THE NEWS MAGAZINE FOR MEMBERS OF LOCALS 175 & 633 UFCW CANADA
VOLUME XVII NO. 3 AUGUST 2008
The Changing Face of our Local Unions ....Page 3
CONTENTS
President’s Message............................................................................. 3 Secretary-Treasurer’s Message................................................................ 4
5
Community
Workplace News
Maple Leaf Members dedicate themselves to producing consistently great tasting and wholesome foods .................................................... 6
Health & Safety
Training + Member Education Program Youth
8
9
13
Youth Wanted!!! To participate in the Member Education Program
Fundraising
14
People & Events
Rowanwood tragedy averted, thanks to dedication of Local 175 members............................................................................................. 16 Staff changes announced.................................................................... 16
Conferences
17
Special Events
20
Negotiations
2
18
LOCAL 175 President Shawn Haggerty Secretary-Treasurer Teresa Magee Recorder Betty Pardy Executive Assistants Jim Hastings Harry Sutton UFCW Local 633 President Dan Bondy Secretary-Treasurer Marylou Mallett Recorder Neil Hotchkiss
Provincial Office 2200 Argentia Road Mississauga L5N 2K7 905-821-8329 Toll free 1-800-565-8329 Fax 905-821-7144 Benefits Representatives Sherree Backus, Joanne Ford, Victoria Shen Benefits Intake Representative Orsola Augurusa Communications Representatives Cheryl Mumford, Jennifer Tunney Servicing Representative Lien Huynh Health & Safety Representative Janice Klenot Legal Counsel Marcia Barry, Michael Hancock, Rebecca Woodrow, Natalie Wiley Legal Representative Fernando Reis Organizing Representatives Rick Hogue, Steve Robinson
CENTRAL EAST REGION Director Luc Lacelle Union Representatives Jehan Ahamed, Mona Bailey, John DiFalco, Anthony DiMaio, John DiNardo, Emmanuelle Lopez, Angela Mattioli, Rob Nicholas, Dave White SOUTH CENTRAL REGION Director Sylvia Groom Union Representative Judith Burch Servicing Representatives Brenda Simmons, Roy Etling, Mark Stockton, Mario Tardelli
TRAINING & EDUCATION CENTRE Coordinator of Education Kelly Nicholas cep Local 571
CENTRAL WEST REGION 412 Rennie Street Hamilton L8H 3P5 905-545-8354 Toll free 1-800-567-2125 Fax 905-545-8355 Director Paul Jokhu Union Representatives Matt Davenport, Tim Deelstra, Joe DeMelo, Linval Dixon, Dan Serbin, Kelly Tosato Servicing Representative Sam Caetano
EASTERN REGION 20 Hamilton Avenue North Ottawa K1Y 1B6 613-725-2154 Toll free 1-800-267-5295 Fax 613-725-2328 Director Dan Lacroix Union Representatives Simon Baker, Chris Fuller, Paul Hardwick, Marilyn Lang, Daniel Mercier Servicing Representative Jacques Niquet
SOUTH WEST REGION 124 Sydney Street South Kitchener N2G 3V2 519-744-5231 Toll free 1-800-265-6345 Fax 519-744-8357 Director Ray Bromley Union Representatives Wendy Absolom, Kevin Dowling, Julie Johnston, Angus Locke, Roy Reed, Rick Wauhkonen Representative Mike Duden
NORTH WEST REGION Lakehead Labour Centre 21-929 Fort William Road Thunder Bay P7B 3A6 807-346-4227 Toll free 1-800-465-6932 Fax 807-346-4055 Director Harry Sutton Union Representatives Colby Flank, David Noonan
Education Representatives Georgina Broeckel, Derek Jokhu, Dean McLaren, Ashleigh Vink
Canada is a diverse nation – and so is its workforce
A main purpose of our Local Union is to fight for fairness, equality and social justice – and to ensure dignity, respect and safety for all workers.
To achieve that purpose we must be an inclusive Union, which maintains solidarity, while negotiating and enforcing superior collective agreements, for the benefit of all members.
President’s Message
Published six times yearly. ISSN no. 1703-3926 CHECKOUT is an official publication of Locals 175 & 633 of the United Food & Commercial Workers. Web site: www.ufcw175.com E-mail: membership@ufcw175.com
SHAWN HAGGERTY
Being inclusive means that we honour Canada’s history and traditions of welcoming new immigrants to our country, and to our Union. The federal Dominion of Canada was formed on July 1, 1867 from the provinces, colonies and territories of British North America, but the first Canadian citizen wasn’t born until January 1, 1947. That was the year that the Canadian Citizenship Act came into force. Prior to 1947, people called themselves Canadian citizens, but in reality they were designated as British subjects. There was no such thing as a Canadian citizen, nor any special rights or privileges that came with that. World War II provided a catalyst. With the returning soldiers came national bonding and a very strong view that Canada had to change. A Canadian politician who travelled to the cemetery at Dieppe in France in 1945 said he saw: “Row after row of Canadian surnames of all ethnic backgrounds, names from the farthest reaches of the world who had come to Canada to live and had given their all, but for whom the description of ‘British subject’ was not applicable – they were Canadians who had died for their country.”
B EING
INCLUSIVE MEANS
THAT WE HONOUR
C ANADA ’ S
HISTORY AND
TRADITIONS OF WELCOM -
ING NEW IMMIGRANTS TO
OUR COUNTRY, AND TO OUR
U NION .
After the new citizenship Act was passed, at a special ceremony in 1947, Prime Minister Mackenzie King took his oath of allegiance and became the first to say: “I speak as a citizen of Canada.” Immigrants sworn in at that same ceremony came from Armenia, Russia, Poland, Romania and Palestine . . . together they underlined the multicultural country that Canada had become and would remain today.
More than 60 years later, Canada continues to welcome immigrants from all over the world. According to Statistics Canada, the country is now made up of 223 different ethnic origins, and I’m sure our diverse Local Unions have representatives from most if not all of these groups.
Our members stand together, united through diversity for the benefit of all. We can be proud to be part of the strong, multicultural and unique community of ethnicities that form our nation. . . . continues on next page
AUGUST 2008
3
Secretary-Treasurer’s Message
Local 175 seeks inclusion and equity to benefit all workers Local 175 is a diverse Local Union.
Your Local represents workers in retail grocery TERESA MAGEE and drugstores, retirement and nursing homes, funeral service facilities, industrial warehouses, packaging plants, production facilities, distribution warehouses, and the hospitality industry, as well as in day care and community service centres.
participates in numerous community activities and events, such as the Workers of Colour/Aboriginal Workers Conference on May 3, 2008. This most recent conference focused on developing advocacy methods specifically for communities of racialized and ethnic workers.
Conference participants attended workshops to analyze the impact of the global economy and changing worker demographics on jobs, society, labour and social movements.
Canada is losing too many good, unionized manufacturing jobs. Workers are forced into low-paying, temporary, non-union jobs because our good jobs are being exported to low-wage countries. At the Local 633 represents meat department employess working same time, unorganized workers in in retail stores and meat cutters in nonChina are working long hours for a retail establishments. Your Local Unions I F YOU HAVE FAMILY OR fraction of the wages we make, and are also extremely diverse in terms of herFRIENDS STRUGGLING IN LOW - are subjected to dangerous, oppresitages, cultures, customs and ethnicities. WAGE WORKPLACES , PLEASE sive working conditions. It is a truly a lose/lose situation that needs to Your Union’s organizing initiatives are an REFER THEM TO THE L OCAL change. important part of the organization. The 175 W EB SITE , OR ASK THEM organizing department strives to help TO CALL THE L OCAL U NION . If we are going to strengthen our unionize workers through educating nonUnion, we need to continue to reach unionized workers on their rights in the out to these immigrant communities, using their workplace and showing them how the presence of a Union media and the languages they understand. Word of can increase their wages, improve their benefits and protect mouth is important as well. If you have family or their jobs and quality of life. Organizing is literally the friends struggling in low-wage workplaces, please lifeblood of the Union that keeps our Local strong and refer them to the Local 175 Web site, or ask them to enables us to negotiate good collective agreements for all call the Local Union. Complete confidentiality is members. assured. To better reach out to potential new members, Local 175
President’s message . . . continued from previous page
I encourage all of you to welcome newcomers to your workplaces and communities and to join family, friends and co-workers at some of the many Local 175 family events during the year. Many areas of the province will have Labour Day celebrations and festivities on Monday, September 1st. Check out the Locals’ Web site or call your regional office to find out locations and times, as well as information for other events during the year.
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T O READ MORE ABOUT C ANADA ’ S I MMIGRATION H ISTORY AND CHANGING DEMOGRAPHICS VISIT: WWW. UFCW 175 CAN . CA /I NFO
By Kamaljit Gill: Chief Plant Steward
I am a worker and chief steward at a GTA-area poultry plant, unionized and represented by UFCW Canada Local 175. I very much appreciate the advantages of belonging to Local 175, which help ensure financial security for me and my family. This is made possible by the Union’s collective bargaining for fair wages, good benefits and job security.
I was born in Malaysia and my ancestry is of Indian and Chinese descent. For most of my life, I have been able to speak and understand one of Canada’s official languages as I was schooled in English. When I first met and fell in love with my husband, he lived half the world away in this “ I VERY MUCH APPRECIATE country called Canada. THE ADVANTAGES OF
So in 1998, I parted with my family and friends and made the permanent move to live here. I felt like so many other immigrants who came before and after me. Missing loved ones, as well as familiar scents and sounds, caused me much frustration and many tears. In the same year I arrived, I gave birth to my first son. A few years later, our second child followed.
BELONGING TO
175,
L OCAL
WHICH HELP ENSURE
FINANCIAL SECURITY FOR ME AND MY FAMILY.
T HIS
IS MADE POSSIBLE BY THE
U NION ’ S
COLLECTIVE
BARGAINING FOR FAIR
WAGES , GOOD BENEFITS AND JOB SECURITY. ”
As our family grew, so did the demands on our budget. My husband had secured employment, but I still felt that I needed to find work. About 15 years ago, through the referral of a neighbor, I was able to find full-time employment at the poultry plant. In my entire life, I had never seen so many chickens in a single day! In order to cope with my new job duties, I bought bags of chicken and began to practice skinning and deboning in my kitchen sink. I’m sure you can easily guess what my husband and children ate for breakfast, lunch and dinner during my first “poultry slaying” days.
My co-workers, who came from many different ethnic and cultural backgrounds, also assisted with my training so I could pass my probation at the factory. They were a constant reminder of how human kindness for one another can transcend culture, ethnicity, frigid temperatures and a poultryscented workplace.
I became involved with the Union after witnessing how my co-workers, who were mostly immigrants with difficulty communicating in English, were treated by their supervisors. The frequently-disdainful attitude of these
supervisors troubled me. I felt that these workers needed someone to speak up on their behalf, and it might as well be me.
COMMUNITY
Faces of our Union
Before I was elected chief steward, I served the membership as a steward for seven years. I know that the strength of the Union stems from our willingness and ability – as stewards, members, and Union representatives – to advocate and to safeguard workers’ rights and interests. Hence, I have dedicated much of my own time to refining my skills and understanding the nuts and bolts of the grievance procedure.
It is a humbling experience to serve workers who were accomplished, formally-trained professionals in various scientific and medical fields in their homeland. Yet here they work on the production line because their credentials and experience are not recognized by Canadian employers and professional associations.
Union stewardship is an exhausting and emotionally draining task. It has many ups and downs. I’ve had good days when I received hugs and smiles from my co-workers for “T HE COLLECTIVE defending their interests. And then there are days when I am AGREEMENT SEES NO detested for my unpopular stand FACES , NO COLOUR , NO against those who seek favorable GENDER , NO ETHNICITY treatment for themselves at the cost of the greater good. The col- AND IT IS INTENDED TO lective agreement sees no faces, PROVIDE FAIRNESS FOR no colour, no gender, no ethnicity ALL MEMBERS AT ALL and it is intended to provide fairness for all members at all times. TIMES .” I shall continue to enforce the collective agreement as such. Besides my Union activism and work, I am also part of a team of women who organize annual Sikh vegetarian lunches at work. The Sikh religion believes that it is a blessing to serve food to nourish others. In some ways, this tradition extends to my role in the Union. I hope that the members in my workplace view my service and dedication to them as a blessing that will benefit them in both the present and future, for many years to come.
AUGUST 2008
5
WORKPLACE NEWS
Maple Leaf members dedicate consistently great tasting and An “extreme passion for food� is a Maple Leaf corporate value, which is shared by its workers who dedicate their energy and skill to producing excellent edibles. More than 300 Local 175 members work at the processing facility on Bartor Road in Toronto. These workers are involved in the many plant operations that transform large cuts of fresh and frozen meats and poultry into convenient portions for the consumer. They receive the unprocessed food, package it and ship it back out to retail and wholesale customers. In between, they work by hand or with machines to trim, cut, chop, slice, dice and grind various cuts of meat and poultry. They also add spices and utilize their cooking skills to produce consistently great tasting, wholesome foods.
In addition to poultry cuts, the Bartor Road facility produces a range of sausages such as Regular, Bavarian, Golden Fry, All Beef, Pure Pork and BBQ Brats, which can be fresh, frozen or fully cooked. They also process numerous deli meats including Bologna, Salami, Roast Beet, Mock Chicken, and Ham as well as Macaroni & Cheese Loaf. They are marketed under the brand names of Maple Leaf and Schneiders as well as various private labels.
To review recipes and nutrition information for various foods, visit Maple Leaf consumer products at: www.mapleleaf.com.
6
WORKPLACE NEWS
themselves to producing wholesome foods
AUGUST 2008
7
HEALTH & SAFETY
Local Unions mark Day of Mourning
On April 28, 2008, members participated in the annual Day of Mourning ceremonies at several locations across the province. They gathered to remember and recognize injured workers, and to commit to working towards a safer and healthier work environment.
Members support Injured Workers
On Sunday, June 1, 2008, members rallied together in front of the Queen’s Park Ontario Legislative Building to send a message to the government that injured workers need and deserve more support. Sherree Backus, Local 175 Benefits Department representative, stood in front of the injured worker mascot to address the rally. She said: “This year is the 25th Anniversary of Injured Workers Day, yet workers are still being injured and dying on the job. The WSIB must do a better job of educating and policing employers.”
Joining in the Hamilton event were (front row, from left) OFL Programs Coordinator Duncan MacDonald; UFCW Local 175 Central West Director, Paul Jokhu; Servicing Representative, Brenda Simmons. In the back row are John Suter, member from Goodwill Hamilton; President Shawn Haggerty, and Executive Assistant, Harry Sutton.
I NNOVATIVE COMMITTEE IS COMMITTED T HE SAFEST POSSIBLE WORKPLACE
TO BUILDING
Members on the Cargill/Sun Valley Joint Health & Safety Committee (JHSC) are committed to listening to the members, educating them and doing everything possible to ensure a safe work environment. They meet monthly and do regular inspections. Issues of particular concern include the repetitiveness of line work, CO2 levels, heat & cold stress, humidity and noise levels. This innovative committee recently awarded dinner and a movie for two to each of three winners in its plant safety quiz. They also promoted safety by conducting colouring and poster contests for the children of members.
Workplace accident results in increased surveillance program
Local 175 is actively promoting safer workplace initiatives after a longterm retail food store employee suffered a disabling injury in the workplace.
The member was feeding balls of dough into a machine to flatten it into pizza crusts when the fingers of her glove caught in the machine and pulled her hand into the rollers. The employer was fined more than $75,000 after pleading guilty to failing to provide an appropriate safety guard. Although all employers are legally required to ensure safe workplaces, important safety guards are sometimes overlooked or absent due to negligence or ignorance. As a result of the accident, Locals 175 & 633 is reinforcing the need for Joint Health & Safety Committees (JHSC) to do monitoring related to this issue. Health & Safety Representative Janice Klenot says: “CSA standards have specific measurements related to safety guards, which are determined by the location of the hazard. The employer is responsible for meeting these standards.”
8
Members of the Sun Valley-Cargill JHSC Committee on the left, are: Front Row: Betty Pardy, Carlo Dall'Armi, Im Kheang, Vicki Kelly, JHSC Labour Co-Chair. Back Row: Mark Ennett, Brian Clancy, Mike Tielemans, Chris Thom.
Twice a year, in the spring and fall, Locals 175 & 633 offer free week-long courses for members and stewards, as part of the Member Education Program.
The stewards course helps ensure that Locals 175 & 633 stewards are the most informed and best-educated representatives on the front line in the workplace. A total of 68 steward awards are made each year. These are allocated over two courses in the fall and two in the spring. These courses provide information about Union history and activities as well as detailed information about the Workplace Safety & Insurance Board. There are 34 members’ course awards. These provide
TRAINING
Apply now, online – or in the mail – for the fall Members’ and Stewards’ Education Programs
an introduction and overview of Unions, including labour history, the role of the steward, collective bargaining, health & safety and other important programs.
The Local Union covers the cost for all courses, which are held at the Locals 175 & 633 Mississauga Provincial Office Training & Education Centre. The award includes course materials and instruction as well as lost wages, per diems, transportation costs and accommodations. To find out more, turn to pages 11 & 12 or contact your Union Steward or Union Representative.
2008 Spring Course Participants: Members’ Program May 5-9, 2008
Front Row, front left: David Lee, A&P store #767; Denise Cachia, Holiday Inn; Cynthia Pilon, Picton Manor Nursing Home; Tracy Sheffer, A&P store #240; Lucas Iredale, Maple Leaf. Back Row: Jim Wilson, A&P store #424; Bruce Venedam, Maple Leaf; Holly Diaczuk, A&P store #424; Martin O'Connor, Prince Foods; Andrew Stephenson, Pepsi; Rosa Vidal, A&P store #83; Christopher Lee: Food Basics store #958, Barbara Prowse: Rosebridge Manor, Nathan Fowler: Pinty's, Georgina Broeckel: Instructor.
Are you moving? If you are moving or planning to move, please let us know so we can continue to send you Locals 175 & 633 publications, such as Checkout, as well as important documents related to your Union membership. Please mail your new address to us at Locals 175 & 633 UFCW Canada, 2200 Argentia Road, Mississauga ON L5N 2K7, or call us at 905-821-8329 or 1-800-565-8329. If you prefer, e-mail membership@ufcw175.com
AUGUST 2008
9
TRAINING
2008 Spring Course Participants: Stewards awards, May 26-30, 2008
Front Row, from Left: Barbara Cule, Westin Hotel; Victoria Shen, Local 175 Instructor; Terry Archer, Fortino's; James Anthony Pathmaraja, Hertz; Emerson Baque, Liberte Natural Foods; Georgina Broeckel, Local 175 Instructor. Back Row: Carolyn Martin, A&P store #198; Kathleen Greenley, A&P store #125; Debbie Carriere, Food Basics store #896, Betty Benoit, Omni Facility Services; Graham Cunningham, Food Basics store #682, Carlo Dall'Armi, Sun Valley Foods; John McCarthy, Cadbury Adams; Lisa Murdick, Best Western; Chris Sherk, Pepsi; Donna Pupeza, Aeroguard; Jason Drew, Sobey's store #682; Brian Lewis, Food Basics store#907; Mary Ann Sheremet, Maple Leaf.
2008 Spring Course Participants: Stewards awards, June 2-6, 2008
Front Row, from left: Georgina Broeckel, Local 175 Instructor; Rick Martin, Maple Leaf; Rachelle Straus, Radisson Sudbury; Bowena Hodder, Western Waffles; Kathy Martin, Zehrs; Yonis Jama, Avis Garage; Brad Wigle, A&P store #139. Second Row: Sherree Backus, Local 175 Instructor; Rebecca Missal, Hagi's Independent Living; Krystal Raymond, Food Basics; Michelle Jackson, Food Basics store #886; Andy Lavigne, Dresden Industrial; Kevin Furlotte, Valhalla Inn; Tim Robertson, Maple Leaf; Patrick Shea, Loblaws store #1082. Back Row: Matt Slade, PXL Cross Linked Foam;, Chris Sauve, Prince Foods, Sherwin Flight; Liberte Natural Foods; Mike Arsenault, Dominion store #461.
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FOR THE FALL
M EMBER
TRAINING
A PPLY NOW – ONLINE OR BY MAIL – S TEWARD WEEK - LONG PROGRAM
OR
AUGUST 2008
11
TRAINING REMEMBER TO APPLY – OR NOMINATE A CO -WORKER – FOR THE LOCALS 175 &633 OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS FOR 2008. EACH OF THE FOUR BURSARIES PROVIDES $500 TO THE MEMBERS S E L E C T E D . P L E A S E V I S I T W W W. U F C W 1 7 5 . C O M O R R E F E R T O J U N E C H E C K O U T F O R M O R E I N F O R M A T I O N . THE DEADLINE FOR THIS AWARD IS AUGUST 31, 2008.
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YOUTH YOUTH WANTED!!!
To participate in the Locals 175 & 633 Member Education Program. Apply now – online or by mail. See the info on pages 11 & 12 or talk to your Union Steward or Rep for more information.
Above: Youth Committee member Derek Jokhu presents a certificate of appreciation and a UFCW Locals 175 & 633 prize pack to Fallyn Hyder, daughter of member Larry Hyder from A&P Store #422 in Thunder Bay. Fallyn designed the new Youth logo, as seen on the upper left top of this page.
Local 175 member awarded $8,000 scholarship
Seventeen-year old Kaitlyn McDonald was very surprised – it was “awesome” she said, to learn that she had won an $8,000 UFCW International scholarship.
As an aspiring physician, Kaitlyn knew she’d need financing and had checked out her parents workplaces for scholarships, to no avail. Fortunately, a co-worker in the lunch room had read about the UFCW scholarships. Kaitlyn found the information on the Web and applied. She was chosen as one of several winners who demonstrated excellence in both academics and service to the community.
In addition to working part-time at A&P store # 125 in Whitby and maintaining grades mostly in the 90s, Kaitlyn volunteers her time for numerous community initiatives. As President of the student council at Monsignor Paul Dwyer High School, she was the liaison between students, principles and parents, assuring the approvals and success of special events like the Terry Fox Run and the multi-cultural themed Spirit Week. She also raised money to help build a school in the Republic of Sierra Leone in West Africa.
Kaitlyn was also a member of the Social Justice Committee, the Mental Health Committee, Me to We, Chaplaincy, Peer Ministry, Prefects, School Senators, and she was a tutor for students who required extra help with their studies in music, math and science. Throughout her four years of high school, she was the recipient of several academic and extracurricular awards.
Kaitlyn has enrolled in medical sciences at the University of Western Ontario. She hopes to become a family practitioner and join Doctors Without Borders.
Learn more about UFCW scholarships for members & their families at: www.ufcw175.com.
Youth Committee acts to make our community greener The UFCW Locals 175 & 633 Youth Committee wanted to make a difference to help the environment. So for the first time this year they implemented a fundraising initiative to collect donations for EcoSource Mississauga.
EcoSource is an innovative environmental educational organization serving youth, adults and families. It focuses on how each of us can change daily habits to become better environmental citizens. In partnership with the Multicultural Interagency Group of Peel (MIAG), EcoSource uses donations to support and expand the Community Gardens and School Learning Gardens program. The Youth Committee raised $325 to purchase tools, seeds and bulbs and help educate students. More at www.ecosource.ca. In the photo (right) Staff Rep & Youth Committee member Derek Jokhu presents equipment to Carolyn Bailey, who is Community Gardens Coordinator for EcoSource.
AUGUST 2008
13
FUNDRAISING
Locals 175 & 633 Raise $350,000 O NCE
AGAIN THIS YEAR , THANKS IN PART TO THE HARD
L OCALS 175 & 633 MEMBERS , THE L EUKEMIA & L YMPHOMA S OCIETY OF C ANADA (LLSC) RECEIVED A DONATION OF $1.4- MILLION TO FUND C ANADIAN RESEARCH TO FIND A CURE FOR LEUKEMIA .
WORK AND DEDICATION OF
In 2008, Locals 175 & 633 members contributed an astounding $350,000. Executive Assistant Harry Sutton presented the Local Union’s donation on behalf of the members at the annual fundraising gala. He praised the members for their year-round fundraising efforts, saying: “Locals 175 & 633 members again excelled in raising money to fund leukemia research.
On behalf of the Officers, Directors, Members, Staff and all the Employers who achieved such outstanding results, I am very proud to present this donation. Although we sometimes have differences with the employers, it’s obvious that when we work together we can make a real difference in helping find a cure for leukemia . . . and it’s wonderful to know that so many children and adults will be helped because of our efforts.”
S OME
OF THE RECENT FUNDRAISING EVENTS WHICH
CONTRIBUTED TO THE TOTAL INCLUDED :
• T HE G RANDVIEW L ODGE BBQ ON M AY 7 IN D UNNVILLE . Members and other employees at the Lodge organized this
event which raised $166.28. Vicky Cowlin, who is a Health Care Aide, was a key event organizer again this year. She was assisted by Jim Flemming, Chief Steward of the Maintenance Department and Steve Schwoob who is the Supervisor of Environmental Services. President Shawn Haggerty and Central West Region Director Paul Jokhu stopped by for burgers. They were impressed by the generosity of the members in this bargaining unit of just 113 people. This is only the second year for the BBQ, which is expected to become an annual event.
From left: Jim, Vicky and Steve ran the Grandview Lodge BBQ.
• T HE C ENTRAL W EST R EGION G OLF T OURNAMENT ON M AY 24. This popular annual event moved locations this year, to the Royal
Ontario Golf Club in Hornby, Ontario. For the first time it featured a shotgun start, which allowed all participants to begin and finish – more or less – at the same time. This “sold out” event was originally planned to accommodate 120 golfers. The new location in Hornby proved to be so appealing, however, that event organizers had to scramble to increase the capacity to 144 golfers.
Above: Executive Assistant Harry Sutton presented the Locals 175 & 633 donation at the Leukemia Gala. Secretary-Treasurer Teresa Magee speaks with Executive Board member Jim Montgomery and his wife at the annual Gala. Jim is a bus driver at Laidlaw Transit.
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It was an enjoyable day, with positive comments from everyone. Those who came out to golf, along with others who volunteered their time, succeeded in raising $13,000 for leukemia research. Hornby is located near Derry Road and Highway 407, just outside the boundaries of Mississauga and Oakville. Central West Regional Director Paul Jokhu and President Shawn Haggerty (seated) congratulated the tournament’s winning team of Dan Osborne, Food Basics Hurontario; Rob Mayer, A&P 76; ‘Cousin It’ Clement, Dresden Industrial; and Paul Corcoran (Team photo not available).
• T HE 7 TH ANNUAL T ED ON THE R OOF 17 - 19 IN P ETERBOROUGH . Despite high
EVENT, FROM
M AY
winds and cold temperatures, the community came out in force to support this fundraising initiative which raised another $15,400. Ted Dawes of Minute Maid and his incredible team of volunteers have raised more than $72,000 in the last seven years.
ANNUAL STAFF CONFERENCE POKER
TOURNAMENT. Staff members from the Central East and South West Regions pooled their talents to organize a poker tournament for all Ontario Local 175 representatives attending the annual conference. They raised $3,200 thanks to the participation of staff from all regions and departments, plus matching contributions from Local 175 and the Union who represents them.
• T HE C ARGILL BBQ
ON J UNE 12. Members raised $1,588 for leukemia research at this annual, well-attended event.
Leukemia mascot “Spike” joins Ted Dawes and Event Co-ordinator, Sue Amsbury at the Ted on the Roof Fundraiser.
• S CRAPBOOKING EVENT AT THE M ISSISSAUGA OFFICE M AY 31. A joint effort by staff of the Health & Safety and Benefits
ON
Departments generated $725 from just 23 participants at this first-ever fundraising event. Moms and others enjoyed a quiet day on their own, away from the family, and the opportunity to organize their photo collections into memorable works of art. Participants learned various scrapbooking techniques and embellishments for books and cards. “Make & Takes” were especially popular, with participants leaning how to make “scratch & sniff” cards to take home. Numerous sponsors donated juice, pop, water and BBQ items, as well as scrapbooking supplies which were distributed as prizes. The ice cream sundaes were especially appreciated.
• T HE 19 TH ANNUAL WALK FOR A CURE IN L ONDON J UNE 8. M EMBERS AND STAFF IN THE SOUTH - WEST
• T HE 3 RD
FUNDRAISING
in 2008 for Leukemia Research
Union rep John DiNardo (left) assisted members Pat DeMarco, Darrell Able, Randy Van Sickle, and Adebayo Mufutau at the Cargill BBQ.
T HE ANNUAL T HUNDER B AY L EUKEMIA W ALK J UNE 8 RAISED $2,000.
ON
ON
REGION RALLIED TOGETHER AGAIN THIS YEAR TO RAISE
$13,000.
IN
ADDITION TO THE LEUKEMIA
FUNDRAISING , MEMBERS DONATED
TO OTHER IMPORTANT COMMUNITY
INITIATIVES .
$1,000
T HESE
INCLUDED A
DONATION TO
N ELLIE ’ S ,
WHICH IS A NON - PROFIT WOMEN ’ S
ORGANIZATION HELPING WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN CRISIS LOCATE SAFE AFFORDABLE HOUSING , SUPPORT
SERVICES AND A BRIDGE TO A BETTER FUTURE .
Central East Union Rep Mona Bailey (above right) presents a cheque for $1,000 to Wendy SungAad, Manager of Development for Nellie’s Shelter
AUGUST 2008
15
PEOPLE & EVENTS
Rowanwood tragedy averted, thanks to dedication of Local 175 members On April 13, 2008, the unthinkable happened.
A fire broke out in a Huntsville retirement home, forcing 56 senior residents to scramble for their lives. Fortunately, there were lots of heroes nearby to assist them. Thanks to everyone’s prompt and calm response, no lives were lost and what could have been a terrible tragedy was averted. The fire was believed to have started on the roof above the kitchen/ dining area, shortly before 11 p.m. on a Sunday night. Although a layer of drywall initially protected the residents from the flames, the blaze knocked out the phone system and with it the easy access to 911. But fast action by a staff member with a cell phone quickly summoned emergency assistance.
Soon there were numerous police officers and firefighters helping the on-duty staff to safely evacuate all residents, and even some pets. Off-duty staff who lived nearby and heard sirens or saw flames also rushed over to offer help. So did many others who heard the news reports. They worked for several hours into the night to assist wherever they could. Some were on the job for nearly 48 hours. Many were involved with counselling and comforting residents who had lost their cherished photos and other memorabilia to the fire. Over the next three weeks, members continued to work
Staff changes announced
Dean McLaren has joined the staff of the TEC, working out of the Mississauga office.
He first became a Local 175 member in 1989 while working at Ball Packaging in Whitby, later becoming a steward and Union vice-chair for his plant, which numbered approximately 150 members at the time. He has taken numerous courses through the TEC and also worked with Local 175 as a volunteer organizer.
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hard to ensure that the residents were as comfortable as possible at their temporary home in the Holiday Inn at Hidden Valley Resort, just outside of Huntsville. The members worked with hotel staff to assist the residents and were involved in special projects, such as helping to coordinate a clothing bank provided by a local community group. Many members also visited former residents during their off-duty hours, assisting them with their relocation to other homes. It was this personal bond with the residents that made these members the heroes of the night, and the weeks that followed.
By the end of the three weeks, all the residents had been relocated to new homes and the members were permanently laid off. The Local Union set to work immediately after the fire to negotiate an enhanced severance package for affected members. Local 175 also assisted the members in accessing EI and other programs to find new employment. Local 175, Rowanwood and the Ministry of Training, Colleges & Universities are working together and have established an Action Centre, which workers can visit to receive assistance in finding work, information on retraining, or simply to enjoy coffee and conversation with a former co-worker.
Gail Carrozzino, who began working at the Local 175 Training & Education Centre (TEC) in November 2004, has moved to the UFCW Canada National Office as a National Representative in the Education Department.
She will continue to coordinate labour adjustment programs, for both Locals 175 & 633 members, as well as for those in other UFCW Local Unions in Canada.
In late June, the Officers, Directors and staff of Local 175 convened for the annual staff conference.
The focus was on finding better ways to serve the membership, and as such there was a significant educational component. The Local 175 Legal Department conducted several sessions related to members’ rights in the workplace. These included: severance notices; mandatory overtime, job postings & leaves, loss prevention, successor rights, human rights, plus other issues related to harassment and Labour Market Re-entry (LMR). Lisa Watt, a benefits consultant with the firm of Manion, Wilkens & Associates explained some of the factors affecting the costing of employee benefit programs. She said inflation and an aging workforce are responsible for a small percentage of increased
CONFERENCES
Annual staff conference highlights education
costs. The major increases, however, are due to the development of more expensive drugs and “intensity” or a trend to combine several drugs to better treat a single condition. As a result, the average annual drug cost per employee has gone from $44 in 2000 to $665 in 2007, while the number of prescriptions per employee per year has jumped from point four to eleven point four.
Fortunately, having a large number of people in a plan, as is the case with many of the plans the Union negotiates, enables even employers with a small number of employees to continue to afford a prescription drug plan, even when employees may require very expensive life-sustaining drugs for themselves or their dependants.
AUGUST 2008
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NEGOTIATIONS
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Flour mill workers ratify
Members working at Southampton Flour Milling met on June 16, 2008 to vote on the new three-year contract. Highlights of the new deal include: • Wages increase across-the-board by 45 cents per hour in the first year, 40 cents in the second and 40 cents in the third year. • Shift premiums increase to 45 cents per hour for hours worked after 3 p.m., and the night shift premium, for hours worked between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., is $1 per hour. • The Supervisor Relief premium increases to 95 cents per hour, up from 85 cents. • Company contributions to the workers’ dental plan increase by a total of three cents per hour. • Vision care coverage increases to $225 per 24month period effective August 1, 2008, and then $250 on August 1, 2010. In addition, the coverage for eye exams increases to $100. • Drug Plan coverage increases to a maximum of $550 per year effective August 1, 2008, $600 per year as of August 3, 2009 and $650 per year effective August 2, 2010. • Company contributions toward the Canadian Commercial Workers Industry Pension Plan (CCWIPP) increase by a total of 3 cents per hour over the duration of the deal. In addition, the company agrees to put 3 cents per hour worked toward the CCWIPP Stabilization Fund on behalf of each worker for the year covered by the contract term. • Workers receive a newly combined safety shoe and clothing allowance of $250 per year. • Improved language covers health & safety and workplace injuries and the addition of statutory holidays declared by the Federal government.
Pharma Plus workers across the province have new three-year deal
Following a number of negotiation and conciliation meetings, more than 2,000 Pharma Plus workers across the province had the opportunity to vote on a new three-year contract, which was agreed upon between the Union and the company. The collective agreement, ratified on June 16, 2008 and covering 144 Ontario stores, includes the following highlights: • All full and part-time employees receive a minimum increase of 30 cents per hour retroactive for hours worked to January 5, 2008. Subsequent increases are 30 cents per hour effective January 5, 2009 and another 30 cents per hour as of January 5, 2010. • The top rate for Certified Pharmacy Technicians and Pharmacy Technicians increases by 50 cents per hour retroactive to January 5, 2008. • The shift premium for a worker assigned as ‘In Charge’ in the absence of a store manager, increases to $2.50 per hour, up from $2, when that worker fills the position for a day or more. • A worker assigned as ‘In Charge’ for store closing receives a premium of $1.50 per hour, up from $1, for four hours. Those scheduled to open as ‘In Charge’ receive the same premium for three hours. • Vision care coverage increases to $300 every two years, up from $250. • Company contributions to the UFCW Trusteed Dental Plan increase to 31 cents per hour effective February 6, 2008. • The company will contribute to the CCWIPP Stabilization Fund on behalf of the members in the amount of 5 cents per hour effective ratification, 10 cents per hour as of January 1, 2009, and 20 cents per hour January 1, 2010. • Language improvements address: protection for bargaining unit members from losing hours as a result of increased assistant store managers; severance pay; and a guarantee of the number of stores that will continue to operate during the life of this collective agreement. • The new contract recognizes Family Day as a statutory holiday. President Shawn Haggerty says: “This contract is especially important to ensure the security of Pharma Plus members in light of the company’s failure to recognize the Union as the bargaining representative for employees of new stores. The Union is proceeding to the Ontario Labour Relations Board in an effort to resolve this matter.”
Union Negotiating Committee: Lloyd Ens and Union Rep Roy Reed.
©CALM Graphics
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Pharma Plus Negotiating Committee included, from front left: Central West Regional Director Paul Jokhu, Servicing Representative Sam Caetano, President Shawn Haggerty, Union Representative Emmanuelle Lopez, Shelley Ortepi, store #0034 in North Bay; Susan Schouten, store #1750 in Paris; Brenda Stokes store #1891 in Wallaceburg; Kathy Wyatt, store #0646 in Petawawa; Gail Richter store #1073 in London; Executive Assistant to the Local 175 President, Harry Sutton, and Servicing Representative Jacques Niquet. Absent from photo: Alison O’Brien, store #1370 in Barrie, Karen Heffemman, store #2216 in Picton, and Central East Regional Director Luc Lacelle.
Cargill workers ratify
On May 17, 2008, the more than 700 members of the bargaining unit at Cargill-Better Beef in Guelph secured a new four-year contract. Highlights of the new deal include: • Wages increase across-the-board by 35 cents per hour retroactive to January 1, 2008, with subsequent increases of 35 cents per hour on January 5, 2009 and January 4, 2010 as well as 45 cents per hour on January 3, 2011. • Company contributions to the pension plan increase to $25.50 per week in 2008, $26.50 per week in 2009, $27.50 per week in 2010 and $28.50 per week in the final year. • Health & Welfare benefits improve to provide Long Term Disability coverage of $1,550 per month, an extension of benefits coverage up to one month after layoff, massage therapy coverage of $325 per year, Weekly Indemnity of $450 per month, and lifetime orthodontic coverage of $1,500, up from $1,000. • Numerous job classification improvements, from lower pay scales to higher pay scales. • The employer will provide freezer suits for workers required to do specific jobs. • The tool allowance increases to $450 per year, and the employer will pay for the renewal of licenses for certified Tradesmen. • The company will contribute $1,500 per year, up from $1,000, toward the Locals 175 & 633 Training & Education Fund. • Language improvements cover deemed termination, layoffs, recall, sunset clause, Union time allowed for the Chief Steward, steward representation, grievance procedures and arbitration time limits. • In addition, previous language has been deleted saying that time limits are mandatory and that grievances can be deemed abandoned. • New language addresses pay equity, pay for a nine person negotiating committee, and important provisions restricting management from performing bargaining unit work.
Union Negotiating Committee: Peter Camilleri, Rick Daudlin, Sharon Daudlin, Bryan Dennis, Bogdan Giergiel, Rudy Gwinner, Shawn Jones, Bob Munro, Chris Watson, Union Reps Mike Duden and Richard Wauhkonen and South West Director Ray Bromley.
Food Basics workers secure new contract
NEGOTIATIONS
detailed information on negotiations, visit our Web site: w w w. u f c w 1 7 5 . c o m
The more than 6,000 members working at Food Basics locations across the province secured a new collective agreement that will be in effect until March 31, 2012. Members voted on the negotiated settlement at meetings held Sunday, June 8, 2008. Contract highlights include: • The full-time end rate increases as follows: - 40¢ per hour effective the date of ratification - 20¢ per hour effective March 31, 2009 - 25¢ per hour effective March 31, 2010 - 25¢ per hour effective March 31, 2011 • Part-time workers at the end rate receive the following wage increases: - 35¢ per hour effective the date of ratification - 15¢ per hour effective March 31, 2009 - 20¢ per hour effective March 31, 2010 - 20¢ per hour effective March 31, 2011 • Workers receive retroactive pay of 25 cents per hour for hours worked between June 24, 2007 and the date of ratification and there are also increases to the progression rates. • Night-shift premium increases from 55 cents per hour to 75 cents per hour for both part-time and full-time. • Shift premium for Department Head Relief increases to $2 per hour, up from $1. For part-time workers, this premium increases to $1 per hour, up from 50 cents. • Part-time workers assigned the responsibilities of office duties, in the absence of the bookkeeper, will be paid a premium of 50 cents for all hours worked. • Vision care coverage increases to $175 per 2-year period, up from $125, for both full-time and parttime. • The company will contribute toward the CCWIPP Stabilization Fund in the amounts of 5 cents per hour in the first year, 10 cents per hour in the second year, 15 cents per hour in the third year and 20 cents per hour in the last year of the contract term. • Family Day is now recognized as a statutory holiday. • Employer contributions to the workers’ dental plan increase by 2 cents per hour, at the call of the trustees.
The Food Basics Negotiating Committee were from left, front row: Bill Harrison, store #939 in Owen Sound; Brian Lewis, store #907 in Ottawa; Chris Tsotsos, store #576 in Thornhill; Shelley Dowrie, store #885 in Simcoe; Chris Sheridan, store #927 in Ajax;. Back row Richard Ambrusch, store #610 in Sudbury; South Central Regional Director Sylvia Groom, President Shawn Haggerty, Leslie Litwiller, store #690 in Kitchener; David Rebelo, store #627 in Hurontario; Jeff Little, store #893 in Dunnville, and Executive Assistant to the President, Jim Hastings.
AUGUST 2008
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Plan to attend the 2009 Cricket Festival
UFCW Local 175 was a major sponsor again for the 2008 Canada Day Sri Lankan Cricket Festival, which was held at King City on July 1, 2008. The Local Union donated entertainment by the Skylines and food for the tournament’s players. Kids were entertained by a clown with face painting and a magic show, also compliments of our Local Union.
J OIN
L ABOUR D AY CELEBRATIONS AND FESTIVITIES ON M ONDAY, S EPTEMBER 1 ST. C HECK OUT THE L OCALS ’ WEB SITE OR CALL YOUR REGIONAL OFFICE TO FIND OUT LOCATIONS AND TIMES . US FOR
Eight cricket matches were played in four cricket grounds, running from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. . Families and friends gathered at the event to watch, eat, drink and socialize together. At least one group planned their family reunion around the day, with visiting relatives travelling from Sri Lanka, Germany and California to join them for the festivities. Numerous Sri Lankan cricket fans came from the USA for what has now become an annual trip. A perfect summer day with warm sun and fresh breezes encouraged a large turnout of approximately 2,000 spectators. A highlight for cricket enthusiasts was the Canadian National team’s win over Bermuda. The score was Canada 278/9 defeating Bermuda 199/7 by 77 runs. More cricket information at: www.canadiancricket.org.
This event is open to the public and admission is free. If you have not attended in the past, you should mark this day in your calendar for next year’s Canada Day – and don’t forget to bring your family and friends. In 2009, the organizing committee hopes to attract even more UFCW Locals 175 & 633 members to make the event the best ever cricket festival!
Return postage will be paid by:
United Food & Commercial Workers Locals 175 & 633 2200 Argentia Road Mississauga ON L5N 2K7
Canada Post Corporation Publication Agreement No. 40064671
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