and $150 for all others. In addition, workers receive a tool allowance of $425 per year.

• Members called in to work receive a minimum of four hours pay.

Health and Welfare Benefits: • Company will pay premiums for health plan option C and dental plan option B.

Plus, workers receive: • Prescription drug coverage of 90 per cent and those spending more than $700 out-of-pocket receive 100 per cent coverage; • Vision care coverage provides $150 per 24-month period; • Dental coverage of 80 per cent basic coverage, 50 per cent for dentures, crowns and bridges and a $2,000 max per person per year.

• Life Insurance and AD&D are $30,000 per employee, $5,000 for a spouse and $2,500 per dependent.

• Short-term disability (STD) provides 66.67 per cent of normal earnings and LTD provides 60 per cent.

• Part-time workers, who have completed one year of service, are eligible for the flex benefit plan.

• The company will match employee contributions to their RRSP up to 3 per cent of the worker’s annual earnings.

Policies and Provisions: • Both full and part-time workers now have seniority rights protected by the collective agreement.

• The workers are protected by health and safety policies agreed upon in this contract.

• Bereavement leave entitlement increases to three consecutive days off with pay when a worker loses a parent, spouse, child, grandparent, grandchild, in-law parent or sibling or step-child, step-sibling or stepparent.

• Important language establishes grievance procedures and steward representation, layoff and recall, job postings, scheduling, bargaining unit work and a sunset clause of 24 months.

Budgetcar workers ratify improved contract Members, who work at 40 non-airport Budgetcar Inc. locations between Oakville and Oshawa, secured an improved threeyear collective agreement on December 11, 2005. The vast majority of the bargaining unit are full-time workers and they achieved the following benefits: • Wage increases of 35 cents per hour, every six months, for all workers who have completed the wage progression and are at the 24 month rate or above, plus a $450 signing bonus.

• Increases in travel expenses, to 35 cents per kilometer and paid annual sick

days, to 10, plus 10 unpaid emergency absence days annually.

• For the first time, all workers receive uniforms and a monthly cleaning allowance.

• The company will pay 80 per cent of the cost of the comprehensive benefit package.

• A much-improved dental & medical benefit now covers both the employee and his or her family.

Union negotiating committee: Glen Ashman, Harry Malgie, Barbara Snow and Union Rep Jehan Ahamed.

CFSU Trenton workers secure significant wage increases Members at the Canadian Forces Support Unit (CFSU) in Trenton approved a 40-month collective agreement at a ratification meeting held February 13, 2006. Contract highlights include: • Wages for all rates and classifications increase up to 11 per cent.

• New language entitles both full and part-time workers to a Compassionate Care leave of absence without pay of up to eight weeks to care or support a gravely ill member of the family.

Union Negotiating Committee: Andree Côté, Cynthia Lilienthal, Gloria Wheeler and Union Rep Marilyn Lang.

Wage increases for retirement home members Retirement care workers at The Richmond in Belleville ratified a new three-year collective agreement at a meeting held February 1, 2006. Highlights include: • Wages increase up to 45 cents per hour annually.

• ‘In lieu of benefits’ pay for part-time workers increases to 66 cents per hour.

• Pension contributions increase to 55 cents per hour.

• New language improvements include call-ins by seniority and procedure, and providing seven days notice to workers if an alreadyposted schedule is to be changed.

Union Negotiating Committee: Sherry Langabeer, Elizabeth Lougheed and Union Rep Marilyn Lang.

Central Hotel workers support new agreement Members at the Central Hotel in Dryden ratified a new three-year collective agreement on February 19, 2006. It includes: • Wage increases of 10 cents per hour as of ratification and another 30 cents per hour over the rest of the contract term.

• Company dental contributions increase to 31 cents per hour.

NEGOTIATIONS

detailed information on negotiations, visit our Web site: www.ufcw175.com.

Union Negotiating Committee: Katherine Bissig, Kathy Kaufmann and Union Rep David Noonan.

OMNI Facility workers ratify On February 18, 2006, members at OMNI Facility Services, who provide cleaning services to office buildings, voted in favour of a new three-year collective agreement. It includes: • Wage increases for both Light and Heavy Duty classifications of 60 cents per hour.

• Health and Welfare contributions increase to 85 cents per hour in the third year of the contract term.

• Effective January 1, 2008, the company will contribute to the Canadian Commercial Workers Industry Pension Plan (CCWIPP) in the amount of 15 cents per hour worked.

Union Negotiating Committee: Maria de Assis, Jose Castellon and Union Rep Joe DeMelo.

Wage and benefit improvements for GCIU-CPI Benefits workers Members at the GCIU-CPI Benefits Administration Corporation in Mississauga ratified a new three-year collective agreement on February 14, 2006. Highlights include: • Wages increase by 3 per cent in each year.

• Pension contributions increase to $46 per week in the third year of the contract.

• The company now pays benefits in full.

Union Negotiating Committee: Zazalene Morrison and Union Rep Paul Jokhu.

 JUNE 2006 

NEGOTIATIONS

For all the most recent UFCW news, including more up-to-date and

New contract for members at Cobourg’s Branch 133 Legion Village

Gas Bar workers at Canada Safeway approve new contract

On February 20, 2006, members working at Branch 133 of the Legion Village in Cobourg ratified a new three-year collective agreement, which includes:

Members working at the gas bars in Canada Safeway locations in Fort Frances, Dryden and Thunder Bay, voted in favour of a new collective agreement at a meeting held February 12, 2006. Highlights include:

• Wage increases of 3 per cent in each year, for all rates and classifications.

• The evening/midnight shift premium increases to 55 cents per hour effective April 1, 2007 and the relief premium also increases to 55 cents per hour.

• Full-time workers now receive seven sick days per year and ‘in lieu of benefits’ payments for part-time, increase to 10 per cent.

• The uniform allowance increases to $150 for full-time and $125 for part-time.

Union Negotiating Committee: Angie Blezard, Lynda Farrell, Ann Tozak and Union Rep Marilyn Lang.

• Wage increases include retroactive pay in the amount of 25 cents per hour dating back to January 1, 2006.

• Subsequent wage increases range from between 30 and 50 cents per hour.

• New Health & Safety and Steward representation language establishes policy to protect the workers in the workplace.

• Improved call-in language provides three hours pay minimum for workers who are called in and report for work if required.

Union Negotiating Committee: Debra Reid and Union Reps Colby Flank and David Noonan.

HLDAA award brings wage increases

Hald-Nor workers ratify

Health care workers at the Crown Ridge Place nursing home in Trenton have secured a new collective agreement. An arbitrator presented the Hospital Labour Disputes Arbitration Act (HLDAA) award following almost two years of negotiations and arbitration between the workers, our union and the company. Highlights of the new collective agreement include:

Members at the Hald-Nor Community Credit Union approved a new three-year contract on March 3, 2006, which includes:

• Wage increases of 2.5 per cent retroactive to April 1, 2004, 2.5 per cent

retroactive to April 1, 2005 and another 2.5 per cent on April 1, 2006.

• Health coverage improvements include a 4-cent per-hour increase to the pension plan and 3 cents more per hour to the dental plan.

• Workers receive an increased uniform allowance of 12 cents per hour.

Union Negotiating Committee: Faye Lemmermeyer, Bonnie O’Brien, Kim Tandy and Union Rep Marilyn Lang.

New contract for retirement care workers Members at Stone Lodge in Guelph ratified a new three-year agreement on February 27, 2006. Members of the bargaining unit receive: • Across-the-board wage increases totalling 5 per cent, with the first raise retroactive for hours worked since October 1, 2005.

• Company contributions to the Canadian Commercial Workers Industry Pension Plan (CCWIPP) increase to 50 cents per hour.

• Improvements to vacations and annual uniform allowance.

Union Negotiating Committee: Donna Dooling, Kerry Paralovos and Union Rep Angus Locke.

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• Wage increases totalling 11.1 per cent for full-time workers and up to 13.7 per cent for part-time.

• Workers called in for, and who respond to, ATM/Banking System calls receive an improved minimum pay of three hours.

Union Negotiating Committee: Carol Elfner, Lynda Lane, Union Rep Matt Davenport and Central West Regional Director Harry Sutton.

Shur-Gain workers vote in favour of improved agreement Members at Shur-Gain in Stevensville ratified a new three-year agreement on February 27, 2006, which includes: • Wage increases totalling $1.11 per hour plus a signing bonus of $500, upon ratification.

• The dental care annual maximum increases to $2,000 and the deductible for prescription drugs will be eliminated.

Union Negotiating Committee: Nick Vescio, Randy Walsh and Union Rep Kelly Tosato.

United Canadian Malt workers achieve wage and benefit improvements

Market workers receive bonus

On February 23, 2006, members at United Canadian Malt in Peterborough voted in favour of a new three-year collective agreement, which includes:

On March 9, 2006, members at Bloor Meat Market in Toronto voted in favour of a new two-year collective agreement, which includes:

• Wage increases total between $1.80 and $2.30 per hour.

• The company will pay 100 per cent of the premium cost for Long-Term Disability effective November 1, 2007 and 85 per cent of the premiums for life insurance.

• Other improvements relate to short-term disability pay, prescription eyewear coverage, vacations and discipline time limits.

Union Negotiating Committee: James Aubin, Brian Maudsley and Union Rep Chris Fuller.

Loeb March Road workers receive wage and pension improvements Members at Loeb March Road in Ottawa ratified a new collective agreement on March 12, 2006, which provides: • Increases of $2.10 per hour to end rates for both full and parttime workers.

• Company contributions to the Canadian Commercial Workers Industry Pension Plan (CCWIPP) increase to 85 cents per hour.

• Vision care coverage increases to $200, per 24-month period, inclusive of any costs associated with eye exams.

Union Negotiating Committee: Chris Collins, Chris Cordick, Liam Wall and Union Rep Simon Baker.

• Wages increase by 3 per cent plus a $500 bonus in each year.

• Benefits improve by 5 per cent and company contributions to the Locals 175 & 633 Training Fund increase by $25.

Union Negotiating Committee: Michael Resaul and Union Rep Linval Dixon.

Moose Lodge workers approve three-year contract On February 19, 2006, members at the Moose Lodge Local 844 in Thunder Bay ratified a new three-year contract. Highlights include: • Across-the-board wage increases of 25 cents per hour effective March 1, 2006 plus another 30 cents per hour in the third year.

• Improved language ensures a Union Representative can visit the workplace during work hours.

Union Negotiating Committee: Bill Hill and Union Rep Colby Flank.

Price Chopper workers secure improved contracts Members at the Brittania Road store in Mississauga ratified a new three-year collective agreement at a meeting held March 5, 2006.

Highlights include:

Approximately 46 workers at the Rathburn store, also in Mississauga, achieved a new three-year agreement on March 19, 2006, which includes:

• Full-time end rate wages increase by 25 cents per hour in the second and third year of the agreement.

• Full-time workers above the wage grid receive a lump sum payment of $200 following ratification, plus $200 on March 1, 2007 and again on March 1, 2008.

• Part-time staff hired after November 2, 1997, receive a lump sum payment of $150 following ratification, and again on both March 1, 2006 and March 1, 2008.

• Additional improvements relate to specified hourly premiums, dental contributions and language that establishes anti-harassment and anti-violence policy.

• Wage increases totalling 50 cents per hour for full-time workers at the 24-month rate.

• Full-time workers at or above the grid when the above increases are implemented receive a lump sum payment of $250.

• Part-time employees receive lump sum payments between $50 and $400.

• Dental premiums increase by 1 cent per hour effective the date of ratification and on March 1 of 2007, 2008 and 2009.

• Improved language regarding grievances and paid holidays.

Union Negotiating Committee: Lora MacKinnon, Malcolm Mingay and Union Rep Linval Dixon.

Union Negotiating Committee: Linda Doughty, Barry Trapnell and Union Rep Joe DeMelo.

JUNE 2006 

NEGOTIATIONS

detailed information on negotiations, visit our Web site: www.ufcw175.com.

NEGOTIATIONS

For all the most recent UFCW news, visit www.ufcw175.com.

Local 175 negotiates first dental plan for Sodexho workers • Effective January 1, 2008, workers will At a ratification meeting held March 3, 2006, members at Sodexho MS Canada in Lindsay ratified a new 34-month collective agreement.

• Effective the date of ratification, approximately half the bargaining unit receives an automatic increase of 40 cents per hour.

• In addition, all workers receive wage increases of 25 cents per hour in both the first and second year of the contract.

receive dental coverage through the UFCW Trusteed Dental Plan.

• Additionally they receive six sick days per year and can accumulate up to 30 days in sick bank.

• Language additions cover a new grievance procedure, new ‘no contracting out’ policy and new provisions for a Health & Safety Committee.

Union Negotiating Committee: Kelly Cooper, James Mulhern and Union Rep Chris Fuller.

Sensient Flavors workers reach three-year contract

New contract for Township of East Ferris workers On December 8, 2005, members working for the Township of East Ferris ratified a new three-year agreement. It covers Public Works and Arena employees and includes: • Wage increases, the first of which is retroactive to October 27, 2005, averaging 11 per cent over the term of the contract.

• Improved work apparel language and new language for schedule posting plus eye exams included in benefit coverage.

Union Negotiating Committee: Emile Perron and Union Rep Tim Deelstra.

Members at Sensient Flavors, located in Tara, voted in favour of a new three-year collective agreement on December 17, 2005. Highlights include: • Increases of: wages by 3 per cent annually; hourly premium by 5 cents in each shift category and boot allowance, to $160, plus various cleaning premiums.

• Improved safety committee language.

Union Negotiating Committee: Floyd Hill, Paul Rody and Union Rep Angus Locke.

Health care workers gain wage and benefit improvements

Award secures retroactive wage increases at Knollcrest Lodge

At a meeting held March 23, 2006, 21 members at the Parkdale Community Health Centre secured a new three-year collective agreement, which includes:

Recently, an arbitrator awarded the workers at Knollcrest Lodge in Milverton improved wages in a new three-year collective agreement, which includes:

• Wage increases as determined by the Ministry of Health – Long Term Care branch.

• Mileage reimbursement improves to 35 cents per kilometre and meal allowances increase to $12 for breakfast, $16 for lunch and $19 for dinner.

• Workers receive an improved Professional Development allowance of $275 per year, effective April 1, 2007, and $300 per year effective April 1, 2008.

• Workers receive a one-time $700 pro-rated RRSP payment and vacation entitlement improves.

• The annual maximum number of sick days allowed increases to 18.

• Across-the-board wage increases of 2.5 per cent retroactive to January 1, 2005 and 1.25 per cent retroactive to January 1, 2006.

• Subsequent across-the-board increases include 1.25 per cent on July 1, 2005, and 2.5 per cent on January 1, 2007.

• Registered Nurses (RNs) receive a special adjustment of 25 cents per hour beginning the pay period following the award and another 25 cents per hour on January 1, 2007.

• Contributions to the UFCW Trusteed Dental Plan increase by a total of 3 cents by January 1, 2007.

Union Negotiating Committee: Julie Knights, Beth Wierzbicki, Tricia Williams and Union Rep Fernando Reis.

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Union Negotiating Committee: Kate Bancroft, Connie Cassel, Linda Duncan and Union Rep Wendy Absolom.

LETTERS

J I am writing this letter as a thank you to Local 175 and especially Emmanuelle Lopez-Tambasco, who works in the Locals 175 & 633 Benefits Department.

It all started in January 2004 when I fell from my tow motor (a type of forklift truck) and seriously injured my left knee. The Workplace Safety & Insurance Board (WSIB) was okay in the beginning, making my payments right on schedule. Then I found out that I required surgery on my leg to fix the damage.

In June of 2004 my employer said it had light duties for me. So away I go with my cane, hobbling to work. I work in a chicken factory where the floors are slippery and very dangerous. But the law states that I can’t refuse. I only lasted at work for 45 minutes.

So then the call came that said you have been denied Loss of Earnings (LOE) benefits. “Oh no, not now,” I thought.

My surgery was scheduled for several months away, not until November 2004. What was I going to do for money in the meantime?

Right away I called for support from the Local. Emmanuelle was there for me, telling me not to give up. Well to make a long story short I had a rough time getting through from June to November, with no money, because of course the WSIB paid me only from the time of the surgery to my return to work in April 2005.

My case came up for appeal on February 6, 2006. Emmanuelle and I walked into the room ready to tell our side of the story, which was the series of events that led up to me being denied LOE. My answer came by mail on February 20, 2006. The letter was dated February 10, 2006. I guess the truth was not very hard to see, as it took just four days for a decision! The answer was that WSIB had no grounds for denying my claim.

Emmanuelle helped me to get the truth out and be rewarded for it.

In closing, I would just like to say if you get the run around from WSIB – never give up – cause that’s exactly what they want you to do! Make them take your case all the way to its conclusion, because the truth is a hard thing to hide. Thanks again, Emmanuelle.

Most sincerely, Cyndy Nezezon Formerly of Pinty’s Delicious Foods in St. Catharines

J

Mr. Jim Hastings Executive Assistant to the President

I just want to say thank you for all your support, help and countless hours of work that you, Ray Bromley and the UFCW team put forth on my behalf. Without your support Coca-Cola would surely have robbed me of the hard-earned wages they rightfully owed me. If at any time I can be of assistance to Local 175, please don’t hesitate to call me.

Yours truly, Brother Edward Graves Formerly of Coca-Cola Bottling Ltd. in Cobourg

J HI...just wanted to say I have been a member of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) for 17 years. They have a “name,” no doubt because they are a big public-sector union and get lots of media attention. BUT when it comes to helping their members like this – for schooling – your union is miles and miles ahead, perhaps even light YEARS AHEAD! Keep up the good work.

I have quite a lot of family who are Local 175 members, both part-time and full-time. My daughter is SO proud to have been a member from high school on. She has even been able to find extra courses she can take after she graduates in June. It’s great for her and her DAD too. I can only imagine how much hard and “smart” work you all put into running the free “education campus” for members and their families.

Again, I just wanted to say: “Keep up the good work, great job and God bless you all!”

Sam Sementilli, father of Cindy Sementilli, Formerly of Fortinos #64 in Brampton

JUNE 2006 

HEALTH & SAFETY

H&S Training is ongoing across the province Members of the Health & Safety Committee at Prince Foods in Cornwall participated in a training session on April 5, 2006. The agenda included a quick review of applicable laws as well as the role and responsibilities of the members of the committee.

A brainstorming session helped prioritize health & safety projects and develop arguments to convince the company to take action. The participants identified member involvement as a critical factor in eliminating workplace hazards.

In the most recent negotiations, the company agreed to pay committee members for up to six training days per year plus an additional ten hours per month, exclusive of any hours prescribed by the law, to work on safety investigations and projects.

H&S Committee members at ADM Milling in Port Colborne have attended Health & Safety Level I and Canada Labour Code, Part 1 & 2, including Federal Law. They say the courses helped them to conduct better safety

meetings and better understand and enforce their rights in the workplace.

“The course material has given us the knowledge and confidence to deal with safety-related problems,” they say. “Knowledge is power!”

The committee is proud that they have been able to establish a term of reference for the committee meetings and are making the workplace safer. They’ve improved safeguarding of equipment and made workers more aware of health & safety on the job and their “right to know.”

Participants in the Level II Law course, which ran from April 3-6, 2006, in Windsor were (from front left): Giovanna Dafonte, Zehrs #571; Carolyn Renaud, Zellers #1339; Theresa Woods, Zehrs #573; Union Rep Julie Johnston; Burnadette McKenzie, A&P #141; Maureen Laforet-Caron, Zellers #1339; Roberta Thorne, Zellers #1339; Beth Gabel, Zehrs #521; Health & Safety Representative, Janice Klenot, Instructor. Second row: Jennifer Tudrick, Zehrs #529; Marcelline Joanis, Zellers #1338; Patrick Hobbs, Zellers #1338; John Obeid, RCSS #567 Walker Road; Ryan Burnett, Zehrs #29. Third row: Carolyn Levesque, Zehrs # 571; Judy Wood RCSS #567; Ramona Gehl, Zellers #1338.

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Every month they train on a different subject, such as: Electrical Safety Level 1 and lockout of equipment; WHMIS; First Aid & CPR; lift truck safety; and confined spaces. They want to train as many people as possible.

NEWS Worker wins back pay in alcohol-related grievance A worker at a meat-processing plant was required to meet with his production team manager and union steward after a fellow employee commented that the grievor smelled of alcohol. The grievor who confessed to drinking the night before was sent home, without pay, for the balance of his shift.

Prince Foods members are from left to right: Kathleen St-Germain, H&S member; Louise Summers, Chief Steward; Mary Brisbois, Certified member; Gilles Grenier, Co-chair and certified member.

All attended a one-day training session facilitated by Union Rep Daniel Mercier.

The manager admitted the grievor was sent home because she could not determine whether he was fit to go to the production line to continue his work as a bone cutter. The arbitrator ruled that the worker must be compensated for the loss of pay because consideration was not given to the quality of his work, which had been performed at a fasterthan usual pace over the first two hours of his shift. Additionally the arbitrator noted that the company decision was based only on a “hearsay report” without any attempt to question the original informant or seek verification from anyone else. As well, the arbitrator said the alcohol odour could have emanated from the steward or be attributable to the grievor’s aftershave.

Arbitrator rules in favour of piercings Local 175 filed a policy grievance after a food service employer in London introduced new standards prohibiting the use of excessive makeup and personal jewellery.

ADM Committee members are Alan Martine, Rolf Numsen (cochair) Bob McIvor and Todd Bibeau (alternate).

The employer said it was concerned about image, health & safety and health & sanitation. The arbitrator partially upheld the union’s position. He ruled that workers could wear nail polish, necklaces under work clothes, properly

secured non-dangling earrings or ear studs, as well as nose, tongue and other facial piercings. Other types of earrings, such as clip-ons, are also permitted, if worn inside a hairnet. He upheld the company’s prohibition of excessive makeup, artificial nails, bracelets and rings worn on the fingers.

Harassment victim awarded $2,000 An arbitrator recently awarded a Good Humor-Breyers worker $2,000 in damages for emotional stress resulting from an incident of workplace harassment.

The Union established that the grievor suffered loss of dignity, hurt feelings and humiliation as a result of a co-worker’s harassment. The employer’s failure to properly investigate and remedy the situation was found to be a violation of not only the collective agreement language but also the Ontario Human Rights Code, which protects workers from discrimination and harassment in the workplace.

Member wins compensation for lost wages & benefits An arbitrator upheld a grievance claiming the improper termination of a Hertz worker.

This termination took place after the Hertz strike at the Pearson Airport location in July and August of 2004.

Union counsel argued that the termination was arbitrary and in bad faith. The worker did not receive any warning of job performance issues until he was terminated. The Union further stated that the termination was a reprisal for actions taken by the grievor during the strike.

The arbitrator agreed that an incident on the picket line led, at least in part, to the grievor’s termination and so awarded compensation for lost wages and benefits under the collective agreement.

JUNE 2006 

GRIEVANCES

GRIEVANCE & ARBITRATION

HEALTH & SAFETY

April 28 is the Annual Day of Mourning The International Day of Mourning is a time to remember and honour those who have suffered workplace illness, injury or death.

In 2006, Locals 175 & 633 members attended ceremonies throughout the province. These events are a solemn reminder of how important it is to “Mourn for the dead and fight for the living.”

Many speakers spoke passionately about the necessity for taking action to stop the abuses that workers suffer.

Health care, social service, retail and education workers are particularly vulnerable to violence in the workplace.

Soft tissue injuries, illnesses caused by industrial contaminants and accidents are also largely preventable – if there were better laws, better enforcement of existing legislation and more employer commitment to safe workplaces. Workers need to go to work to earn a living, but they also deserve the right to return home, disease and illness-free at the end of every shift.

At the Mississauga ceremony, Maxine Caron, Price Choppers # 474 in Brampton, placed a Local 175 wreath, together with Secretary-Treasurer Jerry Clifford . . . . . . and later participated in the Brampton ceremony, supported by Local 175 staff, from left: Union Rep John DiFalco, Executive Assistant Shawn Haggerty, retired Rep Jay Nair and Union Reps Jehan Ahamed and John DiNardo.

Members of the Joint Health & Safety Committee (JHSC) of A&M (formerly Colonial Cookies) attended the Cambridge ceremony, with Local 175 Health & Safety Representative Janice Klenot. They are: Cheryl Rowley, Wendy Dixon, Janice and Louise Watters.

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Day of Mourning in London.

Calling for proposals from artists Local 175 is commissioning a work of art to be displayed in its new provincial office in Mississauga.

The theme is the struggle for Health & Safety and remembering those injured on the job, in commemoration of the annual Day of Mourning. The selected artwork will be dedicated at a ceremony on April 28, 2007. The piece should be representative of our Local and the members we represent.

Interested artists should register through the Mississauga office, by phone, fax, mail or e-mail at the address below.

You will receive a package of information explaining the Day of Mourning and Local 175 and a copy of the rules.

You will need to submit a proposal outlining the concept as well as the planned medium and materials. Include samples of past work on a CD-ROM or reference a Web site which displays your work. The proposal is to be submitted to the Mississauga Office by September 5, 2006, with a cost estimate to cover materials and artist fee for exclusive rights and unlimited future use by Local 175.

The proposals will be judged and the artist will be notified by September 15, 2006.

The painting is to be in place by February 28, 2006.

Wayne Hanley, President, Local 175 Jerry Clifford, Secretary-Treasurer Locals 175 & 633 2200 Argentia Road, Mississauga L5N 2K7 905-821-8329 • Toll free: 800-565-8329 • Fax: 905-821-7144 E-mail: membership@ufcw175.com www.ufcw175.com

ORGANIZING

More new members join Local 175 Labour Relations Board. Meanwhile, negotiations on a first collective agreement are in process.

“Because of the commitment of the organizing committee, workers in the plant now have ear and eye protection, and we expect many other improvements in working conditions once a first contract is in place,” says Steve.

He says the support of other Local 175 members in the neighbouring industrial park was another factor in the successful outcome of the campaign. Workers from Horizon Plastics and Weston Bakeries visited the Norfoam plant prior to the vote to offer encouragement and show support for the workers’ decision to choose Local 175 representation.

On the morning before the vote, the aspiring Norfoam members gathered at Tim Hortons.

On January 25, 2006, workers at Norfoam Ltd. located in Cobourg voted in favor of Local 175 representation. The plant manufactures custom-moulded, foam cushions used in furniture, automobiles and airplanes.

Organizing Representative Steve Robinson says: “These workers wanted a safer workplace, which they achieved almost immediately.” He says they really stuck together, despite the employer’s coercion, threats and intimidation, even after five of them were laid off in the week leading up to the vote. Local 175 filed complaints with the Ontario

Another 44 new members from Hertz rental cars at Pearson Airport recently voted, by an astounding 34 to 1, in favour of Local 175 representation. The workers are terminal trippers seeking fairness, respect and better pay and benefits. They were inspired and encouraged by other members at Hertz who clean the cars and work in the garage. Despite employer efforts to dissuade them from organizing, the trippers demonstrated great strength, courage and unity.

“Our new members at Hertz demanded to be treated with dignity and respect for the hard work they do,” says Local 175 Organizing Representative Kevin Shimmin. “They know our union will fight for them and get the job done.”

Are you moving?If you are moving or planning to move, please let us know so we can continue to

send you Locals 175 & 633 publications, such as Checkout, as well as important documents relating to your union membership. Please mail your new address to us at Locals 175 & 633 UFCW Canada, 2200 Argentia Road, Mississauga, Ontario L5N 2K7, or call us at 905-821-8329 or 1-800-565-8329. If you prefer, e-mail: membership@ufcw175.com

Return postage will be paid by: UNITED FOOD AND COMMERCIAL WORKERS Locals 175 & 633 2200 Argentia Road Mississauga, Ontario L5N 2K7

Canada Post Corporation Publication Agreement No. 40064671