Checkout February 2006 by UFCW Locals 175 & 633

THE NEWS MAGAZINE FOR MEMBERS OF LOCALS 175 & 633 UFCW CANADA VOLUME XV NO. 1

FEBRUARY 2006

President Hanley announces new initiative P

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CONTENTS

President’s Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Secretary-Treasurer’s Message . . . . . . . . . . . Community Coalition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

LOCAL 175 President Wayne Hanley Secretary-Treasurer Jerry Clifford Recorder Betty Pardy Executive Assistants Shawn Haggerty, Jim Hastings, Teresa Magee

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PEOPLE Staff Changes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Youth Profile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Steward Profiles. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . HEALTH & SAFETY TRAINING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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LOCAL 633 President Dan Bondy Secretary-Treasurer Marylou Mallett Recorder Neil Hotchkiss

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

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FUNDRAISING NEWS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  President Wayne Hanley announces new initiative . . . . . .

WORKPLACE NEWS Canadian Forces Bases members serve the men and women who serve Canada TRAINING & EDUCATION Nearly 8,000 members took courses in 2005 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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SCHOLARSHIPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Communications Representatives Cheryl Mumford, Jennifer Tunney Health & Safety Representative Janice Klenot

NEGOTIATIONS St. Lawrence Corporation workers ratify . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Contract improvements for retirement home workers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Members at Toronto’s Rekai Centre approve new agreement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Goldstein Freshmart workers achieve new agreement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Excel Coach Lines members ratify . . Increased parental leave among improvements for CTCHC workers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pizza Pizza workers ratify . . . . . . . . . . . Members at Sobeys Fort Erie reach new contract . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ridley Square IGA members achieve new deal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . New contract reached at Allan’s YIG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Compass Group workers at Eurest ratify new contract . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Grandview RNs secure two-year contract . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Impact cleaners secure new agreement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . North Bay CFB workers vote in favour of contract improvements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

             

GRIEVANCE & ARBITRATION NEWS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  PENSION PLAN CCWIPP provides members with many advantages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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LETTERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  CONFERENCES Continuing Education highlighted at Stewards Seminars . OFL delegates target Wal-Mart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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Benefits Representatives Sherree Backus, Emmanuelle Lopez-Tambasco Benefits Intake Representative Diana Chaparro

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Graphic design - ARTiFACT graphic design

Senior Legal Counsel Naveen Mehta, Georgina Watts Legal Counsel Michael Hancock, Rebecca Woodrow Legal Representative Fernando Reis Organizing Coordinator & Pay Equity Michael Duden Organizing Representatives Steve Robinson, Kevin Shimmin CENTRAL EAST REGION Director Luc Lacelle Union Representatives Jehan Ahamed, Mona Bailey, Tim Deelstra, John DiFalco, Anthony DiMaio, John DiNardo, Paul Jokhu, Rob Nicholas SOUTH CENTRAL REGION Director Sharon Gall Union Representatives Judith Burch, Sylvia Groom, Angela Mattioli, Brenda Simmons, Mario Tardelli TRAINING & EDUCATION CENTRE (TEC) 2200 Argentia Road Mississauga L5N 2K7 905-821-8329 Toll free 1-800-565-8329 Fax 905-821-7144 cep Local 571

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 CENTRAL WEST REGION 412 Rennie Street Hamilton L8H 3P5 905-545-8354 Toll free: 1-800-567-2125 Fax: 905-545-8355 Director Harry Sutton Union Representatives Sam Caetano, Matt Davenport, Joe DeMelo, Linval Dixon, Rick Hogue, Fernando Reis, Dan Serbin, Kelly Tosato 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, 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 NORTH WEST REGION Room 21, Lakehead Labour Centre 929 Fort William Road Thunder Bay P7B 3A6 807-346-4227 Toll free 1-800-465-6932 Fax 807-346-4055 Director Shawn Haggerty Union Representatives Colby Flank, David Noonan TRAINING & EDUCATION CENTRE (TEC) Director of Education Victor Carrozzino Education Representatives Georgina Broeckel, Gail Carrozzino, Kelly Provost-Nicholas, Ashleigh Vink, Dave White

President’s Message

Published six times yearly. ISSN no. 1703-3926

Several important projects being initiated and implemented in 2006 “Many faces, one voice” expresses the strength, diversity and solidarity of Locals 175 & 633’s membership. In 2006, more than ever, our diverse and growing membership is reﬂective of the global community. It includes Canadians whose heritage is Aboriginal, European, African, Asian, South Asian and Latinos, to name just a few. Also within our local unions’ membership are groups who share common interests and goals related to numerous issues such as age, gender, ethnicity, language, religion, sexual orientation and physical challenges. The strength and continual success of our great union is dependent on our ability to fully involve all the members. We want to ensure an inclusive organization, where every member is treated equitably, with justice and dignity, in the workplace, Union and wider community.

WAYNE HANLEY

To better achieve this goal, we are launching a new committee within Local 175. This committee will build on existing links with current community partners and it will allow us to establish and develop new links with other similarly-oriented community organizations and agencies. Many groups in our society seek social justice and equity, just as our Local does for its members. Many of the hard-working members in these community organizations are our members too. We believe that working together will enable us all to be more effective in building better workplaces and better communities and making our Local Union even better and stronger. Over the next few months we will keep you informed in Checkout and on the newly-designed Web site, regarding this exciting initiative. At the 2005 Bylaw & Policy Conference, I announced plans for more frequent servicing. I’m happy to report that these plans are now well in place. We added new servicing representatives in the Eastern and South Central Regions in 2005. Recently we hired an additional three representatives to increase the number servicing the Central East, Central West and South West Regions. These additional staff will enable us to fulﬁl our commitment to ensuring that every workplace is serviced to a level deserving of the membership. Throughout 2006, we will continue to provide you the members with the servicing, negotiations, education, health & safety and many other beneﬁts that you deserve as a result of your Locals 175 & 633 membership.

THE STRENGTH AND CONTINUAL SUCCESS OF OUR GREAT UNION IS DEPENDENT ON OUR ABILITY TO FULLY INVOLVE ALL THE MEMBERS. FEBRUARY 2006 

Secretary-Treasurer’s Message

Union’s programs help ensure equity

too am excited about the new and renewed programs being implemented for you the members.

Your collective agreement is, of course, the cornerstone for ensuring equity in the workplace, as well as fair treatment and good wages and beneﬁts.

JERRY CLIFFORD

Our local unions are committed to the principle of equity. And the action programs we have implemented are making equity a reality. Our Union invests heavily in educational initiatives so that members can realize their full potential. In the last seven years, from the time President Hanley assumed the leadership of Local 175, we have awarded more than $306,000 in scholarship money to enable members and their children to continue their education. Additionally, every member and their family can enrol in the numerous free courses offered by our Union. Those who choose to become even more involved, as union stewards in their workplaces, have even greater opportunities for learning, on the job and at annual stewards seminars in their regions. In 2005, there were more than 1,000 stewards who attended six very successful seminars – two in London plus one in Toronto, Thunder Bay, Kingston and Niagara Falls. I urge all of you to become involved in any or all of the many learning opportunities which your local union provides. These opportunities enable you to develop new friendships, skills and knowledge. Volunteering as a union steward also provides the satisfaction of knowing you’re assisting your co-workers and improving the workplace for everyone.

I URGE ALL OF YOU TO BECOME INVOLVED IN ANY OR ALL OF THE MANY LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES WHICH YOUR LOCAL UNION PROVIDES. THESE OPPORTUNITIES ENABLE YOU TO DEVELOP NEW FRIENDSHIPS, SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE. ��

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Health Care announcement Local 175’s annual conference for stewards working in health care is scheduled for March 26 & 27, 2006. It takes place at the Delta Toronto Airport West hotel, located on Dixie Road, south of Highway 401. If you’d like to attend, please advise your union representative.

Locals 175 & 633 are committed to even higher levels of servicing in 2006. Accordingly, an additional service representative position has been created in three regions, which are Central West, South West and Central East.

The changes that have taken effect in January 2006 are: Mario Tardelli, who has been working as a Special Union Projects Representative (SPUR) in the Organizing Department throughout most of 2005, has joined the South Central Region. MARIO TARDELLI DIANA CHAPARRO He has been a member working at Fortinos in Hamilton since realize how important it is to have the 1991 and a union steward almost as union fighting for them,” he says. long. In addition to his experience as a Diana Chaparro has joined the union organizer for Local 175, he has Benefits Department as an intake worked as a picket captain, health & representative. Previously she worked safety committee member and fundraiswith the UFCW Canada national ofer for various charity drives in his store. fice, as a migrant worker coordinator He says he especially enjoys the feeling and special project consultant for litof helping co-workers resolve grievancerary awareness. Prior to immigrating es and seeing them come to apprecito Canada in 2003, she was a lawyer ate, first-hand, the value of their union working in Colombia. Diana replaces membership. “There are members who Brenda Simmons who has moved to think the union never does anything for the South Central Region as a servicthem . . . until it gets them their job ing representative. back after termination, and then they

Local 175 Vice-President and Quality Meat Packers plant chair, Sam Caetano, is now a servicing rep in the Central West Region. He has been a UFCW member since 1984, a steward since 1985 and a member of the Local 175 Executive Board for the last five years. He has participated in numerous educational conferences and courses; additionally Sam has extensive Health & Safety experience and is certified by the Workers Health & Safety Centre. He says SAM CAETANO he likes getting involved with members and helping to fix problems, especially resolving WSIB claims for injured workers. Union representatives Matt Davenport and Roy Reed moved to the Central West and South West Regions respectively, and union representative John DiNardo moved from the Central West to the Central East Region. Union representative Mike Duden has been assigned to the position of Coordinator of Organizing, which he has assumed in addition to his responsibilities for Pay Equity.

YOUTH PROFILE Cody Osmon, who is 24 years of age, has worked at Coca-Cola Bottling in Hamilton for the past ﬁve years.

storage during the winter months and temporary – usually younger – workers are laid off as a result.

His ﬁrst volunteer activities were with the plant social committee. In the spring of 2003 he was persuaded to help out as a steward in the warehouse. A new contract had just been signed and many workers, especially the younger ones, had questions concerning the new agreement. A key issue in the plant was the seasonal nature of Coke’s business, which means that numerous outdoor Coke machines are brought back into the plant for

With the assistance of Cody and others, the local union was able to successfully resolve this key issue by ensuring that the company created more full-time jobs. Speciﬁcally, the Coke collective agreement requires the company to supply the union with the names and hire dates of all temporary workers so that they are not used to prevent the hiring of full-time employees. The company is also required to post and ﬁll additional permanent jobs when

FEBRUARY 2006 

PEOPLE

STAFF CHANGES

PEOPLE

YOUTH PROFILE temps work a speciﬁc number of hours in a given time period. When the Union felt that Coke wasn’t living up to the agreement, it ﬁled a grievance. As a result of the arbitration, an additional 15 temporary workers secured full-time jobs in 2003 and a number of others were hired on full-time because of the contract provisions that Coke chose to honour.

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“I think it’s important for young workers to get more involved with the union,” Cody says. “It will enable them to gain a better understanding of their collective agreement and what it can do for them.” He says special youth initiatives are good ways for youth to learn more about their union. These include the newly-created Youth Leadership Development and

YOOT programs, as well as the UFCW Canada Youth Internship Program. The YOOT program, which is an acronym for “Young, Organized and Out There” is a special initiative enabling young members to come together to learn more about their union. The ﬁrst session, at the Kingston stewards’ seminar had 24 participants and the second, at the Niagara seminar, had seven. Additional YOOT sessions are planned for future seminars.

STEWARD PROFILES

Debbie Ferris, who is a server at Bleachers Restaurant at Canadian Forces Base Borden, has been a union steward for the last four-plus years. “I like the fact that I can help ﬁx things and make the workplace more comfortable for my co-workers,” she says. Debbie also enjoys learning about the contract and the issues that arise on a daily basis. She says it’s especially important to have strong steward representation on the military base because it’s easy for workers to feel intimidated in the authoritarian culture that is part of military life. “Members on the base are extremely fortunate to have a steward as dedicated as Debbie,” says union rep Rob Nicholas. “Her hard work and persistence ensure an improved working environment for her co-workers.”

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Joe Petcoff and Donna Babwah (above), along with Jim Thomas are the three dedicated stewards at Zellers store #223, located in the High Park region of Toronto. Joe and Donna have both been on staff from the time the store was unionized, early in 1995. Joe, who has been chief steward for most of the last 10 years, first volunteered in 1996 “just to fill a gap.” He found he enjoyed helping his co-workers, who know they can count on his assistance to resolve complaints and grievances. Donna has been a steward for the last five years and likes being able to advocate for members at discipline meetings. She thinks it’s important that they know that someone is there to stand up for them and give them the confidence to speak up about inequities and injustices in the workplace. The fact that virtually all grievances are quickly resolved at store level, without having to go through the grievance and arbitration process, is due to the hard work of Joe, Donna and Jim. They do a great job of protecting the workplace rights of their co-workers.

From October 17-20, 2005, members from Firestone and Sobeys Milton Distribution Centre participated in a 5-day, Level II Law course. They are, from front left: Andrew Raymond, Ivar Roefs, Deanne May, Jason Kramer. Second row: Tammy Crane, Tom Marsh, Robert MacLean, Garth Sutherland. Third row: Terry Morrison, Kevin O’Regan, Ross Colpitts, Ian Paterson, Ryan Kirby.

Joint Health & Safety Committees (JHSC) equal safer workplaces All across Ontario, JHSC members meet regularly to build safer workplaces. Union members on the Weetabix of Canada JHSC are Jeremy Benns, Victor Baitley, Nadine Moonie and Scott Crosby.

Weetabix of Canada JHSC 2005: (l-r) Jeremy Benns, Victor Baitley, Nadine Moonie, Scott Crosby.

What do they say about the Level 1 H&S training presented by Local 175? “It’s invaluable for learning about legislation, how to look up information and prepare for making recommendations to management.” The committee was successful in persuading the company to eliminate heavy, 40 kilogram bags in favour of smaller bags. This small change made the worker’s job much easier, and it ended up saving the company thousands of dollars as well. The Minute Maid committee comprises certiﬁed member and co-chair Phil Rogers along with members Tom Hughes and Dave Blackie. They say the training has helped them “for sure” especially as it relates to knowing the Health & Safety Act and empowering them to ﬁght for health & safety rights. Their long-term committee goals are “too many to list.” James Cockburn, who is the Mid Town Meats co-chair and members Richard Russell and Harold Johnston say the Health & Safety training has given them insight and helped them to develop an action plan for their workplace. Their goal is to ensure plant safety by correcting problems and reducing the accident rate; develop a program for injured workers returning to work; and educate management about safety issues.

Mid Town Meats JHSC 2005: (l-r) Richard Russell, Harold Johnston and James Cockburn.

2005 Minute Maid Joint Health & Safety Committee: (l-r) Phil Rogers, Dave Blackie and Tom Hughes.

FEBRUARY 2006 

HEALTH & SAFETY

Health & Safety Training

FUNDRAISING

Fundraising News On November 18, 2005, Locals 175 & 633 members who work at A&P in the Windsor area participated in a head-shaving event to raise money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada. Local 175 Vice-President Mark Prail, with assistance from many of his co-workers, organized the event. Bryan Bedard, who lost his three-year old daughter Katie to leukemia, thanked the event’s participants and urged everyone to register as a bone marrow donor. Excerpts from his request are reprinted below. You can view the complete text at www.ufcw175.com. As a result of this event, and an ongoing payroll deduction program, these members raised an astounding $15,600. Bryan writes: “Since Katie’s passing, we have spent much time reﬂecting on what happened to her. We don’t want this to happen to another family . . . There are about 10 million people currently registered to donate bone marrow. Although this sounds like a lot, with a world population in the billions, there needs to be many more people on the list . . . To join the registry, contact Canadian Blood Services at 1-888-2DONATE or visit wwww.bloodservices.ca. For more information on donating bone marrow, visit the Katelyn Bedard Bone Marrow Association at www.givemarrow.net.”

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President Wayne Hanley announces new initiative

President Wayne Hanley appointed a steering committee for Local 175’s new initiative. Its goal is to develop and implement a program to link our Local Union and its diverse membership to the various communities in which individual members live and belong. The steering committee held its first meeting on January 4, 2006.

FEBRUARY 2006 

FUNDRAISING

Local 175 Vice-President Carolyn Levesque (far left) recently presented a cheque for $1,600 to representatives of the Take Action On Homelessness Together Coalition (TAHTC). The donation was a portion of the money raised at the October South West Region’s steward seminar. It will enable TAHTC to provide homeless people with backpacks containing non-perishable food, personal items and warm clothing.

WORKPLACE NEWS

Canadian Forces Base members serve the men and women who serve Canada Canada’s men and women in the armed forces fulfill an important role The regular duties of Canadian Forces (CF) members serving in Canada range from administration, health care, construction and maintenance to searchand-rescue operations, patrolling our airspace and territorial waters, and maintaining readiness for combat. CF members in Canada also perform tasks assigned at the request of civil authorities; for example, supporting raids on illegal drug operations by law-enforcement agencies, and conducting rescue and recovery operations in the aftermath of major natural disasters. Fitness trainers Todd Cirka and Lorraine Kruczec plan and lead exercise programs.

Local 175 members in Ontario provide important support services to the men and women assigned to CF bases in Ottawa, Trenton, North Bay and Borden, west of Barrie. One of the most vital roles is performed by the local union’s ﬁtness professional members, whose function

James Hamilton is the bartender at Bleachers

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Ayleasha Ferguson and Ann Curley work in the CANEX store

in Canada, and around the globe. is to ensure that CF personnel achieve and maintain a high level of physical, mental and emotional fitness. Members do this by conducting fitness classes, both inside and outside and by staffing various food and recreational facilities for military personnel.

Tracey Gold and Debbie Ferris (see page 6) are servers at Bleachers

Bob Hargrave is groundskeeper on the golf course

Local 175 members on CF bases work as servers, cooks, dishwashers, bartenders, ﬁtness instructors, life guards, retail store and maintenance staff, to name just a few. They perform service, maintenance, cleaning and other functions for facilities such as golf courses, sports ﬁelds, pools, arenas, gyms, libraries, theatres, bowling alleys, and various clubs. They also maintain housing units on the bases and staff the CANEX retail stores, which include both convenience outlets and larger department-type stores. The photos on these two pages are of members at CFB Borden.

Steward Carol Ann Swinimer works at the golf club

Dave Lawrence is the maintenance foreman

FEBRUARY 2006 

WORKPLACE NEWS

Local 175 members in Ontario provide important support services to the men and women assigned to CF bases

TRAINING & EDUCATION

Nearly 8,000 members took courses in 2005 Last year was once again a record year for the educational work of the Locals. All programs grew significantly and we practically doubled the number of participant members and their relatives, in the courses offered. Almost 8,000 people participated in at least one course. The Internet Distance Education Program (IDEP) is the program with the highest participation. About 3,500 participants enjoyed a course from the comfort of their homes. We have also developed and provided easy accessibility, for our members, to the most comprehensive Health and Safety educational program in North America. Additionally, many members also took advantage of course offerings in Computer Skills, The Union and even Labour History. One program with significantly increased enrolments – even though the type of commitment to these courses is much greater – was the high school courses. More than 200

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members are working towards their High School Diploma with the support of, and through, the Locals’ programs. The steward’s education program also keeps getting bigger and better. Almost 1,300 stewards participated in Steward Seminars in five different locations throughout the province. In addition, this year we increased the number of residential week-long programs to four. The new Youth Leadership Development residential program was a great success. This was complimented with the Young Organized and Out There (YOOT) workshops. Every day, more and more young members are participating in the Locals’ activities, gaining experience and taking leadership roles. To cap the year, the main office of the Training & Education Centre (TEC) in Mississauga moved to an impressive new addition in our main

office’s location. Amazingly, most of the move was accomplished without service disruption to the membership. The new facility, which was designed specifically to accommodate the training needs of our members, will allow the local unions to deliver an even better educational experience. Over all, our Locals had a great year in educational work. What can we expect for 2006? There will be even more new courses, a higher frequency of course offerings, more accessibility to the courses for members and quite possibly more than 10,000 participants! Remember, these courses are offered free to members and their families. They’re an excellent way to advance your personal and professional development and a worthwhile benefit for all Local 175 or 633 members. Call the TEC at 905.821.8329 or 1.800.565.8329 or visit the new website: www.ufcw175.com.

For a number of years, Locals

Central East Region

175 & 633 have been awarding scholarships to members and their children who are pursuing postsecondary education. Currently there are 56 scholarships awarded annually, each valued at $1,000.

Shannon Dorothy Blandford who works at Zellers #263 in Oshawa, with Union Rep Mona Bailey.

They are known as the Mckay,

Ryan Wilford Clayton who works at Pharma Plus # 1602 in Pickering, with Union Rep Mona Bailey. Heather Morrison who works at Pharma Plus # 34 in North Bay.

Thompson, Hoebink and Gibson Scholarships. Everyone has an equal opportunity to be chosen, because the winners are selected by random draw. Applications

Craig Louis Caron with mother Maxine Caron, who works at Price Chopper in Brampton, and Union Rep John DiFalco.

are available from your union representative or regional office.

Lindsey Dale Parkes who works at Huntsville District Nursing Home.

The deadline to apply for this

Natasha Anne Rudyk who works at Food Basics # 650 in Midland.

year’s scholarships is August 1, 2006. More than $306,000 has been awarded in the seven years that

Stella Ofori who works at Galco Foods (Olymel) in Brampton.

Arielle Choy, whose father Dennis Choy works at Ready Bake Weston in Mississauga, with Union Rep Paul Jokhu.

Aliisa Sangestini whose mother Marita Sangestini works at Pharma Plus # 1628 in Sault Ste. Marie.

President Hanley has been the president of Local 175. The names of the 2005 scholarship winners follow.

James Craig Shaw who works at A&P # 193 in Huntsville, with Union Rep Tim Deelstra.

FEBRUARY 2006 

SCHOLARSHIPS

Scholarships

SCHOLARSHIPS

Central West Region Nicole Louise Victoria Biggley whose mother Linda Biggley works at Smucker’s in Dunnville.

Melissa Galo whose father Joao Galo works at Quality Meat Packers in Toronto.

Jennifer Suzanne Boughner whose mother Cathy Boughner works at Good Humor – Breyers in Simcoe.

Christy Fulton, whose mother Wendy L. Fulton works at Pharma Plus # 2188 in Caledonia, with Union Rep John DiNardo.

Danny Valente whose father Paul Valente works at Maple Lodge Farms in Brampton. Mark Paul Andrew Morasse, whose mother Patricia Morasse works at Laidlaw Transit in Welland, with Union Rep Kelly Tosato.

Trevor Lutes, whose mother Lynn Ann Lutes works at Western Wafﬂe in Brantford, with Union Rep, John DiNardo.

Michelle Margaret Wiegert, whose father Mike Wiegert works at Sobey’s Warehouse in Milton, with Union Rep Joe DeMelo. Carly M. Smith who works at Zellers # 1045 in Brantford, with Union Rep John DiNardo.

Yi Qian Qu whose father Xiao Ping Qu works at Maple Leaf Pork in Burlington.

Eastern Region

Brooke Christopher, whose mother Carolyne Christopher works at A&P # 404 in Belleville, with Secretary-Treasurer Jerry Clifford.

Stacey Lapier, whose mother Francis Lapier works at St. Lawrence Corporation in Iroquois, with Secretary-Treasurer Jerry Clifford.

Brad Ferguson (right) who works at Loeb in Nepean, with Union Rep Paul Hardwick.

Brittany Mazzocchi, whose father Rino Mazzocchi works at Horizon Plastics in Cobourg, with Secretary-Treasurer Jerry Clifford. Jessalyn Paterson whose mother Judith Tamblyn-Paterson works at Pharma Plus # 2113 in Lindsay.

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Chantal Pollard, whose father Gregory Pollard works at Loeb Super C, in Cornwall, with Secretary-Treasurer Jerry Clifford.

Stephanie Sanders, whose mother Carrie Guthrie works at Kentwood Park in Picton, with SecretaryTreasurer Jerry Clifford.

Sarah Ruth Anne Radnor who works at IGA in Havelock, with Secretary-Treasurer Jerry Clifford.

Phillip Andrew Vinten (right) who works at Loeb Cumberland in Orleans, with Union Rep Jacques Niquet. Shawn Wesley Williams whose father Wayne Williams works at UBF Food Solutions (formerly Unilever) in Belleville.

South Central Region Brandon Joseph Chase who works at A&P # 128 in Niagara Falls. Danielle T. Corredato who works at A&P # 425 in Brampton. Michelle Marie Goetz who works at Fortino’s # 64 in Brampton. Brian Antﬂick whose mother Melanie Antﬂick works at Food Basics # 876 in Thornhill, with Union Rep Angela Mattioli.

Annamarie Burgess who works at The Barn Markets # 230 in Dundas.

Allison Christine Lloyd who works at A&P # 26 in Stouffville.

Jennifer L. Maillet whose mother Carole L. Maillet works at Ultra Mart Food & Drug # 481 in Burlington.

North West Region

South West Region

Kimberly Harper who works at Safeway # 682 in Thunder Bay.

LeeAnn Marie Connor who works at Food Basics # 696 in Hanover.

Deana Anne Hintz whose mother Shirley Hintz works at Extra Foods in Kenora.

Andrew Scholten who works at A&P # 199 in London, with Union Rep Roy Reed.

Mark Smith (right), whose mother Betty Ann Smith works at Food Basics # 658 in Thorold, with Union Rep Roy Reed.

Jessica Ann Jakob whose mother Kelly Jakob works at A&P # 198 in Leamington.

Jodie Leigh Hovey whose father Murray Hovey works at A&P # 424 in Thunder Bay. Julie Mayer who works at DH Foods Ltd. in Marathon. Kirsten Gayle Pudas whose mother Cindy Lou Pudas works at Renco Foods in Thunder Bay. Brittny Starcok whose mother Karen Starcok works at A&P # 422 in Thunder Bay.

Courtney F. Culligan whose mother Rosemary Rathwell works at Kraft Canada in Exeter, with Union Rep Wendy Absolom (left) and Chief Steward Dennis Arsenault. Melissa Helwig whose father Paul Helwig works at P&H Foods in Hanover.

Juliet Khayel (right) who works at A&P # 150 in London, accepted a scholarship cheque from Union Rep Roy Reed, on behalf of her daughter Shamiram Zendo.

Philip Orlando who works at Zehrs # 571 in Windsor, with Union Rep Julie Johnston. Deborah Elizabeth Marques who works at Real Canadian Superstore # 566 in Leamington with Union Steward Bill Dunn. Victor Nguyen whose mother Loi Thi Lam works at Sun Valley Foods in London.

Sandra Pantic whose mother Branka Pantic works at A&M Cookies in Kitchener. James Rodnick who works at Maple Lynn Foods in Strathroy. Christopher Smith who works at Zehrs # 506 in Sarnia.

FEBRUARY 2006 

SCHOLARSHIPS

Scholarships

NEGOTIATIONS

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

Ridley Square IGA members achieve new deal Members at Ridley Square IGA in St. Catharines secured a new three-year contract at a meeting held October 30, 2005. Highlights include: • Increases of 15 cents per hour on November 3, 2006 and 2007 for workers at a wage above the grid. • Those workers not receiving a wage increase on November 3, 2005, receive a lump sum payment of $75 for full-time and $40 for part-time.

Goldstein Freshmart workers achieve new agreement On October 3, 2005, members at Goldstein Freshmart in Ottawa ratiﬁed a new threeyear collective contract, which includes the following highlights: • All rates and classifications receive wage increases of 3 per cent in each of the three years covered by the contract. • The company’s monthly contributions toward the workers’ health and welfare plan increase by 5 cents per hour in each year of the contract. • Eye exams, every two years, are covered by the health and welfare plan as well. • New language includes increased provisions for part-time sick days and an allowance for sick days for part-time workers with one year of service. Union Negotiating Committee: Mary Hogan and Union Rep Simon Baker.

• Part-time wages increase by 30 cents per hour over the course of the contract term. Union Negotiating Committee: Judy Leonard, Henry Soja and Union Rep Kelly Tosato.

Contract improvements for retirement home workers Members at Manoir Galleon in Ottawa ratiﬁed a new three-year agreement on October 4, 2005. Highlights include: • A new wage scale which reflects higher classifications. • Workers receive wage increases of between 8 and 14 per cent, based on their classification. • Company contributions to the workers’ health and welfare plan increase to $145 per month, and pension plan contributions by 50 per cent, over the course of the agreement. • Workers are now covered for eye exams every two years. • Beneficial contract language changes cover bereavement leave and reduced qualifiers for statutory holiday pay. Language improvements cover hours of work and lay-off plus enhanced grievance language provides a select list of arbitrators to which grievances are referred. Union Negotiating Committee: Lu-Anne Clark, Sanna Taylor and Union Reps Jacques Niquet and Simon Baker.

SPECIAL NOTICE to members of the United Food and

Commercial Workers Trusteed Dental Plan: On January 1, 2006, The Trustees of the United Food and Commercial Workers Trusteed Dental Fund-Ontario have increased the benefits payable for dental claims submitted, to be in accordance with the 2006 Ontario Dental Association (ODA) fee guide for General Practitioners.

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Members at Toronto’s Rekai Centre approve new agreement Workers at the Rekai Centre in Toronto ratiﬁed a new contract on October 4, 2005, which includes: • General wage increases of 3 per cent, retroactive to July 1, 2004, plus the top two levels on the grid receive a classification adjustment added to a base of 30 cents. • The start rate has been eliminated and all workers move up one step on the grid. • Additionally, retroactive to July 1, 2005, all workers receive an increase of 2.5 per cent, plus the top two levels receive a classification adjustment to a base of 30 cents. • Nurses assigned as “in charge” of a night, evening or weekend shift receive a premium of $7.50 per shift; those assigned as Director of Resident Care for a period in excess of one shift receive a premium of $8.50 per hour. • All workers scheduled between 11 p.m. Friday night and 11 p.m. Sunday night receive a shift premium of 45 cents per hour. • Increases in pension plan contributions, bereavement leave, vision care and life insurance coverage • Nurses with more than 23 years service receive six weeks vacation per year with pay at 12 per cent of their gross earnings. Union Negotiating Committee: Glenda Idolor and Union Rep John DiFalco.

Excel Coach Lines members ratify School bus drivers with Excel Coach Lines, located in Kenora, voted “YES” to a new three-year agreement at a meeting held October 24, 2005. Highlights include: • Retroactive to September 22, 2005, a 2 per cent increase on the base rate plus 20 cents per kilometre and a 2 per cent increase on hourly charter runs. • In year two, a 1.5 per cent increase to the base rate plus 20 cents per kilometre and a 1.5 per cent increase to hourly charter runs. • In year three, a 1 per cent increase to the base rate plus 20 cents per kilometre and a 1 per cent increase on the hourly charter runs. • Bargaining unit members receive a $100 lump sum payment on the first pay following ratification. • The company will contribute 2 per cent of a workers’ gross pay to an RRSP when that employee contributes a minimum of 5 per cent of their gross pay to that RRSP. • Drivers receive $2.50 per fill-up, which is added to their wages and $7.50 per week for cleaning the bus interior. • Language improvements cover seniority, leaves of absence and a new time limit for disciplinary action. Union Negotiating Committee: June Degagne, Neil MacDonald and Union Rep David Noonan.

Increased parental leave Pizza Pizza workers among improvements for ratify CTCHC workers On November 2, 2005, members at a On October 28, 2005, members with the Central Toronto Community Health Centres (CTCHC) ratiﬁed a new two-year collective agreement. The contract, which covers health care providers at the Queen West and Shout clinics, includes the following highlights: • Wages increase to reflect Ontario Ministry of Health guidelines. • Workers receive a one-time $500 lump sum Wellness Benefit payment. • Extended pregnancy/parental leave to a maximum of two years. • Vacation entitlement for workers with 10 years of service improves to six weeks and those with 25 years of service receive seven weeks. • Workers accumulate sick days at a rate of 1.5 per month, up from the previous 1.25, to a maximum of 18 per year. • Improved provisions for layoff, workplace health and safety, professional development and bereavement leave. • Workers who use their bicycle for work purposes receive an allowance for maintenance. Union Negotiating Committee: Filomena Gonzalez, Christine O’Rourke, Judy Tsao and Union Rep Fernando Reis.

Members at Sobeys Fort Erie reach new contract On October 28, 2005, the bargaining unit at Sobeys Fort Erie ratiﬁed a three-year agreement that includes the following: • All rates on the progression grid receive wage increases of between 20 cents and 95 cents per hour over the course of the agreement. • New language providing for a health & safety committee. • Improved anti-discrimination language. Union Negotiating Committee: Debbie Storm and Union Rep Kelly Tosato.

Toronto Pizza Pizza location voted “YES” to a new two-year collective agreement which includes: • Wage increases totalling 30 cents per hour over the course of the agreement with the first raise retroactive to August 20, 2005. • Members maintain their ‘price per call’ and commission structure, which provides an increase due to price increases. • The vision coverage for full-time workers improves to include $75 per two-year period toward the cost of an eye exam. • Several renewed letters of agreement covering new products, contingency plans and severance pay.

NEGOTIATIONS

Web site: www.ufcw175.com.

Union Negotiating Committee: Sophie Kurek, Zoe Leondro and Union Rep Paul Jokhu.

 FEBRUARY 2006 

NEGOTIATIONS

For all the most recent UFCW news, including negotiations, visit our Web site: www.ufcw175.com.

New contract reached at Allan’s YIG Members at Allan’s Your Independent Grocer (YIG) ratiﬁed a three-year collective agreement on November 6, 2005. Highlights include: • A lump sum payment totalling $1,125 and general increases totalling 45 cents per hour, over the course of the contract term, for full-time workers, including Receivers. • A lump sum payment of $200 and general increases totalling 60 cents per hour, over the three-year contract term, for current part-time workers at the end rates, hired after March 1, 2002. • Lump sum payments totalling $500 and general wage increases totalling 45 cents per hour, over the course of the agreement, for part-time workers hired before March 1, 2002. • Additionally, part-time workers assigned as front-end supervisor or to work in the cash office receive a shift premium of 50 cents per hour. • A new letter of agreement offers voluntary lump sum severance pay to active full-time workers, on the payroll as of ratification,

calculated at two weeks pay per year of service, to a maximum of $30,000. Parttime are also eligible for a buy-out. Union Negotiating Committee: Jan Lowe, Barbara Pleva and Union Reps Mona Bailey and Rob Nicholas.

Compass Group workers at Eurest ratify new contract Building service workers with Compass Group Canada, who work at the Eurest facility on Wellesley Street in Toronto, secured a new three-year collective agreement at a vote held October 28, 2005. Highlights include across-the-board wage increases of 30 cents per hour in the ﬁrst year, 25 cents per hour in the second and 30 cents per hour in the third, plus a lead-hand shift premium of 25 cents per hour and improved vacation entitlement. Union Negotiating Committee: Karen Maraboli and Union Rep Linval Dixon.

Grandview RNs secure two-year contract Registered Nurses at Grandview Lodge in Dunnville ratiﬁed a new collective agreement on November 1, 2005. Highlights include: • Wage increases of 3 per cent in the first year, retroactive to July 1, 2004, and another 3 per cent in the second year. • On April 1, 2006, workers with 25 years experience receive an additional 2 per cent increase. • New vacation language means workers with 15 years service receive five weeks vacation and those with 23 years of service or more receive six weeks vacation. • Other language improvements provide up to three months of extended health and dental benefits for RNs who are displaced at work providing they are laid off as per article 14.02 of the collective agreement. Union Negotiating Committee: Janice Barrick and Union Rep Rick Hogue.

Impact cleaners secure new agreement On November 8, 2005, members with Impact Cleaning Services ratiﬁed a new three-year collective agreement, which includes: • Wage increases of 25 cents per hour in each year. • Contributions to the workers Benefit Trust fund increase by 8 cents over the course of the agreement. • Dental plan contributions increase by 1 cent in the final year of the agreement. • A new no discrimination/harassment policy to protect every member and provide each with a safe work environment. • Improved language regarding steward representation, bereavement leave and uniforms. Union Negotiating Committee: Mathialagan Pasupathippillai, and Union Reps Paul Jokhu and Mona Bailey.

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Members at the Canadian Forces Base in North Bay ratiﬁed a new four-year collective agreement. The 32 workers voted in favour of securing signiﬁcant wage increases at the November 18th meeting. • Workers will be placed on a new wage grid and wage increases will total between 15.76 and 16.88 per cent over the course of the agreement. • In November 2007 and 2008, workers at the 36-month rate receive a 2.5 per cent increase. • A worker may take up to 35 weeks total leave for childcare responsibilities, up from the previous 24-week maximum. • If a worker files a WSIB claim, a new letter of understanding provides an advance while their claim is under consideration. This advance is repaid upon receipt of WSIB funding or claim denial. • Improved time limits for layoff and recall, and improved vacation entitlement for both full and parttime workers. • Bereavement entitlement language improves to include step-parents, foster parents, common-law spouses and their children as members of a worker’s immediate family. Union Negotiating Committee: Reine Beliveau, Denise Connacher and Union Reps Tim Deelstra and Rob Nicholas.

GRIEVANCES

North Bay CFB workers vote in favour of contract improvements

GRIEVANCE & ARBITRATION

NEWS Employers must respect public holidays On April 26, 2005, Local 175 filed a policy grievance against Food Basics for a violation of the Retail Business Holidays Act (RBHA). The RBHA prohibits most retail businesses from opening on a “public holiday.” The food store had opened for business, on March 27, 2005, which was Easter Sunday and one of the eight public holidays designated under the Act. The others are New Year’s Day, Good Friday, Victoria Day, Canada Day, Labour Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. As a result of Local 175’s intervention, the company admitted that it had violated the law. At arbitration, and in order to settle the case, it also agreed to pay members an additional amount to total one and one half times their hourly rate for all hours worked that day. Most workers are also covered by Ontario’s Employment Standards Act (ESA), which designates eight statutory holidays and requires employers to provide holiday pay to qualifying workers. The eight days are the same as the public holidays listed above, excluding Easter Sunday but including Boxing Day. Employers in unionized workplaces are required to respect the collective agreement, the RBHA and the ESA. The Collective Agreement and the ESA determine who works or doesn’t work on public or statutory holidays and how much of a wage premium they are paid. The RBHA prohibits certain retail businesses from opening on certain “public holidays.” Members should check with their union steward if they are unclear about requirements or pay rates for statutory holidays pursuant to their collective agreement and/or the ESA.

Arbitrator rules employer must include others in bargaining unit After a lengthy process, which included the Union bringing charges against Cancoil Thermal Corporation at the Ontario Labour Relations Board (OLRB), an arbitrator ruled that maintenance employees are part of the bargaining unit. The employer took the position that these employees were employed by a separate company, Cancoil Corporation, which it formed three years after the workplace was certified. The employer claimed that the collective agreement only covered those employed by Cancoil Thermal Corporation. At a hearing, it was determined that the two employers were related and therefore Cancoil Corporation is bound by the terms of the collective agreement. This was further enforced by the arbitration award, which recognizes any maintenance employees as part of the bargaining unit. The award also ordered the company to pay union dues, which had been withheld as a result of the employer holding these employees outside the bargaining unit.

FEBRUARY 2006 

PENSION PLAN

CCWIPP provides members with many advantages The Canadian Commercial Workers Industry Pension Plan (CCWIPP) is well-managed and has earned an average rate of return of 8.97 percent, since its inception in 1979. Its Board of Trustees is made up of an equal number of union and employer representatives who work diligently, in cooperation with actuaries and pension experts, to make the right decisions that will protect both current and future CCWIPP pensioners, and their entitlements. CCWIPP is a multi-employer pension plan (MEPP) and as such is a reliable source of future income. Current provincial and federal regulations, however, were established to control single-employer pension plans (SEPPs). CCWIPP, and other MEPP, administrators are lobbying government at all levels to incorporate new, or modified, rules recognizing that MEPPs differ from SEPPs. MEPPs are especially viable because they depend on many employers, 328 currently in the case of CCWIPP. Unlike SEPPs, MEPPs are highly unlikely to dissolve due to the bankruptcy of a single contributing employer.

CCWIPP Facts •

CCWIPP provides plan members with extra security as it is one of the largest private-sector, multi-employer pension plans in Canada.

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For most members, CCWIPP contributions are entirely employer-funded.

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CCWIPP contributions are set into the language of more than 700 collective agreements with UFCW Canada Locals.

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CCWIPP’s Board of Trustees includes equal representation from the UFCW and from contributing employers, such as Loblaws, Safeway, A&P and Metro.

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CCWIPP’s current assets total more than $1.4 billion.

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CCWIPP’s trust agreement ensures that none of the plan’s assets are ever allowed to revert – or be diverted – to anyone other than the plan’s beneficiaries.

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CCWIPP is unique because it is both a definedbenefit and defined-contribution plan. Retired members receive a regular monthly income, which can be calculated ahead of time. The pension is based on their length of service and the amount contributed by the employer on the worker’s behalf.

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CCWIPP’s active participants include more than 167,000 Canadian workers.

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CCWIPP currently has approximately 15,000 pensioners.

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CCWIPP has assets invested in a variety of diversified growth opportunities, designed to balance maximum return-on-investment against risk. CCWIPP is governed by federal regulations, as well as those of the 10 provinces in which it is active.

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CCWIPP assets, including any surplus, belong to you – the members. The Union and the contributing employers cannot touch your money.

If you have questions, please contact your Union Representative.

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LETTERS

J Dear President Hanley: I would like to thank you for the wonderful gift of your scholarship. To be honest, when I applied I wasn’t really sure what to expect as an outcome. I received your letter of reply in mid October and just looked at the envelope for a few moments prior to opening it. As I looked at the envelope addressed in my name I thought perhaps it was a letter thanking me for applying. It was not until I opened the letter that I realized I had actually been fortunate enough to be chosen to receive a scholarship.

I immediately reacted by starting to shake and then my knees began to feel weak from the shock. A moment later, as reality hit me, tears rolled down my cheeks to know that in my time of such need for support . . . it had been granted. I think I must have cried for nearly an hour at just the thought of the kindness and generosity of this gift.

I would like to take this opportunity to express how honoured I am to have been selected to attend the Health & Safety Instructor course from September 24 through October 2, 2005. I look forward to working with you and assure you that I will do all I can to best serve the interests of our union and its members.

My current academic schedule as a full-time student in the Registered Nursing Program leaves me very little time for anything other than my studies. I have spent several years working and attending night classes to get all the requirements needed to attend this nursing program. But once I started the program, working during the school year was no longer an option due to the time demands of the course. This semester has brought me to the point where I’ve completely drained my savings, after studying on a fulltime basis for the past 2 years.

Dear Brother Hanley:

At this time I would like to express my interest in serving on the Action Team or any other committee. I believe that my energy, enthusiasm, long-term experience as a steward, and dedication to our union would be a great asset to any committee. Thank you for your consideration of my request. Yours in solidarity, Brother Garry A. Kelly

I live alone, without any student loans or scholarships of any other kind. At 35, returning to school full-time was a very difficult choice for me to make financially. Yet, I felt the desire to take on a more positive role in society as a registered nurse.

The scholarship, which I have received from you, has far more than a monetary value to me. It represents the kindness and support from you and the union members to assist me in reaching my personal goal of being able make a difference to others.

Dear Sister Kelly Tosato:

I hope that now you know how much your choosing me to be the one who has received this scholarship has meant to me. I look forward to one day possibly being lucky enough to medically care for those who found a way to help me during my own personal time of such great financial need. Thank you, Jennifer Maillet (Jennifer’s mother, Carole Maillet works at Ultra Food & Drug Mart #481 in Burlington).

Subject: Thanks!!

Just received your letter in the mail. I really appreciate you taking the time to thank me, because I know how busy you are. It was my pleasure to work with you on this agreement. Without all of your hard work and dedication the outcome would not have been as good. I feel you have really made a difference in our store, and can only see us getting stronger as time goes on. Even though I feel things are a little strained with my manager, etc. because of my involvement in this, it only makes me want to do the right thing even more. I look forward to working with you in the future. With thanks, Debbie Storm, IGA #16600 in Fort Erie.

FEBRUARY 2006 

CONFERENCES

Continuing Education highlighted at Stewards Seminars

More than 200 stewards participated in the 2005 Eastern Region stewards’ seminar held in Kingston on November 5 and 6, 2005. The Eastern Regional Director, Dan Lacroix, said he was particularly pleased to welcome 83 new stewards and a special 24-member youth delegation to their ﬁrst conference. “We know it is especially important to involve and educate ﬁrst-time stewards and youth about the rights of members in the workplace,” Dan said. “The feedback from both new participants and more experienced stewards has been extremely positive.” Conference participants donated $8,300 for leukemia research.

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Another 180 stewards attended the Central West and South Central Region conference held November 26 & 27 in Niagara Falls. At both seminars, Local 175 President Wayne Hanley delivered key note speeches updating stewards on difﬁculties faced by members who suffer work-related injuries, illnesses or diseases. Stewards at both seminars attended 12 hours of educational sessions covering topics related to stewardship, arbitrations, and health & safety issues, including Violence in the Workplace.

CONFERENCES Youth delegates participated in Young, Organized & Out There (YOOT) sessions, which provided an overview of the local union and all its services and beneﬁts. The YOOT sessions also covered current labour issues, such as WalMart organizing, and labour laws. At the Niagara Falls conference, participants raised an astounding $20,000 for leukemia research – a record for any single seminar. All the money raised goes to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada (LLSC).

During the Saturday evening ceremonies, President Wayne Hanley exchanged plaques of appreciation with Marcie Hughes, Adult Education Advisor with Grand Erie Learning Alternatives. Together, Locals 175 & 633 and the Grand Erie District School Board provide continuing education classes to adults in the Dunnville region. “I am honoured to work with such a dedicated group of people,” says President Hanley. “Since we started offering courses in the Dunnville area, Marcie has been nothing but 100 per cent committed to this endeavour – and the students get to reap the beneﬁts.”

FEBRUARY 2006 

OFL delegates target Wal-Mart Locals 175 & 633 delegates participated in the Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL) convention from November 21-25, 2005. The OFL is the voice for 700,000 organized workers in the province. Every two years it convenes delegates to set policy as Ontario’s central ‘House of Labour.’ At this recent convention, UFCW delegates, including Local 175 organizing representative Kevin Shimmin, spoke passionately about the need to organize Wal-Mart workers. Convention delegates voted overwhelmingly in favour of three resolutions in support of Wal-Mart organizing by the UFCW. One resolution called for a public inquiry into the connection between Wal-Mart Canada, former Ontario Premier Mike Harris, and a covert campaign to decertify the unionized Wal-Mart store in Windsor. Subsequent to the secretly financed union-busting campaign at the Windsor store, the Harris government made changes to the Ontario Labour Relations Act that stripped away many of the powers of the Ontario Labour Relations Board.

Return postage will be paid by: UNITED FOOD AND COMMERCIAL WORKERS Locals 175 & 633 2200 Argentia Road Mississauga, Ontario L5N 2K7

Canada Post Corporation Publication Agreement No. 40064671