Checkout Fall 2021

CHECKOUT FALL 2021 - VOL XXX NO 3

What’s Inside What are Your Priorities for the Federal Election?

Messages from President Haggerty, Secretary-Treasurer Tosato, & more starting on page 3.

Negotiation Highlights

Starting on page 10.

UFCW Canada members raise $2.1 million for the LLSC! Read more on page 14.

Outstanding Member Achievement Award Nomination Window Now Open! Info on page 15.

Find Your Union online at UFCW175.COM

Secretary-Treasurer Kelly Tosato

Secretary-Treasurer Brian Kozlowski

Recorder Karen Vaughan

Recorder Julie Hinsperger

Executive Assistants Rob Armbruster Chris Fuller Sylvia Groom

Angela Mattioli Jim McLean

HOPE SECTOR: Director, Long-Term Care & Retirement: Sandra Ashcroft; Union Representatives: Ayesha Jabbar, Derek Jokhu, Dean McLaren, Steve Springall Director, Community Care: Sandra Rogerson; Union Representatives: Nabeela Irfan, Casey Magee, Meemee Seto

HEALTH OFF

President Marylou Mallett

RO F E SS I O

5 Election Priorities

What do you want for Canada going forward?

NA

E P LOY E S

UFCW LOCAL 633

President Shawn Haggerty

&P

EM

UFCW LOCAL 175

E

L

IC

WHAT’S INSIDE

6 Staff Changes LOC

7

A L 175

Restructuring to establish a HOPE Sector region

Labour Day

A look at some of the gains workers have made over the years

REGION 1: Director & Union Representative: Tracy Stubbs; Union Representative: Alex Stubbs REGION 2: Director: Lee Johnson-Koehn; Union Representatives: Farman Ali, Rick Daudlin, Sacha Edey, Christina Mayberry, Tony Nigro, Sabrina Qadir REGION 3: Director: Daniel Mercier; Union Representatives: Sean Carroll, Shannon Epp, Paul Hardwick, Kimberly Hunter, Joe Tenn; Servicing Representative: Sandra Proulx REGION 4: Director: John DiNardo; Union Representative: Tim Kelly; Servicing Representatives: Nunzio Cannistraci, Colleen Cox, Brittany Farr, Virginia Haggith, Jennifer Hanley, Amanda Nagy, Chris Watson REGION 5: Director: Jehan Ahamed; Union Representatives: Joce Cote, Mario Tardelli, Ashleigh Vink; Servicing Representatives: Chris Bernardi, Rolando Cabral REGION 6: Director: Rob Nicholas; Union Representatives: Sam Caetano, Dave Forbes, Jason Hanley, Mike Mattioli, Brad Morrison, Melody Slattery, Fred Teeple

8 Workers’ Compensation

WSIB “surplus” should go to injured workers

9 Member Profile

Meet Ritchel Engbino, a member from Rexall

10 Negotiation Updates

Park ‘N Fly, Saakaate House, and more...

REGION 7: Director: Jehan Ahamed; Union Representatives: Todd Janes, Navidad Talbot; Servicing Representatives: Arlene Robertson, Michael Windley REGION 8: Director: Derik McArthur; Union Representatives: Jeff Barry, John Beaton, Richard Eberhardt, Jim Hames HEALTH & SAFETY, WORKERS’ COMPENSATION, and PAY EQUITY: Directors: Chris Fuller and Sharon Kempf; Pay Equity Representatives: Orsola Augurusa, Matt Davenport; Health & Safety Representative: Mary Shaw; Workers’ Compensation Intake Representative: Georgina MacDonald; Workers’ Compensation Representatives: Sergio Baylet, Joanne Ford, Sarah Neath, Nelson Pereira, Courtney Salomons LEGAL: Director: Jane Mulkewich; Counsel: Shauna Fabrizi, Mary Hurley, Matthew Jagodits, Silvia Neagu, Kendall Yamagishi ORGANIZING: Director: Rick Wauhkonen; Organizing Representatives: Ricardo Bocanegra, Tim Hum, Jeffery Lu, Lionel MacEachern, Amy Tran TRAINING & EDUCATION: Coordinator: Kelly Nicholas; Servicing Representative: Teresa Wilson; Engagement & Media Relations Strategist: Tim Deelstra COMMUNICATIONS & IT: Communications Representative: Laurie Duncan; Senior Communications Representative: Jennifer Tunney; IT Specialist: Wei Chen

14 Fundraising & Community News UFCW Canada members raise $2.1 million

15 Outstanding Achievement Award

Nominations are open!

UFCW LOCALS 175 & 633 MAILING ADDRESS & HEAD OFFICE 2200 Argentia Road, Mississauga ON L5N 2K7 Tel: 905-821-8329 Toll Free: 1-800-565-8329 Fax: 905-821-7144 Email: membership@ufcw175.com CAMBRIDGE | LEAMINGTON | OTTAWA | SUDBURY | THUNDER BAY

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

UUWO

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Federal Election: A Test of Trudeau’s Pandemic Response and More

A nation can rebuild its economy, pay off its debt, and create new jobs. What a nation can’t do is bring back the lives lost from COVID-19, and from the mental health crisis we’re already in the midst of as we emerge, hopefully, from the worst of the pandemic.

In the bigger picture, there are crises beyond COVID-19 happening in this country, and many of them are issues that have been ignored for far too long.

The federal election will be a good indicator of how different regions and populations in Canada viewed the Liberals’ pandemic response, and approach to the economy and jobs.

It will also be a test of both the government and the public response to First Nations Reconciliation, systemic racism, violence and terrorism, gender equality, and much more.

Working people need a government that will work hard to: • Prioritize employment and

income security, • Improve our healthcare system, • Invest in the protection of jobs and the environment, and; • Address systemic racism and oppression through real change.

I encourage you to read through the bullet points on page five, and take special note of how many of the problems we face in this country are not only related to one another, but are also related to decades of undervaluing labour and the well-being of working people.

When the approach to governing focuses only on the bottom dollar, those not at the top are pushed further to the bottom.

It’s clear that when governing focuses on profit and corporate interests, a lot of people, many of whom make an average income,

get left behind to fend for themselves.

This is an important election.

Even if your priorities differ from those on page five, I encourage you to speak to the federal candidates in your area about their vision for Canada and their positions on the things that matter to you.

I will use my vote to choose the party I feel will make the best strides toward a future that values your hard work and sacrifice; a government that works to ensure every person in Canada has equal access and opportunities, and that takes action to strengthen this country’s approach to healthcare, social justice, employment, and the environment to secure a better future for us all.

Your vote is your voice. Please use it.

In Solidarity, Shawn Haggerty president@ufcw175.com Page 3

SECRETARY-TREASURER’S MESSAGE

The Dangers of Misinformation as we Near an Election

In recent elections here, and in the United States as well, we’ve witnessed interference from sources outside our borders.

We’ve seen intentional misinformation go viral on social media with false statements and other bad information pretending to be real facts.

Advertisers, influencers, and of course, politicians, all want you on their social media platforms to share their posts, stories, and information.

Some organizations, including news outlets, and people have a clear opinion and good factual information, but others are most definitely trying to convince you of something, and some will use immoral tactics and bad ‘facts’ to do it.

As we head toward the federal election on September 20, it’s important that we each take the time to understand the different party platforms and ensure that the resources and information we use to form that understanding are factual and real.

Page 4

Checkout Fall 2021

Misinformation can be dangerous. A lot of people who share social media posts don’t actually read the article that accompanies the headline. The message – whatever it is – gets propelled with very few users actually knowing what they’re sharing.

We all know of people on social media who share things without reading, that hit like simply because of a headline or meme.

These knee-jerk shares and interactions are what lead to a lot of the confusion and fake news out there.

No matter what your opinions on the issues are, misinformation doesn’t help anyone. Sometimes it’s hard to see the difference between opinion and fact, and the same facts can be shaped to support different opinions.

But ultimately, no matter what anyone says, writes, or shares it’s up to each of us to do the work, understand the issues, and develop our own point of view.

This magazine has editorials.

This is one of them. President Haggerty’s message is also an

editorial. Items like the piece on the WSIB ‘surplus’ on page eight has an opinion that sides with injured workers over corporations.

Our words in this magazine along with items posted on the Union’s website and social media are meant to offer an opinion from the perspective of what we consider to be important issues for working people.

You don’t have to agree with what’s said here. More than anything, we hope these messages inspire Members to dig further into the issues and to make important connections between politics, the economy, healthcare, employment, equality, and more.

What do you want to see for Canada as we move forward?

Ultimately, it’s up to you to make sure that when you vote – and please, please vote – that the choice you make on the ballot truly reflects the best option that fits your beliefs.

In Solidarity, Kelly Tosato treasurer@ufcw175.com

WHAT ARE YOUR PRIORITIES FOR THIS ELECTION? • Protect GIG WORKERS and classify them as employees with a guaranteed minimum wage, reimbursement for work-related expenses, paid sick days, overtime pay, vacation, leaves of absence, EI and CPP contributions and eligibility, and more. With huge corporations like Uber lobbying our government to create another class of “employee,” it’s vital that there is a voice to protect the workers. Read the OFL’s Gig Workers’ Bill of Rights, endorsed by UFCW Canada @ takeaction.ofl.ca/action/gig-workers • The EMPLOYMENT INSURANCE (EI) system needs reform. More than 8 million Canadians have received Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) payments during the pandemic.

Left to the current EI system alone, many of those workers wouldn’t have qualified for EI for various reasons including self-employment, gig work, lacking worked hours, and more.

• By RETURNING MANUFACTURING JOBS TO CANADA and CREATING ‘NEW ENERGY’ JOBS, the country can enhance employment in the long-term, build self-reliance when faced with crises that affect our borders, and ensure we take the steps we can to protect our environment.

• Establish a NATIONAL DAYCARE PROGRAM to end daycare deserts and wait lists, make child care affordable, pay Early Childhood Educators (ECEs) fairly, and remove barriers to working parents, and particularly mothers who continue to be primary caregivers in the majority of households.

• MAKE LONG-TERM CARE A PART OF THE UNIVERSAL PUBLIC HEALTH SYSTEM, eliminating the for-profit model and providing adequate funding to support the needs of our aging population, establish national standards, ensure full-time hours with better pay, benefits, and provide mental health supports.

• Establish UNIVERSAL PHARMACARE so Canadians aren’t forced to forego expensive medication that could save their lives, treat chronic illnesses, and help prevent worsening conditions.

• ADDRESS SYSTEMIC RACISM AND OPPRESSION to bring about positive change for people who are marginalized in, and by, this country, by listening to and acting on the recommendations of those people and their representative organizations.

• MAKE REAL CHANGE TOWARD FIRST NATIONS RECONCILIATION through implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action, respecting treaties and self-determination, ensuring clean water for all, providing equitable healthcare, education, and housing to all, taking action to address the Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) and anti-Indigenous violence across this nation, and much more.

• Foster INCLUSIVITY, EDUCATION, AND SUPPORT through partnerships with individuals and organizations to end violence, oppression, and hate based on skin colour, religion, gender expression, abilities, and more.

YOUR VOTE IS YOUR VOICE.

ON SEPTEMBER 20, MAKE IT COUNT.

Page 5

&P

RO F E SS I O

NA EM E P LOY E S

HEALTH OFF

E

L

IC

STAFF CHANGES Over the last several months, the Local Union has hired a number of new staff for several regions and departments. As those new Representatives start their positions, you’ll be seeing some new faces in your workplaces and hearing new voices on the phone.

Look for introductions to these new staff in the next issue of Checkout magazine!

Heading up the HOPE Sector will be Directors Sandra Ashcroft, who LOC is a Registered Nurse (RN) and A L 175 who joined the staff of the Union earlier this year, and Sandra Rogerson, who is a Certified PSW, and who previously was the Director for Regions 8 and 1.

In addition, over the last little while, the Union has restructured some of its servicing to establish a group of Directors and Representatives that will provide service solely to Members working in the healthcare sector.

Here is what the new servicing sector looks like:

This group will be called the HOPE Sector to reflect its representation of members who fall under the Health, Office, and Professional Employees (HOPE) segment of the Local Union.

Long-Term Care & Retirement: • Director — Sandra Ashcroft; • Union Representatives — Ayesha Jabbar, Derek Jokhu, Dean McLaren, Steve Springall

Community Care: • Director — Sandra Rogerson; • Union Representatives — Nabeela Irfan, Casey Magee, Meemee Seto

DID YOU KNOW? UFCW Local 175 represents more than 5,000 health care workers in long-term care, retirement home, homecare and congregate care workplaces.

These changes will take place over the coming months and affected Members will see notices on their Union bulletin boards announcing the change of Reps. Both HOPE Sectors and their Representatives will be reachable at 1-800-565-8329 / 905-821-8329 or, as always, through the Representative’s direct cell phone numbers and emails.

MEMBERS’ ASSISTANCE PROGRAM Get confidential referrals close/near to your community to help you deal with a wide variety of concerns – from substance abuse, to family conflict, financial worries, and more.

Contact Labour Community Services 416-977-6888 / 1-877-801-7762 ufcw175.com/assistance Page 6

Checkout Fall 2021

Additional Resources • Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 • Canada Suicide Prevention Line: 1-833-456-4566 | Text 45645 • National Indian Reservation Schools Crisis Line: 1-866-925-4419 • Legal Aid Ontario: 1‑800‑668‑8258 • Ontario 211: 211ontario.ca/ or call 2-1-1

LABOUR DAY Many things that workers have today were fought for and won by workers and Unions that came before us. We continue their work to ensure that we don’t lose any ground, and make real progress in the fight to advance workers’ rights.

1872 Canada’s first real Labour Day parade was a protest by Toronto Typographical Union workers, who had been lobbying for a shorter work week. They went on strike in March. On April 14, about 2,000 workers took to the streets. By the time they reached Queen’s Park, the group was 10,000 strong.1

1940 Unemployment Insurance (now Employment Insurance/EI) in Canada came into effect as a result of a strike by employees at government work camps in B.C. who marched to Ottawa to demand a living wage.

Canada was one of the last major western countries to enact an unemployment insurance system.3

1884 The Ontario Factories Act became the first law to regulate hours of work. The Act set a maximum of 10 hours per day / 60 hours per week for boys, girls, and women in the manufacturing industry.2

1960 Five immigrant workers died when a fire broke out in a tunnel they were working in, and panicked reaction by those outside the tunnel made it worse. The workers died of carbon monoxide poisoning and suffocation from inhaling smoke, sand and water.

This tragedy led to occupational health and safety reforms, including Ontario’s Industrial Safety Act, followed by the Canada Labour (Safety) Code.3

1 https://www.canadashistory.ca/explore/politics-law/the-first-labour-day 2 https://www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/about/cwr_interim/chapter_5_1.php 3 https://canadianlabour.ca/who-we-are/history/

1894 The first Monday in September became Labour Day and a statutory holiday in Canada.

1968 The Employment Standards Act (ESA) first came into effect and outlined maximum work hours, minimum wage, paid vacation, overtime pay, equal pay, and premium pay for work on statutory holidays.

1919 To demand fair wages and more, thousands of Winnipeg workers walked off the job on May 15. On June 21, police and hired Union busters fired into a crowd of thousands, killing two people and injuring many more.

That ‘Bloody Saturday’ marked the end of the Winnipeg General Strike, the largest strike in Canadian history.3

1971 Canada introduced paid maternity leave of 15 weeks at 66% of a mother’s previous salary. Unions immediately began negotiating better benefits for mothers with longer paid leave and salary top ups. Plus, Unions negotiated for those on parental leave to return to their preleave jobs. By the end of the 1970s, women’s participation in the Canadian labour force had doubled, to 60%.3

1920 The Minimum Wage Act came into law setting a minimum wage for female employees.

In the 1930s, this law was extended to male employees.2

1970s + Constant pressure from Unions and advocacy groups continue to make gains, including but not limited to: • Written termination notice and/or pay, • Lowered overtime threshold, • Severance Pay, • Hours of Work including Breaks/Rest Periods, • Job Protected Leave, • Improved Health & Safety including training and posted information.3

Page 7

WORKERS’ COMPENSATION In early August, the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development concluded 26 days of consultation with employers on what employers want to see done with an alleged ‘surplus’ at the Workplace Safety & Insurance Board (WSIB).

The purpose of the workers compensation system is to compensate workers that are injured or made ill through the course of their employment. It is a system that long ago required workers to give up their right to sue their employer in lieu of what is supposed to be fair and complete coverage to compensate for those illnesses and injuries.

since 2010. Plus, these costs don’t address supports for work-related chronic mental stress, which was added to the legislation in 2016. Despite that addition, the WSIB has reported that only 6% of chronic mental stress claims have been allowed. The WSIB reports an average allowance rate of 78% for all other injuries. These claims are failing to be addressed by the system and should be considered again before deciding that the system is fully funded.

Your Union’s recommendations to the Ministry, including the rejection of the idea that there is a surplus at all, included:

But as a Union that represents more than 70,000 working people and that handles hundreds of injury claims and appeals every year, we know first hand that this system has been failing workers for a very long time.

• Meaningfully consult all stakeholders on the compensation system, including benefit coverage levels and how claims are processed;

That’s why it came as a surprise that suddenly the WSIB would find itself with all this extra money laying around. And it’s unfathomable, though not surprising, that the government would shrug its shoulders and ask employers what to do with the money.

• Match the inflation rate applied to injured workers’ Loss of Earnings to the actual rate of the Consumer Price Index;

If any surplus truly exists at the WSIB, it is because that money has been ripped out of the hands of injured workers, often leaving many of those workers in poverty.

• Address Non-Economic Loss ratings and increase the base amount to be more in line with the needs of those with lifelong impairments;

Your Union, and other injured workers advocates like the Ontario Network of Injured Workers Groups (ONIWG), submitted our own recommendations to the Ministry of Labour to ensure that the voices of workers were a part of this consultation process whether the Ministry and employers like it or not.

In the Union’s submissions, it’s noted that the number of WSIB claims has risen since 2015. Despite this increase, the WSIB’s financial reporting has shown the benefits paid out to workers have been decreasing

Page 8

Checkout Fall 2021

• Increase Loss of Earnings benefits to 90% of net average earnings;

• Restore the Loss of Retirement Income Benefit ratio to a 10% contribution;

• Provide greater coverage for mental stress injuries and in more workplace sectors.

You can read the Union’s full submission at bit.ly/UFCW175-WSIBSurplus.

Watch Workers Comp Rep Courtney Salomons report to the Executive Board on the alleged WSIB Surplus.

Meet Ritchel, a full-time key-holder at Rexall in Toronto

Recently, we featured Ritchel Engbino on social media as part of our Member Monday profiles! Ritchel is a full-time key-holder at Rexall on Front Street in Toronto and has been at the store since it opened 11 years ago.

Ritchel also recently became a union steward to share her good and bad experiences with her colleagues as learning experiences. She likes working with others and is open-minded. She listens well and is well-liked by her peers.

As the full-time key-holder, Ritchel opens and closes the store and carries out many different functions in the store such as ordering, invoicing, making deposits, merchandising, labeling and more. Recently, Ritchel was recognized as the number one seller of Rexall’s BeWell discount card, selling 44% of the total card sales.

Ritchel is happy working at Rexall. She enjoys working with both her colleagues and the management team, in a good environment.

When not working, Ritchel enjoys cooking. Some of her favourites include spaghetti and barbecue. In warmer weather, she enjoys walking and during the winter months she prefers staying warm indoors.

Ritchel also enjoys going to the theatre regularly to watch movies and is excited to be able to do so again.

Thank you Ritchel, for being an advocate for the membership and for being a valued member of the Union.

Find more Member and Steward profiles on the Union’s Facebook and Instagram pages!

Page 9

NEGOTIATION UPDATES Members at Heritage River Retirement vote 100% in favour of new deal

S. Gumperts members ratify deal that includes pandemic bonus The members at S. Gumperts in Toronto ratified a new collective agreement with a term of five years on July 17, 2021.

Wage increases are as follows: Year 1 – $0.35, Year 2 – $0.50, Year 3 – $0.50, Year 4 – $0.60 and Year 5 – $0.65 per hour. Members will also receive a Pandemic Bonus of $500 and a Lump Sum payment of $300 at date of ratification.

Other monetary improvements include a $500 dental allowance for emergency treatments, and the boot allowance will increase from $150 to $200.

The members at Heritage River Retirement Home in Elora have unanimously ratified a new collective agreement.

The three-year deal includes wage increase of 2% in each year of the agreement with lump sum payments of $110 for full-time and $55 for part-time workers.

Part time ‘in lieu’ payments will also be increased by $.10 to a total of $.35 in July 2022. Also, the wage grid was condensed by removing a progression of 1800 hours which allows the members to reach the top rate earlier.

Sick days will increase by one in 2022, up to 4 days, and then 5 days in 2023. The employer will make a lump sum payment of $150 to the Training and Education Fund.

Language improvements include the introduction of a labour management meeting to improve communication and shift giveaway language which was extremely important to the full-time members as there were no means for them to give away shifts previously.

Union negotiating committee: Amber Duffield and Shari Ladds. Union Rep: Lee Johnson-Koehn.

Page 10

Checkout Fall 2021

There are improvements to lay off/shut down language and the Pay Equity letter. A new Letter of Agreement will ensure that the employer clearly outlines their Pandemic Plan in conjunction with the Joint Health & Safety Committee (JHSC) and also that any changes to the plan involve the JHSC. The contributions to the Training and Education Fund will increase from $1,000 to $1,300 a year, and the employer will pay $300 toward the cost of printing the Collective Agreements.

Union negotiating committee: Noel Amat, Ronie Escobido and Lala Ragalingam. Union Rep: Melody Slattery.

NEGOTIATION UPDATES Park ‘N Fly members ratify new agreement with pandemic language

Members at Saakaate House in Kenora ratify three-year agreement The members at Saakaate House Inc. Women’s Shelter in Kenora ratified a new three-year agreement on July 7, 2021. Wage increases will be: • Year 1 – $0.35 • Year 2 – $0.30 • Year 3 – $0.35 A new benefit plan will be introduced that will include $300 per year for massage therapy, and improvements in other areas. Pension language was also added to the current language.

Members at Park ‘N Fly in Toronto ratified a new five-year deal on August 11, 2021. Prior to implementing any wage increases, the part-time wages will be moved to equal the full-time wages. The wage improvements include: lump sum payments equal to $.40 per hour worked payable quarterly in year two, hourly increases of $.45 across the board in year three, and $.50 per hour in years four and five.

There will be the addition of new mental health activity days for employees in the amounts of 24 hours for Full-Time and 12 hours for Part-Time. As well, the part-time sick leave will improve by 60 hours per year to 85% of Full-Time FTE or 5 hours per month minimum.

Benefit improvements will see the dental maximums increase from $2,000 to $2,500, and the vision care benefit increases from $275 to $325, both effective January 1, 2022. Employees will have access to two unpaid bereavement days in addition to their paid bereavement day entitlement.

Union negotiating committee: Sarah Jell and Charlotte Rosewarne. Union Rep: Alex Stubbs.

Language changes will allow the drivers to qualify for a second shift bid which already applies to Jockeys. The language in the agreement will now reflect gender neutrality throughout as well.

Additionally, pandemic pay language will be added to provide for discussions to take place regarding additional pay during a declared pandemic.

The yearly contribution to the Training and Education Fund increases from $2,000 to $2,500.

Union negotiating committee: Dorothy Benjamin, Mary Crocker, Kay Hines and Amanuel Zakaris.

Union Rep: John Di Falco.

Gender neutral language will now be reflected throughout the collective agreement.

Scan the QR code with your smartphone.

Stay up to date as members ratify!

Summaries are posted at ufcw175.com.

Page 11

NEGOTIATION UPDATES Members at Hunter Douglas ratify a new deal that will bring them to the closure of the workplace Hunter Douglas members in Brampton ratified a new collective agreement on July 8, 2021. The forty-seven full time members voted for an extension until the end of the year, as this facility is scheduled to close at the end of October 2021.

The Union negotiated an increase of 2% for all classifications for the workers still working past August 3, 2021, which will also have an impact on the members’ severance as this new rate will be used

Amco Storage members in Leamington ratify three-year deal

for that calculation.

The collective agreement was unanimously approved by the membership, who are dedicated workers and have been dependable UFCW members for many years.

Union negotiating committee: Binh Lam. Union Rep: Jason Hanley

Members working at National Diabetes ratify a new three-year agreement

Members at Amco Storage Inc. Leamington ratified a new three-year deal on July 15, 2021.

Wages include the introduction of a minimum wage grid that goes from minimum +$.50 per hour to minimum + $3 per hour. Active employees will receive a $.50 increase per year over the term of the agreement.

Language will be amended throughout the collective agreement to reflect gender neutrality. In addition, other housekeeping amendments were made to improve language.

Union negotiating committee: Union Rep Navidad Talbot, Director Chris Fuller.

The members at National Diabetes Toronto, located in North York, ratified a new three-year deal on August 7, 2021. These members have been deeply affected by COVID-19 and operations are still not at full capacity.

The agreement will include wage increases of 1% in 2022 and 2023 across the board, with a lump sum payment of $400 upon ratification.

The agreement will also include a one-time contribution of $150 to the Training and Education Fund.

Page 12

Checkout Fall 2021

Union negotiating committee: Bradley Hayes Union Rep: Meemee Seto.

WIN A REWARD just for helping non-union workers JOIN UFCW LOCA LS 175 & 633 How it works. Are you a Member of UFCW Locals 175 & 633 who knows someone in a non-union workplace who wants more info on how a Union can help them make improvements to their wages, benefits, hours, scheduling, health and safety, and more?

Contact our Organizers. If UFCW Locals 175 & 633 organize and certify a group of workers because of a lead you provide to the Organizing Department, you will be eligible to win a reward.

Cash rewards. A Member who provides a lead that helps us organize and certify non-union workers could win: More than 30 but fewer than 50 workers. $300 More than 50 but fewer than 75 workers. $500 More than 75 but fewer than 100 workers. $800 More than 100 workers. $1,000 Core Sector Bonus 25%* *Call the Organizing Department for details on the Core Sector Bonus.

Reach out to our Organizing Team Phone: 905-821-8329 or 1-800-565-8329 Email: organizing@ufcw175.com

UFCW175.COM

photo from 2019 Disclaimer – Only members of UFCW Locals 175 & 633 are eligible to receive the Honorarium. The Honorarium will not be paid to an employee of UFCW Local 175, immediate families of such employees, and persons with whom such employees are domiciled. For the purpose of the Honorarium, “immediate family” is defined as parent, sibling, child or any person residing in the same household or domiciled with any such employees. Members of UFCW Locals 175 & 633 who are also employed in a non-unionized location may contact the Union to provide a lead, however, an individual member who is employed at the same location will not be eligible for the Honorarium. In all cases, the Local President will make the final decision as to who will receive the Honorarium. All decisions of the Local are final and binding. While all leads are welcome and will be investigated, the campaigns that the Local Union chooses to pursue from those leads remains at the

discretion of the Local Union.

Page 13

FUNDRAISING & COMMUNITY NEWS UFCW Canada donates $2.1 million to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada

Orange Shirt Day is September 30 In July this year, the federal government declared September 30 a federal statutory holiday to be called the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

In a year marked by the unearthing of unmarked graves at the sites of numerous former Residential “Schools” across Canada, a holiday to recognize the importance of Reconciliation and the truth of what these ‘schools’ truly were is only a step in the right direction.

Thanks to the ongoing generosity and hard work of UFCW members across this country, UFCW Canada was able to donate $2.1 million to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada (LLSC). That donation included $211,756.33 on behalf of the Members of UFCW Locals 175 & 633.

The pandemic caused the cancellation of many regular events including the Leukemia Bottle Drive, Local Union events such as scrapbooking, golf tournaments, and more.

“I’m proud of our Members and their giving nature even through tough times like this last year and a half,” said President Haggerty. “This money goes to important blood cancer research and to provide vital services to patients and their families.”

The LLSC has been the charity of choice for UFCW since 1985. In those 36 years, our members across the country have helped raise more than $47.2 million to support this worthwhile cause.

September is Blood Cancer Awareness month! Look for posts on our social media as we share the work of the LLSC and ways to donate.

You can learn more about the LLSC and its life-saving work at llscanada.org.

Page 14

Checkout Fall 2021

As of mid-August, the number stands at more than 5,200 graves.

Today, too many First Nations communities continue to live in intolerable conditions, many without clean drinking water or equitable access to healthcare, education, and housing.

On page five, you’ll find a non-exhaustive list of things that need to happen to move meaningfully toward First Nations Reconciliation in this country.

Visit orangeshirtday.org for more information on how this day of commemoration began, and what it means to survivors of the Residential ‘School’ system.

National Indian Reservation Schools Crisis Line: 1-866-925-4419

Do you know a Member of the Union who deserves recognition for their leadership and contributions to their workplace or community? Nominate them for one of the four prizes (one per category) of $500 to be won.

The categories are: • Demonstrating outstanding contributions to the community.

• Manifest Leadership and Advancement of the UFCW. • Dedication to fundraising for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada.

• Enhancing and Achieving improvements in workplace Health & Safety or Workers Compensation.

Nominate yourself, a co-worker, friend or family member that is a Member of UFCW Locals 175 & 633.

Nominees must be a Member in good standing for at least the last six consecutive months. Members on leave/laid off due to C0VID-19, but who were active/in good standing prior to the layoff will be considered “in good standing.” Nominations open August 1 - November 1, 2021.

NOMINATE A MEMBER TODAY

www.ufcw175.com/MemberAwards

WANT TO STAY UP TO DATE ON COVID-19 RELATED NEWS AT THE UNION? Visit ufcw175.com/covid19 to find all of the Union’s COVID-19 related blog posts, items from the news, links to our social media, and further resources for government support and more.

Page 15

E T VO RS R E U T YO AT M The Canadian Federal Election is SEPTEMBER 20, 2021.

Visit elections.ca for info!

MYUNION.CA

Return postage will be paid by: United Food and Commercial Workers Locals 175 & 633 2200 Argentia Road Mississauga ON L5N 2K7

Canada Post Corporation Publication Agreement No. 40064671

Moving?

Please make sure you notify the Union Office at membership@ufcw175.com or call 1-800-565-8329