Checkout Summer 2004

THE NEWS MAGAZINE FOR MEMBERS OF UFCW CANADA LOCALS 175 & 633 VOLUME XIII NO. 2

SUMMER 2004

C A N C O I L

S T R I K E

E N D S

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TRAINING & EDUCATION  

Food Basics Conference 

EDUCATION UPDATE

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LOCAL UNION ELECTION

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NEGOTIATIONS

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HEAT ALERT

CONTENTS

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

Secretary-Treasurer’s Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  Keep in Touch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Published three times yearly.

ISSN no. 1703-3926 UFCW LOCAL 175 President

PEOPLE

Wayne Hanley

Staff Updates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Steward Profiles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Scholarships . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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Secretary-Treasurer

Jim Andress Recorder

Betty Pardy Executive Assistants

John Fuller, Jim Hastings UFCW LOCAL 633

ORGANIZING 2004 “SPUR” class is ready to assist Organizing Department . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

President

Dan Bondy 

Secretary-Treasurer

Roy Reed Recorder

CONFERENCES Empowerment and education conference for Food Basics workers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  2004 Health Care Conference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Neil Hotchkiss PROVINCIAL OFFICE 2200 Argentia Road Mississauga L5N 2K7 905-821-8329 Toll free 1-800-565-8329 Fax 905-821-7144 Health & Safety

TRAINING & EDUCATION

Janice Klenot

New Web Campus for online courses . . . . . . . .

Members and Stewards Course Awards . . . . .

TR Leger Secondary: A happening place . . . .

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Legal

Michael Hancock, Naveen Mehta, Fernando Reis, Georgina Watts, Rebecca Woodrow Organizing

Mona Bailey, Michael Duden, Kevin Shimmin

PENSION BENEFITS The benefits of CCWIPP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  CCWIPP: How does it measure up against other plans? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

NEGOTIATIONS Cancoil strike ends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Alternative Workweek goes province-wide for A&P members . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Tecna workers vote in favour of last minute deal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Pepsi Bottling workers in Kenora achieve improvements . . . . . . . . . . .

First Collective Agreement for workers at Comfort Inn. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Workers at Victoria Retirement Centre win great new contract . . . .

Caressant Care RNs among top paid in nursing homes . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Maple Leaf Pork Workers win new contract . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

       

CENTRAL EAST REGION Director

Jerry Clifford Union Representatives

Jehan Ahamed, Mike Brennan, Tim Deelstra, John DiFalco, Paul Jokhu, Anthony DiMaio, Rob Nicholas CENTRAL WEST REGION Director

Harry Sutton Union Representatives

Joe DeMelo, Linval Dixon, Chris Fuller, Rick Hogue, Fernando Reis, Dan Serbin, Kelly Tosato SOUTH CENTRAL REGION Director

Sharon Gall Union Representatives

ELECTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

HEALTH & SAFETY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

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Graphic design - ARTiFACT graphic design

Judith Burch, Matt Davenport, John DiNardo, Sylvia Groom, Roy Reed

TRAINING & EDUCATION CENTRE Suite 700, 1450 Meyerside Drive Mississauga L5T 2N5 905-564-2500 Toll Free 1-800-728-8902 Fax 905-564-2898

President’s Message

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

Our strong commitment to member education continues to expand any claim that we live in a “knowledge society,” where the most valued assets are knowledge and education. Our public education, however, is under assault. Access is more restricted through reduced or terminated – and skyrocketing – post-secondary education costs.

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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, Ray Bromley, Paul Hardwick, Luc Lacelle, Marilyn Lang, Daniel Mercier NORTHERN REGION Room 21, Lakehead Labour Centre 929 Fort William Road Thunder Bay P7B 3A6 807-346-4227 Toll free 1-800-465-6932 Fax 807-346-4055 Director

Shawn Haggerty Union Representative

Colby Flank SOUTH WEST REGION 124 Sydney Street South Kitchener N2G 3V2 519-744-5231 Toll free 1-800-265-6345 Fax 519-744-8357 Director

Teresa Magee Union Representatives

Wendy Absolom, Kevin Dowling, Angus Locke, Julie Johnston, Rick Wauhkonen HAMILTON OFFICE 412 Rennie Street Hamilton L8H 3P5 905-545-8354 Toll free: 1-800-567-2125 Fax: 905-545-8355 Benefits Coordinator

Herb MacDonald Benefits Representatives

Sherree Backus, Emmanuelle Lopez-Tambasco

Director of Education & Communications

Victor Carrozzino Education & Communication Reps

Georgina Broeckel, Cheryl Mumford, Kelly Provost, Jennifer Tunney, Dave White

WAYNE HANLEY

Our Locals are effectively supporting members and their families to succeed despite these challenges.

Seven years ago, the first training centre in Mississauga opened and 649 members received training. Last year, we trained 3,338 members in a much wider variety of programs. This year we will train more than 4,000 members. And we will continue to grow!

In our efforts to expand access to members, we opened a second training centre in Hamilton and developed mobile computer labs. These labs travel the breadth of the province offering courses in locations where members live. To expand further, we created the Internet Distance Education Program. Through this initiative, members can access courses and support, at their convenience, as our slogan says: “Your Home… Your Course… Your Pace.” Three years ago we started with one course, now we have 11 and by September there will be more than 20 courses from which members can choose.

All subjects are credited by a college or high school. We have partnerships with boards of education to deliver courses for the Ontario High School Diploma. We have four locations where these programs provide diplomas to dozens of graduate members every year. We hope that in the near future we will offer these over the Internet enabling us to support the desire of any member who wants to obtain a high school diploma.

OUR LOCALS ARE EFFECTIVELY SUPPORTING MEMBERS AND THEIR FAMILIES TO SUCCEED

Of course, this is only the tip of the iceberg. We still have the most dynamic steward training in Canada, which includes Steward Training Level I & II, Health & Safety, Arbitration, WSIB Level I & II and the Steward as Referral Agent. There are many other courses and programs such as: Basic Skills Upgrading, English as a Second Language, CPR and First Aid, Infant CPR, Trauma and Self Defence for Women.

To support our members and their relatives in obtaining post-secondary education we award 56 scholarships every year. Our Locals make a concerted effort to open doors for our members in the field of education. I encourage you and your family to participate.

SUMMER 2004 

Secretary-Treasurer’s Message

Education Pays Big Dividends ccording to the most recent census, the average Canadian worker, with less than high school education, earned $21,230 in 2001. For a high school graduate, the average earnings increased to $25,477. Those with trades certificates or college diplomas earned $32,743 and $32,736, respectively. For university-educated workers, the earnings rose to $48,648.

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JIM ANDRESS

Obviously, over a career of 30 or 40 years, the additional income that follows, on average, with more education can mean a substantial increase in lifetime earnings, and likely in pension income as well. Completing high school, assuming a 30-year career, can put more than $100,000 extra in the average worker’s pocket, with a university degree providing more than $800,000. And that’s just in today’s dollars!

On top of the increased earnings, extra education enables workers to find new positions more easily if they are laid off from a current employer. It is because of the many opportunities that education provides that the Locals have committed to a policy of providing a wide range of free courses, accessible throughout the province, for the benefit of members and their families.

Additionally, the UFCW directly assists members and their families who are pursuing post-secondary education. Each year, 56 members receive Mckay, Thompson, Hoebink, Gibson Scholarships through the Local Unions, which are valued at $1,000 each. These are in addition to a number of member scholarships offered through the UFCW Canada national office.

We are committed to maintaining and improving these programs. And we will continue to negotiate collective agreements with good wages and benefits that will provide you with opportunities to use your new skills.

YOUR UNION CARD AND EDUCATIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS ARE VALUABLE ASSETS.

While we have no statistics on the actual educational levels achieved by our members or union members in general, I am proud to say that the average unionized worker in Canada earned $41,184 in 2002, versus $28,704 for non-union.

Your union card and educational achievements are valuable assets. They enable you to build a sound financial future for you and your family.

Services & Discounts Update Effective March 1, 2004, ING Novex announced a 10% reduction on base auto insurance rates.

Along with reduced rates it offers unique benefits that include: Driving Record Protector*: As a principal driver, with a 7 or 9 star rating who purchases the Driving Record Protector, you can renew your policy with your same driving record, even after your first at-fault loss.

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Client Service Guarantee*: In an emergency situation, you will be put in contact with a claims representative within 30 minutes – or ING Novex will write you a cheque for the amount of your annual premium, to a maximum of $1,000.

For details call 1-888-999-UFCW (8329), MondayFriday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. *Some conditions apply.

December 16, 2003

J

November 24, 2003

Dear Mr. Hanley:

Dear Mr. Hanley:

I would like to thank you for your generous bursary contribution. With your financial assistance I am able to continue my second year at St. Clair College in the Veterinary Technician Program.

Thank you so much for selecting me for this year’s Local 175, United Food and Commercial Workers Union Award. I was both excited and honoured to learn that I am this year’s recipient of the award for academic achievement in my first year at Loyalist College in the Developmental Services Workers (DSW) program. In addition, from a practical standpoint, it will help me out financially.

It is organizations such as yours that make college and university possible for those who are in financial need. In today’s society, tuition and housing costs are rapidly increasing, making it very difficult to afford post-secondary education.

Thanks again for providing this valuable bursary to students in need of financial aid.

Yours truly Krystal Whitehead Veterinary Technician Student St. Clair College, Windsor

I really enjoyed my first year in the DSW program; it was an exciting learning process. I am now enjoying the placements which I’m doing in my second year.

[Editors’ note – UFCW Locals 175 & 633 provides academic achievement awards at a number of educational institutions, which are in addition to the various scholarships made available directly to members].

Thanks again Sincerely, Nicola Wager, Big Island, ON

Leukemia Fundraising The members of Locals 175 & 633 are significant contributors to the Leukemia Research Fund of Canada (LRFC), which funds Canadian research for a cure. In 2003, the Locals’ walk-a-thons, bake sales, raffles, golf tournaments, merchandise sales, payroll deductions, and various other initiatives, raised $215,000 to benefit this important cause. Leukemia is a disease that affects both children and adults. It is the foremost killer of children under 19 years of age.

Each year UFCW Canada raises more than $500,000 in total to find a cure. All money raised is donated to this effort.

Labour Day

Members organize numerous fundraising events throughout the year. To find out about events in your community, speak to your Union Steward or Rep. If you have photographs of any of these events, please forward them to the Checkout editor, for possible inclusion in a future issue.

Mark your calendar to participate in events in your area on Monday, September 6. Many Locals 175 & 633 members march in parades and join numerous festivities in Toronto, Hamilton, Sarnia, Cornwall and other locations across the province. Above is a photo from last year’s parade in Hamilton.

SUMMER 2004 

KEEP IN TOUCH

J

PEOPLE

STAFF UPDATES On March 2, 2004, former Local 175 President and the current National Director for UFCW Canada, Michael J. Fraser, was elected Executive VicePresident of UFCW’s International Executive Board. “As one of the fiveperson International Executive Committee, Brother Fraser now takes on a greater leadership role in the 1.4-million member international union,” says President Wayne Hanley. “His election recognizes the achievements of the UFCW in Canada and the importance of Canadian members and Locals within the UFCW structure.”

President Hanley has announced the following appointments in the Local. Victor Carrozzino is now Director of Education & Communications. Georgina Watts is Senior Legal Counsel. Rebecca Woodrow has joined the legal department, as counsel, bringing the staffing complement to five full-time people.

Michael Hancock also recently joined GEORGINA WATTS the department, replacing Tami Waters who left to pursue a legal career in family practice.

MICHAEL HANCOOCK

DANIEL MERCIER

Paul Hardwick, who is on leave from his job at Minute Maid in Peterborough, is a new union rep in the Eastern Region.

Daniel Mercier, who is also a new rep in the Eastern Region, worked as a rep with UNITE and was formerly employed as a Health & Safety rep in Quebec.

JEHAN AHAMED

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PAUL JOKHU

SERVIN

VICTOR CARROZZINO GEORGINA BROECKEL

REBECCA WOODROW EMMANUELLE LOPEZ-TAMBASCO

PAUL HARDWICK

Jehan Ahamed, a former Chief Steward at Axis Logistics (now Sobeys warehouse)

AWARDS

in Milton is assisting the Central East Region with unit services as a Special Project Union Representative (SPUR). Paul Jokhu has moved to the Central East region as a representative. Dan Serbin moves to the Central West region from the Central East. Tim Deelstra, who formerly worked at Kraft Exeter and Seaforth Creamery, is now a rep in the Central East Region, working out of Sudbury.

DAN

JENNIFER TUNNEY

Georgina Broeckel joins the staff as an Instructor at the Training & Education Centre. She is on the Local 175 Executive TIM DEELSTRA Board and formerly a steward at the Caressant Care Nursing Home in Fergus.

Janice Klenot joined the Local as a Health & Safety SPUR. For 24½ years, she worked at Colonial Cookies Parmalat in Kitchener. Emmanuelle Lopez-Tambasco is assigned to the Benefits Department, JANICE KLENOT working out of the Mississauga office.

She was formerly employed at the UFCW Canada Migrant Agricultural Support Centre in Bradford, working with church and community groups to assist and advocate for seasonal migrant farm workers.

Jennifer Tunney has joined the Communications Department with primary responsibility for Web site design and maintenance. She also works on media releases, posters, brochures and other communications projects. Jen is a graduate of the Centennial College Corporate Communications program and has a BA from the University of Toronto.

Maple Lodge Farms Negotiating Committee and Picket Captains proudly wear the UFCW jackets, which they were awarded, for their outstanding efforts during the 2003 strike.

Thanking them are Local 175 President Wayne Hanley (back right), Central West Director Harry Sutton (front left) and Union Rep Fernando Reis (centre). The Committee and Captains are, starting left of Harry: Pat DeBellefeuille, Joe Pereira, Mario Sousa, Fernando, John Cartwright, Germana Oliveira, John Carvalho, Max Corea, Wayne and Fatima Garcia. Absent from photo: Dina Amaral.

“The union has enabled me to upgrade my skills and educational credentials,” says Cecelia Russell-Moser.

Cecelia started working as a part-time cashier at Dominion #73 in Port Credit in 1992 but wasn’t aware of the many free learning opportunities available through the local unions – until she became a steward. “Everyone kept coming to me with their questions,” she says and so she finally became an “official” steward three years ago.

Now she enjoys understanding the benefits of the union and her collective agreement. She credits the many courses she’s taken for helping her at CECELIA RUSSELL-MOSER work and at home. She’s completed more than half of the computer courses offered, which are very helpful as computers are increasingly used in the retail environment. “It used to be all voice mail,” she says. “Now it’s e-mails on what’s cut, what’s short, price changes, problems in the flyer and Fresh Obsession stuff.”

He’s also a regular contributor to leukemia fundraising events and a volunteer and coach for the Special Olympics. Every year, from May through September he’s busy coaching mentally-challenged athletes, like his own son Ryan who is 27, to train for local, regional and provincial baseball competitions. From November through March, he coaches them in field hockey. It doesn’t leave him a lot of spare time, but it’s an endeavour he enjoys tremendously.

“That’s why I don’t let things bother me in the store,” he says. “You see how hard these young men and women struggle just to do what most of us take for granted. It puts things in perspective. You realize how fortunate you are.”

Nancy McKay was one of 60 students to be recognized recently for course completions by the Mohawk-McMaster Labour Studies Program.

The ceremony took place at the Locals 175 & 633 Hamilton Office on March 5, 2004. She was the very first person to receive a joint certificate in January 2003.

Courses in stewardship enable her to know when to grieve and when not to. She’s taken subjects that are part of the General Education Development (GED) Test Preparation Program, plus others such as CPR and Women’s Self Defence and she’s planning to take more online too.

Often, she’s enticed several friends and co-workers to join her at the training centre and has sometimes attended courses three nights a week. “It’s fun,” she says.

Cecelia, who is married and a mother of two children aged 8 and 11, also volunteers at the school and participates in fundraising for the Leukemia Research Fund of Canada, the Arthritis Society, Sick Kids and the Credit Valley Hospital.

Dan Philion is a very cheerful and down-to-earth steward who enjoys interacting with people. He likes being a sounding board. “That’s what I’m here for,” he says. “I’m a good listener and happy to help however I can.”

DAN PHILION

He’s been a UFCW member since 1976 and a steward at the Sault Ste. Marie A&P Store #181 since 1996.

He is the dairy department head. When a new employee arrives, he greets them first as their union steward (per the collective agreement) and then trains them in WHMIS and Food Safety.

Nancy McKay (left) is congratulated by Union Rep Sylvia Groom at the 2003 ceremony.

Nancy is a committed labour and community activist who has served on the Barn negotiating committee and the Labour Advisory Committee for the labour studies program. She is a delegate to the Hamilton Labour Council and on the Board of Directors for the Hamilton & Burlington Chapter of the Diabetes Association of Canada. She participates in many Locals 175 & 633 fundraising and educational initiatives including Stewards Seminars, plus the Stewards and Members Scholarship Awards. She enjoys being involved with the Union and working with South Central Regional Director Sharon Gall and Union Rep Sylvia Groom, as a delegate and on various committees.

Nancy has worked at the Barn Store #230 in Dundas for six years, most recently in Bulk Foods & Fruit Baskets. Her husband, who belongs to the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), has “always been union,” she says. Her own workplace was unionized for the first time

SUMMER 2004 

HEALTH & PEOPLE SAFETY

STEWARD PROFILES

PEOPLE

STEWARD PROFILES

cont.

about four years ago after A&P purchased the Barn chain of stores. Did she notice a difference? “Oh yeh!” she says. “With the union, there is more equality, fairness and security.”

“We are very lucky to have Carolyn working with us,” says Union Rep Julie Johnston. “She has great determination and a compassion for her co-workers that makes for a great steward.”

For someone who did not even sign up to be a steward, Carolyn Levesque certainly is a great example of compassion and involvement.

Representing her Zehrs Markets co-workers since 1990, Carolyn admits that someone else signed her name to the Steward’s Posting. In fact, it was a comment made by her department manager that pushed to her to take the role.

“I enjoy helping others,” says Union Steward Pat Sheardown from Zehrs store #521, in Windsor. “I’ll do this until the day I retire.” This is the kind of dedication that makes a union steward great. Since 1994, Pat has shown that she is indeed committed to the well-being of all of her co-workers.

CAROLYN LEVESQUE

Upon finding out that Carolyn was on the list, the Meat Department Manager approached her and told her to take her name off the list because he was not going to have a steward in his department. Not one to be pushed around, Carolyn recalls, “that cinched it!” Ever since that day, she has been a dedicated steward.

“The Local has always provided fast, fair settlements to the membership and I’m a proud member,” says Carolyn. It is fortunate for her co-workers that she did not back down. Instead, she has gone on to participate in negotiations and she is very active in fundraising for the LRFC.

Pat Sheardown has been a union steward at Zehrs store #521 in Windsor, since 1994.

She is very active in the Local and is diligent in ensuring the policies of the collective agreement are upheld. Pat is a frequent volunteer for LRFC fundraisers and helps plan the Labour Day Parade in Windsor each year.

“Pat is an enthusiastic steward who makes working more enjoyable for everyone,” says Union Rep Julie Johnston. “Her co-workers know they’ve got someone in their corner when they need her.”

SCHOLARSHIPS REMINDER: The deadline for this year’s Mckay, Thompson, Hoebink, Gibson Scholarships is August 1, 2004. Fifty-six of these scholarships are awarded annually to members, and their children, who are pursuing post-secondary education. All members, or their children, have an Union Rep John DiFalco presents a scholarship cheque to Shazeen Pirani (left) who works at Pharma Plus #158 …

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equal opportunity to be selected for this award, as the winners are chosen by random draw. The scholarships have a value of $1,000 each.

Applications are available from your UFCW union rep, regional office or Web site: www.ufcw175.com.

...and Union Steward Brian Amaral from Pharma Plus #2386

New members are the life-blood of any organization… and the union is no exception.

For many years the Locals 175 & 633 has had Volunteer Organizing Committees (VOCs) who speak to potential members about the benefits of belonging to a good union.

Additionally, the Locals established a Special Project Union Representative (SPUR) program, almost 10 years ago, which enables members to take time away from work to organize new members. “The program is truly a “win-win” for everyone,” says John Fuller, Executive Assistant to the President. “Members benefit because our negotiating position is much, much stronger when all workplaces in a sector are organized. Unionized employers like – and benefit from the program – because having their competitors unionized ensures more comparable labour costs throughout the industry. Accordingly, they’re very willing to provide members with time away from the workplace to participate in this program.”

Earlier this year, Organizing Reps Kevin Shimmin and Mona Bailey, together with Executive Assistant to the President, John Fuller, presented a three-day training program for new SPURs.

A total of 24 SPURs completed the program. They will be on call to work on specific organizing campaigns, based on their sector experience, geographical location and availability.

Kim Kelley, Primrose Short, Mario Tardelli, Peter Tisi, and UFCW Canada National Office Organizer Steve Robinson have been assisting the organizing department with various campaigns.

Recent organizing victories include: - school bus drivers for Asselin Transport in Fort Frances - security staff for Aeroguard at the Thunder Bay airport - office staff at Katoen Natie, a warehouse in Mississauga Ongoing campaigns are focused on the food, industrial, service and health care sectors and include companies such as Sobeys, Price Choppers and Commisso’s. If you have friends or family who work in these stores and want to share the benefits of unionization with them, please contact Kevin Shimmin in our Organizing Department.

SUMMER 2004 

ORGANIZING

2004 “SPUR” class is ready to assist Organizing Department.

CONFERENCES

Empowerment and education conference for Food Basics workers

South Central Regional Director Sharon Gall (right) addresses the delegates. President Wayne Hanley, Executive Assistant John Fuller and Guest Speaker Mary Quaglietta are seated at the head table to the left of Sharon.

“Stay Solid” was the theme for the very successful conference, which took place on March 9 and 10, 2004.

Approximately 200 liaison communicators from stores all across the province attended the two-day event on “How to Best Achieve and Benefit from a Good Union Contract.”

Presentations by Barb Carr & Rosemarie Johnston, members from Canada Safeway in Thunder Bay, Maggie Brayson from Fortinos, and Dan Serbin, Union Rep for Sobeys Milton Distribution Centre, demonstrated the power of solidarity.

In all three workplaces, members were faced with aggressive employers seeking greater profits at the expense of workers, through a reduction in labour costs and significant contract concessions. In both cases, the workers succeeded in winning good new contracts, without concessions, because they supported each other.

At the conference, the liaison communicators learned how best to:

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• Tap into the Union resources network, such as specialists in the Workplace Safety & Insurance Board (WSIB), Health & Safety, pension benefits, legal and Training & Education.

• Improve their own collective agreement by getting involved, taking responsibility, and learning about bargaining and other Union-related activities.

“Attendees were eager to learn and did so with high energy and overwhelming enthusiasm,” says South Central Regional Director, Sharon Gall. “Their active participation resulted in some very promising action plans for the future.”

The response was positive from everyone at the conference. Delegates commented on how much they enjoyed interacting and networking with workers from other Food Basics stores. Many discovered that most of the problems they face working at Food Basics are not exclusive to their stores but are, in fact, universal.

conference with a renewed sense of unity and electric energy toward the Union and its resources.

“These delegates have a hunger and thirst for more involvement in their Union,” says Gall. “And their eyes are wide open to the opportunities now.”

“ WHEN WE STAND TOGETHER, WE CAN TRIUMPH TOGETHER,” SAID LOCAL 175 PRESIDENT WAYNE HANLEY.

. . . and participated in interactive workshops.

Delegates listened to speakers . . .

2004 Health Care Conference

On March 6 and 7, 2004, more than 70 stewards attended Local 175’s Second Annual Health Care Conference in Mississauga.

Participants included workers from nursing and retirement homes and community health centres from across Ontario.

“You provide an invaluable service in the communities where you work,” said President Wayne Hanley in his keynote address. He reminded them that Health Care Workers provide an essential service and it takes a special person to do a job that most people would not be capable of doing.

President Hanley noted that the Health Care Sector is under tremendous pressure because of persistent under-funding, new legislation & regulations and a whole new

SUMMER 2004 

CONFERENCES

The educational and empowering experience ended with delegates taking a very active role in their responsibilities as Unionists and they took those sentiments back to their workplaces. They left the

CONFERENCES

range of diseases and stresses in the workplace.

The conference was organized to assist workers by providing information about the general state of the health care sector, the Hospital Labour Disputes Arbitration Act, current trends in health care and infection control. A session on Crisis Intervention provided participants with strategies for interacting with difficult residents in the health care homes and centres.

Emerging issues addressed during the conference included expanding communications within our Local and furthering support and development of Health & Safety for Ontario workers. Participants agreed on the need to increase the frequency of meetings so that stewards can perform their jobs better and become more active trade unionists.

Several guest speakers addressed the group including: Wayne Hanley, Local 175 President; John Fuller, Executive Assistant to the President; Irene Harris, Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL) Executive Vice President; Mary Nestor, Director of Communications & Policy Development for Central Park Lodge; Naveen Mehta, Local 175 Legal Counsel; and Steven Hall, Canadian Training Institute representative.

Also speaking was M.S. Mahdy, a Scientific Advisor and Virologist, who, prior to his retirement, was the Chief of the Vector-Borne and Special Pathogens Unit at the Ontario Ministry of Health.

“YOU PROVIDE AN INVALUABLE SERVICE,” PRESIDENT WAYNE HANLEY TOLD HEALTH CONFERENCE DELEGATES.

Training & Working people today, more than ever, need new skills and knowledge to cope with the challenges in their personal and work lives. Accordingly, Locals 175 & 633 continue to expand their commitment to provide members with a diverse range of accessible educational opportunities.

Some of the most recent course additions include the Women’s Self-Protection Program and various online courses.

In January and February of this year, women from Locals 175 & 633 participated in a pilot-project Women’s Self-Defence course. They learned how to be alert to dangerous situations, how to avoid an attacker and what defensive moves to use, should they be attacked.

“We learned that the key to self-defence is to be confident and aware of your surroundings, and to avoid potentially dangerous situations,” says Kelly Provost, a Local 175 Instructor at the Mississauga Training & Education Centre, who participated in the course herself. “This short, seven-hour course is not about becoming a martial arts expert but rather giving women the smarts to stay safe.” It was presented by Nir Maman, who is the Chief Instructor of the International Defence Force of Skymedical Services. The topic included classroom and practical activities, “all of which were a big eye-opener,” says Kelly.

The course has been so successful that President Hanley has announced it will be offered provincewide in September 2004.

Course Instructor Nir Maman coaches Local 175 Instructor Kelly Provost (left) and Suzanne Trinh (a member from Hunter Douglas) in the best defense techniques, while others practice their new skills.



We are the pioneers for distance education in Canada.

The Locals’ 175 & 633 Internet Distance Education Program (IDEP), now available to members, is the first of its kind. It offers e-mailing capabilities from right inside the course, a forum for posting questions, and a Training & Education (TEC) Room with full voice and video conferencing.

where you as a participant can get together online, from the comfort of your own computer, to discuss the course material with an Instructor and/or other participants.

Even though you are taking the course from home, you are still a part of a “classroom” to discuss interesting or controversial information and relate these issues to your own lives and your own workplaces.

The objective of the online courses is to provide easy access and availability to all members across the province. These are courses that you the members, and your family, can take from your own homes, at your own pace.

One of the unique features in our nine current courses, is the TEC Room. This is a private environment, accessible only to those registered in the course. It is a place

In the TEC Room, participants communicate in many different ways. There is Video Conferencing, with Web Cameras to see each other. There is also Voice Conferencing. With a headset or microphone, you can talk live to the instructor and other participants. Also, we have Text capabilities for those who wish to type messages instead. You don’t have to be a computer wiz to take part, just open to new experiences and ready to contribute a few words here and there.

TRAINING & EDUCATION

Education

NEW Web Campus for online courses features TEC Room!

Online courses are the way of the future. What better way to take a course but in your own home, at any time of the day or night? You can connect and learn for a couple of minutes, or a couple of hours…it’s your choice. For more information, including course descriptions and start dates visit www.ufcw175.com or call the Mississauga Training & Education Centre at 905-564-2500 or 1-800-728-8902.

You will receive a password for the online “Welcome” page when you sign up for a course. More subjects are being added on a regular basis.

The Locals 175 & 633 Training Program continues to expand!

3500 3000 2500 2000 1500 1000 500 0

1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003

* The TEC trained fewer members in 2001, due to restructuring of the department and delivery process.

The TEC Room is a virtual classroom that lets you talk to the instructor and other students.

Move with us into the future of online learning… sign up for a course today.

SUMMER 2004 

TRAINING & EDUCATION

Members and Stewards Course Awards These one-week courses are held at the Locals’ 175 & 633 Training & Education Centre in Mississauga.

The course cost, materials and instruction plus lost wages, per diems, transportation and accommodation are all part of the award.

Member Scholarships is an introductory course for new computer users and ran from May 2-7, 2004.

Steward Scholarships, which ran May 16-21, includes union history and activities, arbitrations and current issues in the Labour Movement. If you’d like to apply for the next courses, repeated later this year, contact the Training Centre for information about applications and deadlines.

Front left: Cuong Truong, Rob Mayer, Joanne Ivatt, Petronella Johanna Van Gent, Doreen McCurlie, Arlene Burke. Back row: Instructor Dave White, Carlos Marticorena, Paul Braithwaite, Charlene Messner, Sherrie Davidson, Colin Tabachack, Valarie Wood, Marla Padley, Royce Van Every. Absent from photo: Marjory Olynyk.

Regional Stewards Conferences scheduled Thunder Bay September 25 & 26, 2004

London January 8 & 9, 2005

Kingston November 6 & 7, 2004

Toronto February 5 & 6, 2005

Niagara Falls November 27 & 28, 2004

Watch for new courses… coming in early September.

Duc Nguyen, Mary Brisbois, Tim Hill, Penny Arsenault, Wendy Arbouw, Lily Tan. Back row: Instructor Kelly Provost, Walter Chatter Jr., Paul Couto, Steve Cattani, Greg Prine, Joe Hway, Justin Pase, Peter Bortolon, Paula King, Errol Lindo, and Instructor Fernando Reis.



The TR Leger Secondary Perth campus recently welcomed over 80 new adult learners. With the Brown Shoe closure in Perth, many former employees have returned to school to complete their high school diploma and upgrade, or develop, computer skills. With the encouragement of UFCW Local 175, former plant workers and family members are pursuing further studies. They received a registration fee subsidy by Local 175.

TR Leger added two evening computer classes to handle the influx, which are in addition to the full day-time classes. Instructors Mike Moore and Ike Doornkamp note the enthusiasm and commitment these workers have toward the learning process. Most participants are using computers for the first time. Initial fears are being replaced with confidence as students learn to use various computer applications.

The dedication of these Local member adult learners is amazing, Ike says. “They’ve taken over a whole classroom for their studies and closed the door to block out the noise from the younger students. The night class starts at 6 p.m. but workers are already lining up at 5:30 to practice their studies.”

THE DEDICATION OF THESE LOCAL MEMBER ADULT LEARNERS IS AMAZING.

SUMMER 2004 

TRAINING & EDUCATION

TR Leger Secondary: A happening place

PENSION BENEFITS

The benefits of CCWIPP The Canadian Commercial Workers Industry Pension Plan (CCWIPP) is governed wholly by a Board of Trustees and neither the interests of the employer nor the Union influence the decisions of that board. A third party organization is in charge of administering the pension benefits as well, to ensure confidentiality of both your personal information and benefit entitlement.

Your pension benefit is always known. Members receive updates through regular communication such as booklets, benefit statements, Web site updates and information handouts. Each member also receives an identification card.

See the chart on the following page to see how a company pension plan and the Canada Pension Plan stack up against CCWIPP.

Participants include 350 plus employers at more than 1,000 locations. This means about 150,000 workers across the country receive benefits provided by CCWIPP’s $1 billion plus in assets. Members can even transfer to other jobs among the 350 participating employers without losing any benefits.

Benefits begin to accrue after completing at least 200 work hours in one calendar year with the option to top up your payments, and improve your benefit, through a self-payment purchase of up to 150 hours. In addition, retirement benefits are not reduced for members with a spouse.

You continue to accrue benefits throughout all periods of disability and maternity, parental and adoption leaves of absence, provided you notify the CCWIPP administration office in your region as soon as you return to work.

CCWIPP Benefit Reminder If you are a member of the CCWIPP the amount of your pension credit is based on the number of hours reported and the contributions remitted by your employer, each year. In addition, you may be entitled to make a self-payment to the CCWIPP, to increase your pension to the next benefit level, if your annual hours fall into one of the following categories.

1. 250–399

4.

850–999

7. 1450–1599

2. 450–599

5. 1050–1199

8. 1650–1799

3. 650–799

6. 1250–1399

9. 1850–1999

You will be notified of your opportunity to remit a self-payment to the CCWIPP, on your Annual Benefit Statement, which is issued every June. It is therefore very important that the CCWIPP has your correct address. If you have moved, or do not receive a statement, you should contact the Plan Administrator at 416-674-8581 or 1-800-387-3181 or www.ccwipp.org.

If you qualify to make a self-payment, YOU SHOULD TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS OPTION. It is an excellent investment in your future. A few cents now will mean dollars later!



In a recent set of negotiations, a Company asked the Union to review the Company’s Pension Plan because they thought it provided a better benefit to the workers than their entitlement under the Canadian Commercial Workers Industry Pension Plan (CCWIPP).

Our Pension experts determined that the Company was wrong in their assessment (no surprises here).

Below is a comparison of a Company Pension Plan, the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and CCWIPP. The numbers are based on the example of a female worker with 20 years service and an annual starting salary of $37,440.

PLAN TYPE

Annuity/Defined Contribution (Company Plan)

Canada Pension Plan (CPP)

CCWIPP/Defined Benefit (Union Plan)

Contributor

Employee

Employer/Employee

Employer

Contribution Rate

5 % of annual earnings

4.95 % of a maximum $37,000

65¢ per hour to a maximum of 2,000 hours per year

Rate of Return

5 % calculated at end of each year

Determined by the federal government

$40 per month per full year of credited future service

Salary Increases

Assumes 3 % annually

Based on $37,440

Based on $37,440

Years of Service

20

20

20

60 % pension at retirement

$192.68 per month Children under 18

60 % pension at retirement

Joint & Survivor Benefits

$488.50 per month Spouse age 65 Retirement Age Monthly Pension Benefit

65

60 or 65

65

$482

$569.92 at Age 60 or $814.17 at Age 65

$800

• CCWIPP provides $318 more per month than the company plan.

• CCWIPP matches the pension benefit level of CPP. • CCWIPP remains the better value for your work and more beneficial for members.

Note: Additionally, the monthly pension benefit quoted by some employer plans may include your CPP payment. In other words, the total employer pension benefit may be reduced, by up to 100 per cent of the amount you receive from the CPP. It doesn’t seem fair but it is, tragically, too often the reality of a plan that is completely controlled and administered by the employer.

SUMMER 2004 

PENSION BENEFITS

CCWIPP: How does it measure up against other plans?

NEGOTIATIONS

For all the most recent UFCW news, including negotiations, visit ou

Cancoil strike ends – Workers receive better wages and benefits

On June 16, 2004, members at Cancoil Thermal Corporation in Kingston, who produce coils for residential and commercial air conditioning units, ended a two-month strike and voted “yes” to a new three-year collective agreement. The contract contains numerous improvements and addresses most of the issues that forced the strike.

The workers had been on strike, from April 16, 2004, to gain more appropriate monetary compensation and benefits for their hard work as well as enhanced contract language to improve the work environment.

Members win wage increases totalling $1 per hour over the three years. Pension contributions, which the company refused to discuss previously, increase immediately to provide an enhanced retirement benefit. Workers also profit from improved dental coverage resulting



from increased employer contributions.

Significant language improvements include new clauses regarding labour-management meetings, job classifications and seniority. The Union and company agree to meet and review all job descriptions.

In the early weeks of the strike, the company attempted to limit legal picketing at the Cancoil property. A Frontenac County judge dismissed the injunction and ordered Cancoil to pay $1,500 in costs to the Union. A second attempt at an injunction also resulted in a dismissal and the company had to pay $5,000 more to the Union.

Union Negotiating Committee: Tony Noakes, Ralph McCargar and Eastern Regional Director Dan Lacroix.

Alternative Four-day Workweek goes province-wide for A&P members

Tecna workers vote in favour of last minute deal

Full-time members at all UFCW-represented A&P stores across the province will soon be able to achieve a little more work-life balance now that they are provided with the opportunity to work a four-day week.

On March 28, 2004, workers at the Tecna forging plant, a division of Brunner Manufacturing and Sales Ltd. in Niagara Falls, ratified a new agreement. The contract was reached just one day before the established strike deadline.

The concept, already successful in three Hamilton-area A&P test stores for about four years, can save travel time and costs and provide other benefits for employees who opt for a four-day 36-hour work week.

The agreement includes wage increases of 55 cents per hour per year, for all float and non-incentive rates, retroactive to December 10, 2003. Increased employer contributions to the workers’ RRSPs provide 25 cents more per hour and the midnight shift premium increases to 50 cents per hour as of December 2004.

In January 2004, the new program kicked off in London-area stores. Now that the twelve-week test is completed, the alternative workweek will be rolled out, as a scheduling option, across the province.

“This is a first in the retail industry,” says South Central Director, Sharon Gall. “We’re confident this new program will benefit both members and the employer.”

The safety boot allowance increases to $55 in December 2004, $60 in December 2005 and $65 in December 2006. Benefit improvements provide Group Life insurance of $25,000 for employees, $10,000 for their spouses and $5,000 for their dependants. Dental Plan coverage increases to a maximum of $1,250 per calendar year.

Union Negotiating Committee: Darin Lamarche, Dean Tremblay and Union Rep Kelly Tosato.

Pepsi Bottling workers in Kenora achieve improvements

UFCW A&P member Marlene Neeley (left) who is deli manager at store #102 in Dundas, Cindy Garr, a full-time cashier, also from store #102 and Russel Birch, a grocery manager from store #481 in Burlington are part of the alternative workweek committee.

Workers at Pepsi Bottling Group in Kenora recently ratified a renewed collective agreement, on March 29, 2004. It includes wage increases of 3 per cent in each year of the agreement, retroactive to January 1, 2004, plus a safety gear and clothing allowance of $400 per worker per year.

Union Negotiating Committee: Gary Gate, Craig Mataio and Northern Regional Director, Shawn Haggerty.

First Collective Agreement for workers at Comfort Inn Workers at the Comfort Inn in Thunder Bay ratified their first union contract on March 7, 2004.

Among other improvements to the work environment, which flow naturally from unionization, are secured pay increases, plus pension benefits, seniority rights and language covering many other issues.

The three-year agreement provides wage increases totaling between 90 cents per

hour and $2.27 per hour. On January 1, 2006 the company will begin contributions to the Canadian Commercial Workers Industry Pension Plan (CCWIPP). For the first time, these members will have a pension plan. The current health and welfare plan will continue.

Important Health & Safety language establishes guidelines, plus a Health & Safety Committee.

Strong anti-discrimination and anti-harassment language will provide every worker with a safe work environment.

“This is an excellent first contract,” says Northern Regional Director, Shawn Haggerty.

“It will provide a solid base for future negotiations.”

Union Negotiating Committee: Todd Boswell, Brad Iwononkiw and Northern Regional Director, Shawn Haggerty.

SUMMER 2004 

NEGOTIATIONS

Web site: www.ufcw175.com.

NEGOTIATIONS

Workers at Victoria Retirement Centre win great new contract Workers at the Victoria Retirement Living Centre in Cobourg ratified a new collective agreement on April 15, 2004. Members at this location include Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs), Personal Support Workers (PSWs), Cooks and Housekeeping Staff.

Contract highlights include wage increases totalling between 10 and 25 per cent for full and part-time workers. There are two new full-time coordinator job classifications and a shift premium of 25 cents per hour, which applies between 3 p.m. and 11 p.m. The Wellness Coordinator receives a shift premium of 50 cents per hour over the RPNs rate.

Fifteen years of service or more entitles workers to five weeks vacation with pay at 10 per cent of their annual earnings. Vision care coverage increases to $120 every two years.

In lieu of benefits, part-time staff receive an additional 20 cents per hour, up from 15 cents.

The company will now match RRSP contributions to a maximum of 2.5 per cent – up from 2 per cent – of the worker’s annual earnings.

“The contract provides improvements in wages, pensions, and collective agreement language for these 1,100 unionized workers,” says Central West Regional Director, Harry Sutton.

Workers will gain wage increases of up to $2.05 per hour over the life of the agreement. Company contributions to the jointly-

Union Negotiating Committee: Lisa Rooney, Patty Wells and Union Rep Ray Bromley.

Caressant Care RNs among top paid in nursing homes Following two days of mediation and one day of hearings under the Hospital Labour Disputes Arbitration Act (HLDAA), workers at the Caressant Care Nursing Home in Listowel now have a collective agreement settlement that reflects their hard work, dedication and need for appropriate compensation.

Highlights of the three-year contract include a cumulative increase of 13.5 percent, with a minimum increase of 3 per cent for the last

Maple Leaf Pork Workers win new contract Workers at the Maple Leaf Pork processing facility in Burlington recently ratified a new three-year agreement.

Uniform allowances increase to $75 per year, up from $60, for full-time and $50 annually, up from $40, for part-time staff.

trusteed Canadian Commercial Workers Industry Pension Plan (CCWIPP) increase to provide greater pension amounts for future credited service. There are additional improvements in Job Posting and Seniority language.

Union Negotiating Committee: Alphonso Devereux, Bill Foley, Lionel MacEacchern, Alicja Moskaw, Conrad Villeneuve, Union Rep Joe DeMelo and Central West Director Harry Sutton.

two years of the agreement. This is equivalent to 4.5 per cent per year or $4.04 per hour in each year. Registered Nurses (RNs) receive one of the highest nursing home rates in the province.

Employer contributions to the CCWIPP increase benefits immediately to $36.92 per month per full year of future credited service, which provides one of the highest CCWIPP pension benefits among the Local’s health care units. There will be subsequent increases to the contribution rate, in both 2005 and 2006, equivalent to the percentage wage increases.

Long-service workers receive improved vacation entitlement of six weeks and 12 per cent vacation pay.

Dental coverage improves with employer contributions to the UFCW Trusteed Dental Plan increasing. These gains are in addition to previously agreed upon new terms and renewed terms of the previous contract.

Maple Leaf Pork workers participated in their May 20, 2004 ratification meeting …

. . . and voted in favour of the new contract.



Officers for the following positions must be elected:

LOCAL 175 The International Constitution and Local Union By-laws require that Officers of the

President Secretary-Treasurer Recorder

Local Union (175 & 633) be

Vice-Presidents (VP) as listed below:

elected every four years. The

CENTRAL REGION

SOUTH-WEST REGION

current term of office expires

VP VP VP VP VP VP VP VP VP VP VP VP

VP VP VP VP VP VP VP VP

on December 31, 2004.

#1 #2 #6 #7 #8 #15 #16 #17 #18 #19 #20 #27

HOPE Sector HOPE Sector Industrial Sector Industrial Sector Industrial Sector Retail & Service Sector Retail & Service Sector Retail & Service Sector Retail & Service Sector Retail & Service Sector Retail & Service Sector VP at large

#5 #12 #13 #14 #24 #25 #26 #30

HOPE Sector Industrial Sector Industrial Sector Industrial Sector Retail & Service Sector Retail & Service Sector Retail & Service Sector VP at large

NORTHERN REGION

EASTERN REGION

VP VP VP VP

VP VP VP VP VP VP

#4 #11 #23 #29

HOPE Sector Industrial Sector Retail & Service Sector VP at large

#3 #9 #10 #21 #22 #28

HOPE Sector Industrial Sector Industrial Sector Retail & Service Sector Retail & Service Sector VP at large

VICE-PRESIDENTS TO BE ELECTED FROM THE FORMER LOCAL 617P VP #31 VP #32 VP #33, #34 For election purposes only, Vice-President positions are numerically designated and nominations will be conducted by the designated number (see above).

Niagara Area Hamilton Area Remaining Areas

LOCAL 633 President Secretary-Treasurer Recorder Vice President #1 Vice President #2 Vice-President #3

Notice of Nomination continued on page 22…

SUMMER 2004 

ELECTIONS

NOTICE OF NOMINATIONS

ELECTIONS

Nominations for all positions will be conducted in accordance with Local Union By-laws and the International Constitution in the form of petitions. The required number of nominating signatures are:

LOCAL 175

President Secretary-Treasurer Recorder

900 900 900

Central, South West, Eastern Regions Vice-President Vice-President Vice-President Vice-President

Retail & Service Sector Industrial, Meat & Poultry Sector HOPE Sector at Large

50 25 10 100

Vice-President Retail & Service Sector Vice-President Industrial, Meat & Poultry Sector Vice-President, HOPE Sector Vice-President at Large

25 2 2 25

Northern Region

Local 617P Designated Positions

LOCAL 633

Vice-President

10

President Secretary-Treasurer Recorder Vice-President

25 25 25 10

A nomination package, including “official nomination petition forms”, will be available to any candidate for an elected position by contacting the Election Chairperson, John Hurley at the Provincial Office of Local 175 (1-800-565-8329 or locally 905-8218329) on or after August 16th, 2004, between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Nominations will only be accepted on an “official nomination petition form”, which shall be prepared and provided by the Election Chairperson.

All petition nomination signatures must be made by a member of that Local Union and such nominator must be from the designated region and sector (if relevant).

To be eligible for election, a candidate must be nominated by the required number of eligible nominators.



Properly completed official nomination forms must be returned to the Election Chairperson no later than 5:00 p.m. on September 3rd, 2004 for review and verification.

Nominations post-marked no later than 5:00 p.m. on September 3rd, 2004 by priority post or received (and receipted) at the Provincial office of the Local Union by the same deadline will be deemed properly received by the Election Chairperson.

All official nomination petition forms submitted for review must be original documents and will not be valid if submitted by copy or facsimile.

The results of the nomination process, acclamations, disqualifications, and nominees to specific positions will be posted in units after the close of nominations in accordance with the Local By-laws.

Heat stress can affect everyone.

If you suspect heat stress, consult a doctor immediately.

SUMMER HEAT SYMPTOMS: A Fatigue A Nausea A Dizziness A Profuse sweating A Confusion A Irritability A Flu-like symptoms PREVENTION: A Take your time A Increase work load only as you get used to the heat A Modify the work A Take frequent rest breaks A Drink plenty of uids

Attention All Young members of UFCW Canada Locals 175 & 633...

• Get involved in the Youth Arts Project (YAP)... ever thought of being in a play... performed for our members throughout Ontario?

• Come to our workshops to rehearse and act out skits created by other Young members from our Local... performances to be held at our Fall 2004 Stewards' Seminars.

Want to take part? looking for your chance at 15 minutes of fame?

• For more information, contact Kelly at the Training & Education Centre: 1-800-728-8902 ext 222 or by email: tcadmin@ufcw175.com • Dates for weekend workshops and performances to be announced; but "YAP - Take Two" will be held in late summer, early fall 2004.

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