
3 minute read
Welcome to Your Union
Welcome to our newest members! Joining our Union gives all of these workers a united voice, and the support and resources they need to negotiate with their employer, fight for a fair collective agreement and build a better life!
Kelly Tosato President, UFCW Local 175
Unity & strength: Irpinia Kitchens workers win vote to join the Union
Workers at Irpinia Kitchens in Richmond Hill, a high-end cabinet manufacturer, have voted to unionize with UFCW Local 175.
On December 4 & 5, 2024, the over 90 workers at Irpinia were given the opportunity to vote to become a part of our Local Union. With an overwhelming majority, these workers have become some of our newest members.
During the two-month campaign, the workers focused on improvements they could achieve by joining UFCW Local 175. These workers wanted better for their colleagues and their workplace and wanted to ensure they had a future that would be stable and strong. Their concerns included job security, seniority, wages, benefits, mistreatment, and favouritism.
Members at Irpinia Kitchens work in all aspects of production including panel processing, shipping/receiving, sanding, assembly, spraying, and as specialists, maintenance, and quality control.
Morriston Park Nursing Home workers join UFCW in pursuit of better working conditions
In a significant move towards achieving better working conditions, workers at Morriston Park Nursing Home in Puslinch have voted to join UFCW Local 175. The decision reflects a growing trend among healthcare employees who are looking to UFCW to fight for fair wages, improved benefits, and safer work environments.
These workers want to know their labour and dedication is valued and supported. By unionizing with UFCW Local 175, they will be able to negotiate a strong contract to build a better work life.
Our new members join the growing Health, Office & Professional Employees (HOPE) Sector of UFCW Local 175 where they will benefit from experienced negotiators and dedicated Representatives who will support these workers in their fight for better working conditions, enhanced language protections, and job security.
Karis Disability Services workers vote Union Yes for better working conditions
On February 4 & 5, 2025, UFCW Local 175 welcomed more than 300 new members at 20 different locations of Karis Disability Services in the city of Ottawa.
This caring group of Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) provide support and services to adults who require assistance in their day-to-day lives.
In June 2019, workers at Christian Horizons (now Karis Disability Services) in Toronto and surrounding areas joined Locals 175 & 633.
Then, in 2020, another group of nearly 400 Karis Disability workers in Durham region voted Union Yes to join us, too. And in 2021, a group of 110 workers at Karis Disability in Sudbury also joined our Local Union.
Some of the concerns that led these workers in Ottawa to seek Union representation with our Local Union included:
• Better wages and benefits,
• More fairness and less favouritism,
• Improved working conditions,
• Seniority and job security, and;
• Professional recognition.
