Checkout June 2012

Contents

LOCAL 175 Shawn Haggerty, President; Teresa Magee, Secretary-Treasurer; Betty Pardy, Recorder; Ray Bromley, Al McLean, Scott Penner, Harry Sutton – Executive Assistants LOCAL 633 Dan Bondy, President; Marylou Mallett, SecretaryTreasurer; Neil Hotchkiss, Recorder DIRECTORS Rob Armbruster, Paul Jokhu Benefits Orsola Augurusa, Sherree Backus, Laurie Duncan, Joanne Ford, Joanne Harrow, Georgina MacDonald – Benefits Representatives Communications Jennifer Tunney - Senior Communications Representative; Emily Groom Communications Representatives; Meemee Seto Servicing Representative Health & Safety Janice Klenot - Senior Health & Safety Representative; Michele Miller - Health & Safety Representative Legal Fernando Reis - Co-ordinator; Marcia Barry, Rebecca Lee, Simran Prihar, Evan Schiller, Erin Wallace, Natalie Wiley, Rebecca Woodrow - Legal Counsel Organizing Rick Wauhkonen - Organizing Coordinator; Ron McGuire, Tony Nigro, Amy Tran Organizing Representatives; Farman Ali, Jeffery Lu, Mike Mattioli, Joe Pereira - Organizing Apprentices Training & Education Kelly Nicholas - Coordinator REGION 1 Dan Lacroix - Regional Director; Colby Flank, Dean McLaren - Union Representatives REGION 2 Kelly Tosato - Regional Director; Jehan Ahamed, Mona Bailey, John DiFalco, John Di Nardo, Linval Dixon, Rob Nicholas, Mark Stockton, Chris Watson, Dave White - Union Representatives REGION 3 Dan Lacroix - Regional Director; Simon Baker, Chris Fuller, Paul Hardwick, Marilyn Lang, Daniel Mercier - Union Representatives; Jacques Niquet - Servicing Representative REGION 4 Sylvia Groom - Regional Director; Rick Hogue, Union Representative; Virginia Haggith, Ashleigh Garner, Jason Hanley, Casey Magee, Roy Reed, Arlene Robertson, Brenda Simmons, Melody Slattery - Servicing Representatives REGION 5 Jim McLean - Regional Director; Lee Johnson-Koehn - Servicing Representative; Bob Kearney, Brad Morrison, Mario Tardelli - Union Representatives REGION 6 Luc Lacelle - Regional Director; Wendy Absolom, Sam Caetano, Matt Davenport, Tim Deelstra, Joe De Melo, Anthony Di Maio, Kevin Dowling, Angela Mattioli - Union Representatives REGION 7 Barry Sawyer - Regional Director; Dave Forbes, Sharon Kempf, Diane Sanvido, Steve Springall - Union Representatives ISSN No. 1703-3926 CHECKOUT is an official publication of Locals 175 & 633 of the United Food & Commercial Workers (UFCW)

PROVINCIAL HEAD OFFICE 2200 ARGENTIA ROAD MISSISSAUGA, ON L5N 2K7 TEL: 905-821-8329 TOLL FREE: 1-800-565-8329 FAX: 905-821-7144

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Cambridge OFFICE 6628 Ellis Road, Cambridge, ON N3C 2V4 TEL: 519-658-0252 TOLL FREE: 1-800-267-1977 FAX: 519-658-0255

President’s Message Secretary-Treasurer’s Message Political Action Metro ratification Zellers/Target update Health & Safety update Arbitration update Health Care Corner Local 633 Elections Day of Mourning Workplace Feature Fundraising Community Action Network Organizing update Negotiations 2012 Health Care Conference Letters from our members Scholarship application

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CEP 571-0

Local 175 President Shawn Haggerty Local 175 President Shawn Haggerty Local 175 President Shawn Haggerty Local 175 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE President Shawn Haggerty Local 175 President Shawn Haggerty Local 175 President Shawn Haggerty Local 175 President

Shawn Haggerty Local 175 President Shawn Haggerty Local 175 President Shawn Haggerty Local 175 President Shawn Haggerty Local 175 President Shawn Haggerty Local 175 President Shawn Haggerty Local 175 President Shawn Haggerty Local 175 President Shawn Haggerty Local 175 President Shawn Haggerty Local 175 President Shawn Haggerty Local 175 President Shawn Haggerty Local 175 President Shawn Haggerty Local 175 President Shawn Haggerty Local 175 President Shawn Haggerty Local 175 President Shawn Haggerty Local 175 President Shawn Haggerty Local 175 President Shawn Haggerty Local 175 President Shawn Haggerty Local 175 President Shawn Haggerty Local 175 President Shawn Haggerty Local 175 President Shawn Haggerty Local 175 President Shawn Haggerty Local 175 President Shawn Haggerty Local 175 President Shawn Haggerty Local 175 President Shawn Haggerty Local 175 President Shawn Haggerty Local 175 President Shawn Haggerty Local 175 President Shawn Haggerty Local 175 President Shawn Haggerty Local 175 President Shawn

Shawn Haggerty

The difficulties in retail grocery Your Union proudly represents 60,000 members across Ontario. The majority of our members work in the retail industry – particularly in the retail grocery industry, including stores like Loblaws, Metro, Food Basics, Fortinos and Great Food stores. As cashiers, produce managers, grocery workers, deli personnel, and much more, our members ensure that Ontarians have access to quality food while enjoying excellent customer service, convenient store hours and a range of price options.

Your Union works hard to ensure that our members are compensated fairly for their quality work and substantial contributions to Ontario’s economy and people. Yet for over a decade, we have noticed a serious trend in the retail sector, one that has made it more difficult for us in our efforts to ensure fair compensation for our members. As with many industries in Canada, the big players in retail grocery have become increasingly anti-worker and anti-union.

Collective bargaining with corporations on behalf of our members has become increasingly difficult. Negotiations for new contracts now take more time than before, leading to greater anxiety and stress in the lives of our members as they wait for the bargaining to conclude.

Also, corporations are increasingly less willing to consider reasonable proposals that are necessary to address fundamental workplace issues for our members. From job security and benefits to health and safety issues, employers are putting forward untenable demands that make it harder to negotiate in the best interests of our members. They are clearly following

corporate labour strategies that are hardnosed, unreasonable and at times outright hostile.

Why this alarming trend? Corporations claim that economic conditions necessitate the lowering of the working and, by extension, the living conditions of our members. They claim that rising food commodity prices, store lease rates, limits to retail price increase, and the existence of non-union shops like WalMart, among other factors, impede their ability to offer the wages, benefits and working conditions that our members deserve.

We cannot accept such excuses! Our members have a right to compensation (in the form of wages, benefits etc.) that are in line with their hard work, and your Union won’t accept anything less. While corporations argue that wage increases are not sustainable, the CEO’s are able to sustain their incredible salaries. While corporations argue that our members have to give up important job security clauses in contracts, corporate heads will do no such thing. Your Union refuses to accept the anti-worker line that our members must pay for so-called bad economic conditions when corporate heads refuse to do so.

Over the past 15 years, the retail grocery industry has indeed dramatically changed.

The absolute size of key corporations has increased. Hence, economic power in the sector has become more concentrated in less and less hands. Through mergers, acquisitions and other market expansion strategies, corporations have become fewer so that those remaining are now bigger and have a greater share of the market. Despite their claims of hard economic times, the real reason for their

anti-worker strategies is simple; they think that now they can get away with demanding more from workers even as they are willing to offer less. Your Union leaders have worked hard to shift our bargaining strategy to address this new economic landscape in the retail grocery industry.

Since corporations have become more powerful and global, it has become vital for us to shift our collective bargaining structure and strategy. With increased coordination across our bargaining units, and greater national-local cooperation and planning, your Union has been making all the necessary changes to be in step with the changing times. Your Union is in a strong position to build on our progress in this direction so far, and continue developing the new structures and strategies for the 21st century to defend, and even enhance, our Union bargaining power at the table in the interests of our members.Our strong and united membership knows that solidarity is necessary at the bargaining table. We can and we will defeat unreasonable demands as we move forward together.

In Solidarity, Shawn Haggerty

June 2012

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SECRETARY-TREASURER’S MESSAGE

Local 175 Secretary-Treasurer Teresa Magee Local 175 Secretary-Treasurer Teresa Magee Local 175 Secretary-Treasurer Teresa Magee Local 175 Secretary-Treasurer Teresa Magee Local 175 Secretary-Treasurer Teresa Magee Local 175 SecretaryTreasurer Teresa Magee Local 175 Secretary-Treasurer Teresa Magee Local 175 Secretary-Treasurer Teresa Magee Local 175 Secretary-Treasurer Teresa Magee Local 175 Secretary-Treasurer Teresa Magee Local 175 Secretary-Treasurer Teresa Magee Local 175 Secretary-Treasurer Teresa Magee Local 175 Secretary-Treasurer Teresa Magee Local 175 Secretary-Treasurer Teresa Magee Local 175 Secretary-Treasurer Teresa Magee Local 175 Secretary-Treasurer Teresa Magee Local 175 SecretaryTreasurer Teresa Magee Local 175 Secretary-Treasurer Teresa Magee Local 175 Secretary-Treasurer Teresa Magee Local 175 Secretary-Treasurer Teresa Magee Local 175 Secretary-Treasurer Teresa Magee Local 175 Secretary-Treasurer Teresa Magee Local 175 Secretary-Treasurer Teresa Magee Local 175 Secretary-Treasurer Teresa Magee Local 175 Secretary-Treasurer Teresa Magee Local 175 Secretary-Treasurer Teresa Magee Local 175 Secretary-Treasurer Teresa Magee Local 175 SecretaryTreasurer Teresa Magee Local 175 Secretary-Treasurer Teresa Magee Local 175 Secretary-Treasurer Teresa Magee Local 175

Teresa Magee

smoking is harmful. Tobacco use is responsible for 30% of all cancer deaths and 85% of lung cancer deaths. Yet if you step outside of your workplace you will almost certainly see someone with a cigarette. Why is this? Quitting smoking is hard, as nicotine is an addictive substance. But everyone is capable and a few difficult days of cravings are well worth the lifetime of health benefits.

About 13,000 people in our province will die from tobacco use this year. That is 13,000 completely preventable deaths.

Don’t be one of them.

Take preventative measuers against cancer In the next few issues of Checkout I will look at various health and wellness concerns and what you can do to live a healthy lifestyle Last April volunteers were seen selling bright yellow daffodils all across Ontario.

Initiatives such as these raise money for cancer research and increase awareness of the many ways cancer touches the lives of all Canadians. Using the symbol of a daffodil actually began in Toronto in the 1950s. Volunteers used the flowers to decorate a small fundraiser and were surprised that the cheery blossoms created an atmosphere of hope and faith. I share this with you because the word cancer is one of the scariest words a person can hear. It often conjures up fear of a long and difficult illness. But it doesn’t have to be this way.

Cancer touches us all, whether it is a personal battle, a friend needing support or a family history of a particular type.

But much is known about this disease and many types of cancers can be preventable or easily treated. Today 62% of people diagnosed with the disease will survive and in the 1960s this number was only 1 in 3. The Local’s Wellness webpage has information about specific cancers such as breast cancer and prostate cancer, which are the two leading types of cancers in Ontario.

The Canadian Cancer Society recommends many steps to reduce your overall risk of cancer. These include lifestyle changes, screenings and education. If you learn more about what cancer really is, you will be empowered to improve your own health – and the health of those around you.

Here are some tips for cancer prevention: •

Smoking – Everyone knows that

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Healthy living – Like smoking, everyone knows that eating well and exercising is beneficial for your overall health. Up to 35% of all cancers can be prevented by being active, eating well and maintaining a healthy body weight. It doesn’t have to be intimidating. If you begin walking a little bit every day and slowly changing your diet, you can gradually make a big change.

Screenings – This is an almost effortless step you can take. Early detection is key in many types of cancers. For example, if prostate cancer is detected early, in over 90% of cases it is curable. Finding cancer early reduces the risk that it has spread. You may not show symptoms of cancer, but health professional can conduct a variety of tests that could end up saving your life.

Family – Genetics play a role in your risk for cancers, especially if a close relative like a parent or sibling previously suffered from a disease. Tell your family doctor so they can assess your risk.

Alcohol – It surprises many people to know that drinking increases the risk for several types of cancers including breast,

colon, rectum, liver and mouth. If you choose to drink, have no more than 1 drink per day if you are a woman and less than 2 if you are a man. As a general rule, the less you drink, the more you reduce your risk.

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Sun exposure – Vitamin D is important, but sun exposure without proper protection is unhealthy. Skin cancer is an increasing problem in Canada and the disease is largely preventable. Wear sunscreen, sunglasses, protect yourself with clothing and limit your time in the sun. Indoor tanning beds, which release ultraviolet (UV) rays, are harmful and should be avoided.

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Chemicals – If you work with chemicals, always follow the health and safety rules and ask your designated health and safety committee members if you have any questions or concerns.

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Stay informed – There’s a lot of information available on cancer and cancer prevention. It is important to identify the correct information from perpetuated myths. Use accredited information sources and keep up-todate on the latest hazards and advice.

Cancer is a complex and difficult health issue. But this April consider the daffodil – a symbol of hope and bravery, uniting those who are affected by cancer. Get involved and get informed!

In Solidarity, Teresa Magee

POLITICAL

ACTION

Harper government attacks Union members privacy Bill C-377 is a bill to amend the Federal Income Tax Act. This amendment would force all Unions, Labour Councils and Federations of Labour in Canada to disclose all finances including compensation paid to all officers, representatives, support staff and secretaries. And it doesn’t stop there.

These amendments would also force the Local Union to disclose all finances including those spent for political purposes, strike funds and related benefit plans.

This information is already available to any Local Union member that wants it.

All you need to do is put your request in writing.

The difference is that now companies like Wal-Mart and Target will have access to exactly how much money the Union has.

This would allow them to re-evaluate their anti-union strategies for fighting organizing drives and further infringe upon workers’ rights to join a Union.

But the greater concern is one of privacy for our members. These amendments would force disclosure of all cheques or money paid in excess of $5,000 by the

Union or a related trust or pension.

The leadership of your Local Union is opposed to this part of the bill because it affects you – the members – directly.

If you as a member receive a lump sum payment of more than $5,000 from your pension or for long-term disability – both of which are common payments – your name will be posted alongside the amount you received on the Canada Revenue Agency’s website. If you receive reimbursement for prescription medication that costs more than $5,000, that will be posted too.

Unfortunately this concept isn’t new.

Former Conservative Ontario Premier Mike Harris legislated the disclosure of the ‘Sunshine’ list of Union officers paid in excess of $100,000. For Harris though, his plan backfired when these disclosures revealed that Ontario’s Union leaders receive less in compensation than their employer counterparts with similar roles.

The legislation was dropped later on.

The Conservative’s approach to disclosure is inconsistent at best and certainly nothing new. Recently, Conservative MP Brent Rathgeber demanded the disclosure of salaries paid in excess of $100,000 to CBC (a publicly funded broadcasting organization) employees. But when the

NDP countered with a demand to see a list of salaries of the top level staffers in the Prime Minister’s office – also publicly funded salaries – Conservatives refused.

Similarly, with the recent ‘robocall’ scandal that emerged in early March, Conservatives demanded that Liberals provide a list of calls and expenses made but refused to hand over their own.

This invasion of your privacy is unacceptable. Harper and his Conservatives have no right to this information and neither does the rest of the world. This breach of privacy is disrespectful to hard working Canadians and it reveals the contempt the right wing has for unions and unionized workers.

We encourage you to speak out against this invasion of your privacy. Contact your Member of Parliament (list available at www.parl.gc.ca/MembersOfParliament/).

Scan this code with your smart phone to directly access the website June 2012

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Metro workers ratify contract On Sunday, March 25, following numerous days of bargaining including eight days in conciliation over the last six months, Metro workers had the opportunity to vote on a settlement reached by the parties just over a week ago.

The ratified agreement, recommended unanimously by the workers’ 27-member negotiating committee, provides wage improvements for existing Metro workers and a job guarantee for full-time workers hired before January 1, 2008, for the duration of the contract.

“These were a tough set of negotiations,” says President Haggerty. “The committee was faced with some hard decisions, but we all pulled through with the best possible deal for Metro members. They can be proud of what their committee did here” Just a few of our dedicated Metro members

Current Group 1 workers receive increases in the form of lump sum payments and rate increases in alternating years. Current workers in Group 2 stores will, over the course of the contract, have their wages increased to meet the rates of Group 1 store workers.

Additional improvements include increased company contributions to the Canadian Commercial Workers Industry Pension Plan (CCWIPP), additional leave for long service employees, and the possible addition of a Seafood Department Head classification in all stores. The current level of health and welfare benefits will be continued for full-time and part-time workers benefit from some improvements to their coverage as well.

The company is limited to a maximum of six Food Basics conversions over the life of the agreement, with none in the first

year. Additionally, the company is limited to converting a maximum of six stores to a Metro Barn Market over the contract term with none in the first year and no more than two per year thereafter.

If Metro members have any questions about the new agreement and what it means, please contact your Union Rep. Union Negotiating Committee Tim Brennan, May Chalmers, Colleen Cox, Tim Kelly, Brian Kozlowski, Ray Laforge, Don Lupton, Walter Marshall, Carolyn Martin, Laura Morton, Pat Newell, Dan Nobile, Renzo Nobile, Anne Quigley, Rob Rovinelli, Nash Saad, Barry Schnabel, Dale Stuart, Jackie Wakeman, Stephanie Whibbs, Brad Wigle, Union Rep Brenda Simmons, Director Sylvia Groom, Executive Assistants Al McLean and Harry Sutton, Local 633 President Dan Bondy and Local 175 President Shawn Haggerty.

SOLIDARITY

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Target buys out Zellers - sells out workers In January 2011, Target – a U.S. based company – announced its entry into the Canadian marketplace with the purchase of leases held by 220 Zellers stores across the country. UFCW Local 175 represents more than 1,000 members working at Zellers in Ontario – all of whom will be directly impacted by the conversion of these stores to Target locations.

Zellers has been around since 1931.

Some workers have up to 30 years of dedicated service with the company. But Target announced that Zellers workers will be fired and will have to reapply

A message from Zellers workers We are the people who work at your neighbourhood Zellers, and some of us have worked in your store for over 30 years. We love our jobs, and we are proud of what we do. Together, we have the experience to make Target a place where Canadians prefer to shop.

along with everyone else for jobs at Target. Their years of loyalty and service will not be considered.

Just a month ago, on January 4, 2012, Target announced it will open its first locations in Ontario next year with the first 24 conversions scheduled for completion by Spring 2013. Our Local Union will exercise our successor rights on the rebranded stores and involve the courts if necessary to force Target to respect the collective bargaining rights of our members.

On February 7, 2012, UFCW Canada launched a national campaign called ‘Target Fairness.’ This campaign against Target features real life experiences of

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real Zellers workers. These stories and the faces of our Sisters and Brothers will be on billboards and bus-stop ads and of course on the targetfairness.ca website.

We encourage our Zellers members and all Union members to talk to friends, family and communities about what these conversions mean.

Our Zellers workers are a strong group of activists and we will take a stand and demand that Target respects the loyalty and labour rights of these workers.

Visit www.targetfairness.ca for details and to show your support.

ASK TARGET FOR FAIRNESS!

So when we found out that Target is letting us all go, we were surprised, confused and hurt. Target has said that we can reapply for our jobs, but the company will not recognize our experience and the important things we have earned through many years of loyal service.

We believe that Target can do a lot better and we hope that you will join us in Asking Target for Fairness by sending a letter to the company’s CEO, sharing our story with your friends and followers, and Liking our Facebook page.

For your neighbours at Zellers

Together, we can make Target Canada’s next great retailer. Thank you for your support!

June 2012

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HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE

Health & Safety Update Health & Safety Update Health & Safety Update Health & Safety Update Health & Safety Update Health & Safety Update Health & Safety Update Health & Safety Update Health & Safety Update Health & Safety Update Health & Safety Update Health & Safety Update Health & Safety Update Health & Safety Update Health & Safety Update Health & Safety Update Health & Safety Update Health & Safety Update Health & Safety Update Health & Safety Update Health & Safety Update Health & Safety Update Health & Safety Update

Changes to Health & Safety Over the next little while, Health & Safety in the workplace will see some changes that we at Locals 175 & 633 believe will be beneficial to all activists. With Bill 160 and its pending revisions, health and safety committee members will have more tools at their disposal to assist in their efforts at eliminating potential hazards and protecting the lives of workers.

George Gritziotis became Ontario’s first Chief Prevention Officer (CPO) in midOctober 2011. His responsibilities include establishing a provincial occupational health and safety strategy, an annual performance report, prevention activities, advice on preventing occupational injuries and illnesses, advising on proposed changes for the funding and delivery of prevention services (no longer overseen by the Worker Safety Insurance Board and now a responsibility the Ministry of Labour), working with Ontario’s Health and Safety Associations (HSAs) to establish effective delivery of prevention programs and services and monitoring the HSAs compliance with standards set by the minister. He also has the authority to set standards for health and safety training.

The Minister will establish a council to be known as the Prevention Council, which will be made up of Unions and provincial labour organizations, employers, nonunionized workers, the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board and those with occupational health and safety expertise.

They will provide advice to the Minister on appointing a Chief Prevention Officer (CPO) and provide advice to the CPO regarding prevention of workplace injuries and occupational diseases, and on any significant proposed changes to the funding and delivery of services. They will also provide advice on any other matter specified by the Minister.

Joint Health & Safety Committee Members play a crucial role in striving for 8

the safety of all in their workplace. They have powers to implement, control and monitor the elimination of dangers and hazards that workers are exposed to each time they are at work. Some of the tools JHSC members need to quantify the risk in the workplace include: • hazardous occurrence investigation reports; • first aid records and minor injury records; • reference materials such as MSDS and WHMIS; • results of workplace inspections; • reports, studies and tests concerning the health and safety of workers; • records of hazardous substances; • training records; and • any other relevant information, including ergonomic related information.

Committee members are also allowed to attend testing any time that they believe there is a reason to ensure tests have been properly conducted and results have been correctly reported.

This information is valuable in determining whether there are areas of the workplace that are in need of assessment and where controls are needed to protect the workers.

When the Committee has addressed and identified a danger or hazard, they must work together to put preventative measures in place. The priority of addressing the hazard are: • the most effective way is the elimination of the hazard, including by way of engineering controls which may involve mechanical aids, equipment design or redesign that takes into account the physical attributes of the employee; • the next best way is the reduction of the hazard, including isolating it; • the provision of personal protective equipment, clothing, devices or materials; and • administrative procedures such as the management of hazard exposure and recovery periods and the management of work patterns and methods.

When the Committee has identified and assessed job related dangers or hazards and find that controls must be put in place to protect workers, they should discuss the issues at their JHSC meetings.

The discussion should be included in the minutes of the meeting, along with recommended controls. The matter should remain a part of each subsequent JHSC meeting until it has been resolved. With the introduction of Bill 160, the Chair of the JHSC now has the power to make a written recommendation to the employer if the committee as a whole fails to reach consensus on a particular matter. This makes the process more transparent as the employer is mandated to respond to a recommendation twenty-one days after it is made.

Employers must make sure that all equipment, materials and protective devices must be provided and maintained in good condition. They must also ensure that measures and procedures are carried out in the workplace and that all equipment, materials and protective devices that they provide are used as stated under all applicable regulations.

Information, training and supervision must be provided to each worker, as well as, ensure that a supervisor is competent. They must make sure that they have informed workers of any hazard in the work and in the handling, storage, use, disposal and transportation of any article, device, equipment or a biological, chemical or physical agent.

If your employer fails to comply with any health & safety regulation, please contact your JHSC or your Union immediately.

The Ontario Health & Safety Act is the law that provides many powers to Health & Safety Committees/Representatives.

These powers should be used to protect the health and safety of all workers. Please feel free to contact UFCW Locals 175 & 633 Health & Safety Department at our Cambridge office for further information.

ARBITRATION UPDATE

Arbitration Update Arbitration Update Arbitration Update Arbitration Update Arbitration Update Arbitration Update Arbitration Update Arbitration Update Arbitration Update Arbitration Update Arbitration Update Arbitration Update Arbitration Update Arbitration Update Arbitration Update Arbitration Update v Arbitration Update Arbitration Update Arbitration Update Arbitration Update Arbitration Update Arbitration Update Arbitration

Victory at Wings!

Local 175 recently won a major arbitration victory over the Employer at WHL Management Ltd. The Employer, which makes sauces and food related products, has a multi-ethnic workforce – most of whom do not speak English as a first language. The Employer posted a number of vacancies in the Processor 2 classification. The duties of Processor 2 are to mix and blend ingredients and then cook them according to specific recipes.

Once they had applied, the employees

were required to write an English language proficiency test. Those who did not “pass” the test were not given the jobs regardless of their seniority or relevant experience.

Four of the unsuccessful applicants filed grievances and the Union proceeded to arbitration. In advancing the grievances to hearing, the Union obtained the advice of an expert on workplace English language testing.

After reviewing the report of the Union’s expert witness, and upon hearing her testimony, the arbitrator allowed the grievance and struck down

Update Arbitration Arbitration Update Update Arbitration Arbitration Update Update Arbitration

the Employer’s test. The arbitrator agreed with the Union’s expert that the test was flawed for a number of reasons, including: it had not been field tested with those performing the work; it had a “passing” grade of 100%; and there was no template for correct answers which meant that different people grading the test could give different marks for the same answer!

In allowing the grievance the arbitrator ordered the Employer: to develop an English language proficiency test in accordance with the directions in his Award; and to re-run the competition for the four jobs.

HEALTH CARE CORNER

Health Care Corner Health Care Corner Health Care Corner Health Care Corner Health Care Corner Health Care Corner Health Care Corner Health Care Corner Health Care Corner Health Care Corner Health Care Corner Health Care Corner Health Care Corner Health Care Corner Health Care Corner Health Care Corner Health Care Corner Health Care Corner Health Care Corner Health Care Corner Health Care Corner Health Care Corner Health Care Corner Health Care Corner Health Care Corner Health Care Corner Health Care Corner Health Care Corner Health care and the Drummond Report The Ontario government commissioned a report to determine ways to eliminate the provincial deficit by 2017. The Drummond Report as it is known calls for major cuts in spending to achieve the goal of a balanced budget by 2017. Although the provincial government has said that certain programs will not be cut (such as full day kindergarten) the largest area being considered for cuts is the health care sector.

The Drummond Report states incorrectly that health care spending in Ontario is out of control. While health care costs took up 47% of the provincial budget in 2002, the figure stood at 43% in 2011. With respect to spending, Ontario now ranks 8th out of 10 provinces in all government spending and 8th out of 10 provinces in health care funding.

The Drummond Report tries to create a crisis in spending but the real crisis is on the revenue side. The government’s policy of repeatedly reducing corporate taxes has resulted in a loss of between $15 and $18 billion per year in revenue which is more than the entire deficit in one year. This policy of tax reductions for corporations has not paid dividends in the form of job creation.

Recently, Caterpillar in London sought a 50% wage rollback from its workers. When the workers went on strike to protest the employer’s position, Caterpillar closed the plant and moved production to Indiana. This is but one example of many where companies have benefitted from massive tax cuts but not only are jobs not being created, good paying jobs are being shipped out of Canada.

The Drummond Report also calls for health care privatization, cuts to hospital funding, capping of health care funding at 2.5% annual growth through to 2017-18, a moratorium on the building of long term care facilities and the delisting of certain services currently covered by OHIP. Our members in the health care sector need to remain aware of these recommendations to reduce and/or eliminate health care funding and voice concerns to their elected representatives.

June 2012

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Local 633 ELECTIONS Elections Elections Elections Elections Elections

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NOTICE OF NOMINATIONS FOR LOCAL 633 The International Constitution and Local Union Bylaws require Officers of the Local Unions 175 & 633 to be elected every four years. The current term of office expires on December 31, 2012.

The officers and Executive Board of UFCW 175 have had their term of office extended as a result of the merger between UFCW Local 1977 and 175, in accordance with the International Consitution and Bylaws of Local 175. *No elections are required for UFCW Local 175.

LOCAL 633 OFFICERS FOR THE FOLLOWING POSITIONS MUST BE ELECTED: President Secretary-Treasurer Recorder Vice-President #1 Vice-President #2 Vice-President #3 Nominations for officers of Local 633 will be conducted. In accordance with Local Union Bylaws and the International Constitution in the form of petitions. The required number of nominating signatures are:

LOCAL 633

FOR ELECTION PURPOSES:

President 14 Secretary-Treasurer 14 Recorder 14 Vice-President 8

Only Vice-President positions are numerically designated and nominations will be conducted by the designated number. See elected positions above.

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 905-821-8329) on or after July 16, 2012 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 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 Local 633.

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 p.m. on July 27, 2012 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 Union Bylaws.

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Every year on April 28th National Day of Mourning is held in communities across Canada. On this day and every day we commemorate our brothers and sisters who have been killed, injured or continue to suffer from illness due to workplace related hazards.

This day also serves as a reminder of the improvements that need to be made around health and safety in the workplace.

Your Union takes your safety very seriously and we encourage you to be vigilant on the job and firm with your employer if potential hazards arise. Please see page 8 for our health and safety update.

We Will Remember!

Day of Mourning April 28 ~

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The observance originally started in 1984 as Workers Memorial Day and became officially recognized by the federal government in 1991 as National Day of Mourning.

This tribute to our fellow workers has since spread into a worldwide event, known in most countries as Workers Memorial Day. The growth of this observance highlights the importance of workplace health and safety and demonstrates the need to continually address this issue.

In 2009, 939 workplace related deaths were recorded in Canada; rising to 1014 in 2010. This staggering number is unacceptable and we need to recognize this as a serious issue in our society. Although we have come a long way, it is imperative that we put pressure on employers and both the Ontario and Canadian governments to take action against workplace related death, injury and illness.

It is our responsibility to protect our workers and ensure their employers are meeting safety codes and regulations.

Workers should be guaranteed the right to a safe work environment that protects them at all times.

With the number of work-related deaths rising, it is clear that more needs to be done to make this happen. Employers need to be held accountable for their actions and the government needs to step up on the side of workers. The investigation into the horrific accident that claimed the lives of 10 migrant workers in Hampstead this past February is still pending. The same month, another worker was killed in Whitby after a crane collapsed on a construction site. Too often we hear in the media that a worker was killed on the job. When will hear about safety implementation that saves lives?

We as workers need to be heard. We as workers need to make employers and our government listen and actively create change for the betterment of all. On April 28, your Union attended observances across Ontario. Members from all sectors came out to show solidarity for those that have died or continue to suffer from a work related injury or illness.

We continue to call on all employers to address hazards involved at the workplace and encourage new practices and policies that promote health and safety. Your Union is committed to protecting workers’ rights and stands behind our brothers and sisters in promoting health and safety in the workplace.

Monument to Chinese Railway Workers, Toronto June 2012

Workplace

Feature

Consumer Foods

Courtneypark

Our hard working and dedicated members at Maple Leaf Consumer Foods in Mississauga have their work cut out for them.

This further processing facility manufactures chicken, turkey, veal, and pork for food service and retail customers like Pizza Pizza, Harvey’s, Wild Wing, Safeway and Maple Leaf Prime.

Built in 1998, the manufacturing and warehouse facility houses approximately 140 of Local 175 members who work on several processing lines. Products include stuffed chicken rolls, chicken burgers, wings, as well as coated chicken, veal and pork products.

Our members are committed to the highest standard of food safety, ensuring that the food you put on the dinner table is safe and healthy for you and your family. Everyday our members implement the best practices in sanitation and manufacturing to provide consumers with safe and delicious food.

The next time you’re at Metro, Loblaws, Fortinos, Food Basics, Zehrs, just to name a few, and pick up any of these Maple Leaf products, know that your fellow Local 175 members had a hand in making you and your family a fantastic dinner!

Let’s get to know some of our members at the plant.

Davinder Khamba & Jolanta Pakulski

Marianna Kaminska & Maria Rembisz

Marianna Kaminska, Maria Rembisz, Gurmit Virdi & Dolly Sondhi

Victoria Rendon & Virgina Tung

Satnam Grewal

Mai Li Huang, Kirandeep Nijjar & Jasmine Cassimode

Harjinder Johal & Pushpal Kaur

Union Representative John Di Nardo & Sarbjit Johal

Robert Drizlonoks

Kwok Kwong Pang

FUNDRAISING

Fundraising Fundraising Fundraising Fundraising Fundraising Fundraising Fundraising Fundraising Fundraising Fundraising Fundraising Fundraising Fundraising Fundraising Fundraising Fundraising Fundraising Fundraising Fundraising Fundraising Fundraising Fundraising Fundraising Fundraising Fundraising Fundraising Fundraising Fundraising Fundraising Fundraising Fundraising Fundraising Fundraising Fundraising Fundraising Fundraising Fundraising Fundraising Fundraising Fundraising Fundraising Fundraising Fundraising Annual Ice Fishing Derby catches funds for Leukemia!

Despite some wacky winter weather, there was plenty of ice underfoot for the 6th Annual Ice Fishing Derby on February 5, 2012. The drive out to the huts on the lake was the smoothest yet and there were a number of eager participants ready to battle it out for the biggest catch Daryl Morlock was this year’s Biggest Catch winner and while his fish was on the small side, it still won him the $100 prize.

Thanks to everyone who attended for their participation and support in helping to raise $580 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada.

Let’s hope for a cold, crisp winter next year! We look forward to seeing everyone out on the ice!

Sucess for first-ever 175 & 633 soccer tournament On Saturday, March 17, twelve teams took to the field at the AC Milan SportCentre in Vaughan to compete in the first annual Kick for a Cure soccer tournament.

The first ever tournament champions were from Maple Lodge Farms who fended off the great competition put forth by the runner up team from Fortinos #84.

“Our Organizers put a lot of work into this event. From coming up with the idea straight through to game day, they did an amazing job. And their hard work paid off,” said Local 175 President Shawn Haggerty. “We raised more than $3,800 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and we’re very proud of that. We look forward to holding the Kick for a Cure tournament again next year!”

In addition to Maple Lodge and Fortinos #84, teams from the Local Union, Fearmans Pork, Avis, Budget, Thrifty, Mobile Climate and the Hazara Association of Canada took part in the day’s injury-free games.

Thank you to CaleyWray Law, CEP 571 and Locals 175 & 633 who sponsored the event!

2nd Annual Arts for Leukemia raises more than $2,500 On Saturday, April 14, the second annual Arts for Leukemia event took place in Ottawa to raise money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada.

Franca Johnston, Chief Steward at Ross’s YIG, and her sons did an awesome job again this year at putting this event together and getting local artists to donate their artwork for the silent auction.

Franca’s sons, along with their girlfriends and friends who all donated their time and talents, set up a bake and craft sale table. The local Domino’s donated pizza for the sale and everyone got a chance to purchase tickets for raffle prizes as well. Katie Weatherston, 2006 Women’s Hockey Olympic Gold Medalist, donated her time and autograph to help raise funds for such a worthy cause too.

Guests were entertained by musicians Paul Proulx and Russell Paquette. Paul is the husband of Sandra Proulx, who is a Steward at Loblaws 1051 in Ottawa and on the Local 175 Executive Board, and Russell is her brother.

Thanks to the generosity of everyone involved, the event raised a grand total of $2,537. Thank you to everyone put a lot of work into making this event a big success by donating their time, effort and talent. We look forward to making it even more successful next year!

Members and friends hit the ice to raise $28,000!

On May 11 and 12, 2012, the Local Union held its annual hockey tournament to raise money for Leukemia research. 16 teams took to the ice and played hard for first place.

Tournament Champions: Fearmans Pork

Over the two day tournament, players and supporters raised $28,000 for the LLSC. “This is one of the most successful tournaments we’ve had,” says President Shawn Haggerty. “We’re not simply having a fun weekend with our members, families and friends, we’re doing great fundraising work at the same time.”

The 2011 champs Fearmans Pork, led by Servicing Rep Lionel McEachern, defended their title in a 4-3 victory over Leamington’s Real Canadian Super Store on the final day of the tournament.

Even though RCSS came in second, they picked up a few trophies over the weekend. Cheyne Matheson received the trophy for most goals scored in the tournament and Josh Quick for best goalie. Christopher Anstett from Zehrs picked up the most popular player award.

2nd Place: RCSS Leamington

For events throughout the Spring/Summer, check out 175.com/events or visit us on Facebook!

June 2012 15

COMMUNITY ACTION NETWORK

Community Community Community Community Community

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Chinese Lunar New Year On Saturday, January 14, more than 300 guests turned out to welcome the Year of the Dragon at the annual Locals 175 & 633’s Community Action Network Chinese New Year party. Members and their families came to celebrate from many different workplaces including Cargill, Maple Lodge Farms, Olymel, Burnbrae Farms, Wings, Erin Mills Lodge, Mobile Climate Control, Quality Knitting and Coleman Care Centre to name just a few.

“It’s wonderful to see so many members come together and ring in the Lunar New Year,” says President Shawn Haggerty. “It’s very important that we celebrate the diversity of our membership and this event is just one of many initiatives from the CAN committee that is very important to our Local Union.”

The celebrations included several dance exhibitions as well as the traditional lion dance, which is said to keep away evil. Members and their families enjoyed a variety of traditional food and each member received a Local 175 & 633 travel mug. The Community Action Network looks forward to planning next years celebration when we welcome the year of the snake!

Action Action Action Action Action

Network Network Network Network Network

Community Community Community Community Community

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The importance

of battling hate &

celebrating

diversity!

On May 17, 1990, the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) community celebrated a massive victory and another step toward equality and acceptance around the world. This date is significant as homosexuality was removed from the International Classification of Diseases by the World Health Organization – it was no longer considered a mental illness to be gay or lesbian.

Every May 17th we celebrate the International Day to End Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia. Not only does this day recognize the continued existence of homophobia, biphobia and transphobia in our society but also to take a moment to celebrate the great strides we have and will continue to make in battling these oppressive ideologies. Your Union is proud to stand with the LGBTQ community in all its efforts to smash hate and embody acceptance.

Still, there are huge advances needed to combat homophobia, biphobia and transphobia. The House of Commons is debating Bill-279 (Act to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act and the Criminal Code – Gender Identity and Gender Expression). This bill will amend the Canadian Human Rights Act and the Criminal Code to prohibit discrimination on the basis of gender expression or identity. This bill has passed once before as Bill C-389 but was squashed as we entered the past federal election. This bill is essential as we continue to fight for trans rights in our country.

Equality and freedom from discrimination is what all Canadians deserve regardless of their gender identity and expression. This bill is just one more step in ensuring dignity and equality of trans people in the workplace and in our communities.

Join your Community Action Network as we begin planning and celebrating the Pride season and commorate all the hard work that’s been done and think about the work that lies ahead. Please take the time and think about how we all can fight hate in our workplace, our classrooms and in our community. Consider your assumptions and prejudices. Consider your actions and inactions. It’s time we all take responsibility and educate ourselves to stop homophobia, biphobia and transphobia everywhere.

Plese visit the CAN page at ufcw175.com for resources and important LGBTQ event dates including Pride 2012.

June 2012 17

ORGANIZING UPDATE

Organizing Update Organizing Update Organizing Update Organizing Update Organizing Update Organizing Update Organizing Update Organizing Update Organizing Update Organizing Update Organizing Update Organizing Update Organizing Update Organizing Update Organizing Update Organizing Update Organizing Update Organizing Update Organizing Update Organizing Update Organizing Update Organizing Update Organizing Update Organizing Update Organizing Update Organizing Update Organizing Update Organizing Update Organizing Local sees huge sucess in organizing!

It is with great pride that your Local Union has the privilege to report that in 2011, we organized over fifteen hundred (1,500) new members. The Organizing Department of Locals 175 and 633 is hailed as the organizing champion of UFCW nationally.

What this significant achievement brings to our Local Union is far more than just bragging rights.

What it does for the newly organized member(s) is the obvious; better working conditions, fair wages, benefits, health and safety standards and, most importantly, commands respect and dignity through a strong voice within your workplace.

These rights and privileges come, in large part, through the collective bargaining process in securing a legal and binding Collective Bargaining Agreement.

What’s in it for me?

It has been a long held misconception by some present day members that organizing only benefits those who are currently joining our great Union for the first time. This misconception is baseless and totally false!

How does Organizing help each one of us as Union members?

Simply put, Organizing successes grow our Local Union’s numbers and, as each one of us appreciates, strength truly comes in numbers.

This strength helps each one of us as unionized members each day, be it through political action in today’s everchanging economic climate or within each one of our individual workplaces across Ontario.

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Strength in numbers brings not only a stronger voice to the political arena and within our workplaces, but our financial security forces both politicians and employers to sit up and take notice of our rightful demands and issues.

Possibly, and most importantly, we as Trade Unionists must all accept that each of our futures relies not only on numbers, but numbers within the core sectors. For example, core sectors could be described as health care, manufacturing, retail, or the food industry.

As unionized workers we must assist the Organizers in every way possible in our quest to help secure the financial futures of your families’. How are we going to do this?

Understanding and assisting the Organizers Each one of Locals 175 and 633’s nearly 60,000 members can play a vital role in maintaining and improving upon what we have achieved in past negotiations.

Over the past year, it’s likely you have heard a family member, neighbour, friend or worker discuss some form of unfair treatment that they have received in their unorganized workplace.

If you have a lead on a workplace that is interested in unionizing, share that information with the Organizing Department.

Just so you know, all contact information that is turned over to our Organizing Department is treated with the highest degree of confidentiality.

Confidentiality has always been paramount to our success; we will never any disclose any confidential information. This means names or other personal imformation. Our success is, in large part, built on the very principle of

honesty, confidentiality and empowerment through education.

We can say with conviction that the fear some workers may have in the beginning stages of organizing dissipates once they become empowered through education.

We must never live in fear at our workplace, and your Union challenges each one of you to pick up the phone and call your Organizing Department at any time (1-800-565-8329). Be it for yourself or for a worker you know of, who is in desperate need of their rights enshrined in law, better wages, benefits, or for the right to a grievance procedure which provides them with the respect and dignity that they deserve.

Organizing and Unionization does bring social and workplace justice for all Unionized workers, but it also builds job security and better Collective Bargaining Agreements for each of us, as we grow in numbers in any given core sector.

Organizing is truly the life blood of any Trade Union. Each one of our 60,000 valued members can play a major role in our future success by simply picking up the phone or emailing our Organizing office.

Please see the next page with the Organizing Incentive Program.

June 2012

NEGOTIATIONS Negotiations Negotiations Negotiations Negotiations Negotiations

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Cargill workers secure agreement After a long and difficult negotiation, members at Cargill Dunlop in Guelph ratified a four-year Collective Agreement. The settlement was reached through mediation on February 4th, 2012.

Members will receive a $500 lump sum in the first year of the deal and $0.30 per hour in the second and third year. In the last year of the contract they will receive an additional $0.35 per hour. The limit on short term disability was raised to $485 per week. Life insurance coverage was raised to $60,000 from $50,0000. The company has decided to introduce flex workers. However, full-time jobs are still secure and these new workers will be covered under the terms of the collective agreement.

In terms of scheduling, members are still guaranteed 40 hours of work per week for 42 weeks of the year. They will be guaranteed 32 hours for the remaining 10 weeks. The Health & Safety Co-Chair will be given four hours off the line to handle health and safety issues per day. This will give them time to conduct investigations, audits, answer members’ questions and address concerns. Lastly, there are improvements to the pension plan. The employer contribution rises to $0.75 per hour.

Union Negotiating Committee: Peter Camilleri, Andy Croft, Rick Daudlin, Sharon Daudlin, Dan Guillemette, Rudy Gwinner, Shawn Jones, Bob Monroe, Brian Reid and Union Rep Kevin Dowling.

Successful ratification for Erin Mills Lodge workers The 64 health care providers working at Erin Mills Lodge retirement home in Mississauga have a new three-year collective agreement.

Among other things, the deal, which bargaining unit members ratified on February 13, 2012, includes wage increase, health coverage improvements and additional employer contributions to

the pension plan.

Both full and part-time wages increase by a total of 60 cents per hour over the contract term. Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs) receive an additional adjustment of 20 cents per hour in the first year. Over the duration of the agreement, employer contributions increase to 37 cents per hour for the dental plan and 54 cents per hour for the pension plan. Group Insurance contributions by the employer increase to reach 9.5% by the third year of the deal.

Workers now receive four days paid bereavement leave for the death of a grandchild, improved from the previous two days.

Union Negotiating Committee: Cassandra Amaral, Danielle Robidoux, Marlene Stoodley, Karen Thom and Union Rep Angela Mattioli.

Members at Green Grove ratify On February 10, 2012, the members of Local 175 working at Green Grove Food Corp in Mississauga voted to ratify the final offer presented by the company. The contract covers the 38 members of the bargaining unit for the next three years.

Wages improve by 1.5 per cent in the second year and 1.75 per cent in the third year. All workers in the bargaining unit as of May 1, 2012 will participate in the UFCW Benefit Trust Fund health plan. The company will contribute $260 per month per employee toward the Benefit Trust Fund in the first year. This amount increases to $285 in the second year and $310 in the third year. As a result of this negotiated change, employee contributions decrease significantly on a monthly basis and the new plan now also provides a Long Term Disability provision.

The company will post production line machines available that employees can sign up to be trained on and will train workers on those machines as provided for in the terms of the collective agreement.

Other language improvements address Union bulletin boards, negotiating committee, steward representation, pay for temporary assignments, and the current shift times will be maintained for the duration of the contract.

Union Negotiating Committee: Anwar Ali, Daniel Garay, Farid Lodhi, Abdiziz Mohamed, Kaye Sutherland, Union Rep John DiNardo and Region 2 Director, Kelly Tosato.

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Health Care workers gain with new contract Sara Vista Nursing Home has a new 28-month Collective Agreement. Wages will increase by 3.3% over the term of the contract. The employer contribution for the group insurance plan increases from 8.3% to 8.8% and the employee contribution rises to 3%. The dental contribution rises to 36.5 cents per hour worked.

Overtime language was changed.

Overtime will be paid for all hours worked in excess of 7.5 hours in a day

and more than 75 hours bi-weekly.

Additional hours (or call-ins) will be offered first to full-time workers within the classification who are not normally scheduled for 75 hours, and then to fulltime members outside of the classification, who are also not normally scheduled for those hours. Part-time members also follow this seniority agreement.

for influenza, the cost of which will be covered by the employer if not covered by another source. Several letters of understanding concerning bi-weekly shifts and CMI/MDS were renewed.

Union Negotiating Committee: Pauline James, Sarah McLean, Linda Straiko and Union Rep Dave White.

Vacation pay is now paid on the total earnings, not the T4 earnings. There is a new formula for calculating sick time for part-time workers. All members are now required to take the annual influenza vaccine or take antiviral medication

Two-year contract for Broadview Nursing workers Members working at Broadview Nursing Centre in Smith Falls gained their new two-year collective agreement at a ratification meeting on April 3, 2012. Members benefit from 1.25% wage increase as of ratification and an additional 1% increase on August 3, 2012. Workers also receive a lump sum payment of 1.75% for all hours paid from April 3, 2011 to April 3, 2012.

The employer health and welfare contributions increases .75% retroactive from April 3, 2011 while dental contributions increase 6 cents per hour over the term of the agreement.

Full-time workers now have the option to break one week of vacation into separate individual days, and new language improves hours of work regarding full weekends off. Members also gain improvements in language around call-ins, stewards, and layoff/recalls.

Union Negotiating Committee: Janet Byers, Norma-Jean Schouten and Union Rep Paul Hardwick.

Kanata Metro workers vote on new deal Metro members working in Kanata secured their new collective agreement after a ratification meeting on April 4, 2012. Workers will benefit from wage increases of 30 cents in years 1 and 3, 35 cents in year 5 as well as a 50 cent per hour lump sum payments in years 2, 4 and 6.

Improvements in health and welfare include a hearing aid benefit, and increase in sick days from 5 to 6, and professional services allowance (chiropractor etc.) increases to $400 per year. Members now receive Family Day as a paid holiday.

Language around vacation pay and leave of absence for part-time members has also improved.

Bereavement leave improves to 5 days in the event of an immediate family

members passing, and 3 days for extended family. New language around parttime hours guarantees a set number of minimum hours depending on seniority.

Improved Health & Safety language ensures the employer will act diligently to protect members from injury.

Union Negotiating Committee: Radia Gopalan, Harry Pearson, Liam Wall, Allan Williamson and Union Rep Paul Hardwick.

Whitby retirement care workers ratify On April 19, 2012, the 28-member bargaining unit at the Colonial Retirement Home in Whitby secured a new three-year agreement.

The retirement care workers ratified a number of improvements including a 2 per cent wage increase in each year of the contract term with the first increase retroactive to March 1, 2012. Workers also benefit from improved vision care coverage of $200 per 24-month period, up from $120.

Family Day has been added as a statutory holiday and new language has been added with regard to new temporary vacancies and job postings.

Union Negotiating Committee: Lindsay Devoe, Tracy Goodliffe and Union Rep Mark Stockton.

HEALTH CARE CONFERENCE

Health Care Conference Health Care Conference Health Care Conference Health Care Conference Health Care Conference Health Care Conference Health Care Conference Health Care Conference Health Care Conference Health Care Conference Health Care Conference Health Care Conference Health Care Conference Health Care Conference Health Care Conference Health Care Conference Health Care Conference Health Care Conference Health Care Conference Health Care Conference Health Care Conference Health Care Conference Health Care Conference Health Care Conference Health Care Conference Health Care Conference 10th Annual Health Care Conference is a sucess!

On April 23 & 24, 2012, Local 175 held its 10th Annual Health Care Conference. Regions 1 & 3 Director Dan Lacroix welcomed over 90 participants from nursing homes, retirement homes and community health centres (CHCs). The two-day conference facilitated valuable discussion on a variety of issues facing health care workers today.

Participants listened to speakers discuss several topics including the trends in health care collective bargaining. Legal Co-coordinator Fernando Reis explained that in the past two years there has been a downward trend in health care and social service sector settlements in Ontario. This directly affects our members as the provincial government is now leaning toward legislating a two-year wage freeze on health care workers. Although the Province is bound to discuss and receive input from Local Unions about a potential freeze, Fernando believes that Ontario will push through without hearing the concerns of workers.

Al Bieksa, training officer for the Ontario Federation of Labour’s Occupational Disability Response Team, spoke to the participants about Workplace Reintegration (WR) and changes to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB). He explained that the law expects injured workers to return to work even though they may not be fully recovered.

The employer has a duty to accommodate and provide work that will rehabilitate a worker, rather than pacify them with light duties. Al went on to say that appropriate WR maintains the dignity and productivity of an injured worker.

Al Bieksa presents to the conference

Back by popular demand, this years’ conference held two Town Hall discussions – one for those who work in retirement and nursing facilities and one for our members working in CHCs – which brought out helpful dialogue between members who share common issues in their workplaces.

Members were able to discuss various topics with an experienced panel of Reps and Directors, who have been heavily involved in organizing and servicing our health care sector members.

Our health care workers ensure quality care for our families and friends and your Union truly thanks you for this. Local 175 represents a large portion of the health care sector and is recognized as such. We devote extra time and resources to health care as it’s a core sector within our Local. The more organized we are in this sector, the more power health care workers have in determining decisions that affect all Ontarians.

All 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. Your Local Union is committed to assisting members in health care in every way possible.

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Members in Town Hall session

Members in Town Hall session

LETTERS FROM OUR MEMBERS

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Dear Shawn It is now just above a year since the union housed our action centre here to try helping people who were laid-off from Maple Leaf. When I look back from the start of the project there were many challenges, but thank God everybody involved pulled together and as we close down our adjustment success as of today stands at 90%, which is good by any standard.

On behalf of the adjustment committee, the peer helpers, all the people who were laid-off and on my own behalf I would like to convey our heartfelt thanks to you and the entire rank and file of the Union structure. The funds that were allocated to this project indeed served the purpose. In a normal situation those funds would have catered for office rentals and other applicable expenses, but because of our UNION we were relieved from them. I take pride to thank you and your team which includes such wonderful leaders like Luc, Lionel and others who helped us day in and day out. As you might be aware on the 22nd of December, 2011 is our last day open to our members. After Christmas we will do clear-up for a week or so, then we move on.

Please keep up the good work that you are doing to your members, especially those who become unfortunate like us when we got laid-off. May the good Lord bless you and your family.

Abby - Adjustment committee coordinator Dear Kelly, I wish to thank you for conducting yesterday’s meeting in a very strong and professional manner.

The employer was rendered completely speechless. In not too many words you uncovered all the wrongdoing that was going on at the airport. You are my hero. You lived up to your title and even went the extra 10 miles for me. Thank you also for listening to our Steward and myself very patiently on March 8, 2012. Good listeners usually make excellent leaders. Whatever the results come out of yesterday’s meeting in my heart I know it will be good. As I said to you, a true Canadian is one who can show compassion. You are a true Canadian. Long live UFCW Locals 175 & 633.

Scott Penner you too are a true Canadian. You responded in a flash and listened to all our complaints with compassion and never once did you doubt us. I take my hat off to you. Lastly to you Shawn Haggerty you have a great team. Great teams are lead by even Greater Leaders.

Once again, Thank you all at UFCW 175 & 633.

A very humble Union Member

To all the staff at UFCW Locals 175 & 633,

Dear UFCW Locals 175 & 633,

My family and I are speechless as to what to say to all of you for the amazing love and kindness that you’ve shown us. We will never forget your gesture towards us. The love you’ve all shown to us as strangers in unbelievable. God bless you all and continue to give to people like us and you’ll be blessed in so many ways.

Thank you very much for giving my family a wonderful Christmas. We truly appreciate the thought and consideration you put into everything. I hope you are blessed with prosperity, joy, and all the blessings.

Thank you so much, Abena & Family

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Truly, Aisha, Tianna, Zaina & Alayse

June 2012

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Return postage will be paid by: United Food and Commercial Workers Locals 175 and 633 2200 Argentia Road Mississauga ON L5N 2K7 Canada Post Corporation Publication Agreement No. 40064671