THE NEWS MAGAZINE FOR MEMBERS OF LOCALS 175 & 633 UFCW CANADA VOLUME XVI NO. 1
FEBRUARY 2007
Secretary-Treasurer Clifford Retires P
P
Grocery industry changes mean tougher negotiations P
CONTENTS
LOCAL 175 President Wayne Hanley Secretary-Treasurer Shawn Haggerty Recorder Betty Pardy Executive Assistants Jim Hastings, Teresa Magee
President’s Message – Long and tough negotiations now the norm in grocery industry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
WORKPLACE NEWS A&P members vote OVERWHELMINGLY in favour of new contract . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
LOCAL 633 President Dan Bondy Secretary-Treasurer Marylou Mallett Recorder Neil Hotchkiss
NEGOTIATIONS A&P workers achieve good new agreement with job guarantees for full-time workers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other Negotiations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Winner of Day of Mourning art contest announced. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PROVINCIAL OFFICE 2200 Argentia Road Mississauga L5N 2K7 905-821-8329 or 1-800-565-8329 Fax 905-821-7144 Benefits Legal Counsel Marcia Barry Benefits Representatives Sherree Backus, Emmanuelle Lopez-Tambasco Benefits Intake Representative Lesley Flores
PEOPLE Secretary-Treasurer Clifford Retires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shawn Haggerty elected Secretary-Treasurer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Marcia Barry joins Benefits staff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mark Stockton becomes Servicing Rep . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Local 175 CAN helps out again . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Communications Representatives Cheryl Mumford, Jennifer Tunney Servicing Representative Lien Huynh Health & Safety Representative Janice Klenot
FUNDRAISING Locals 175 & 633 raise $265,000 at Light the Night Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CONFERENCES Strength through diversity is the theme for this year’s stewards’ seminars . . . . . . . . . . .
LETTERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SCHOLARSHIPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
HEALTH & SAFETY Local 175 is fighting for safer workplaces . . . . . . . . . . . .
Senior Legal Counsel Naveen Mehta 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, Judith Burch, Tim Deelstra, John DiFalco, Anthony DiMaio, John DiNardo, Paul Jokhu, Rob Nicholas SOUTH CENTRAL REGION Union Representatives Sylvia Groom Servicing Representatives Angela Mattioli, Brenda Simmons, Mark Stockton, Mario Tardelli TRAINING & EDUCATION CENTRE (TEC) 2200 Argentia Road Mississauga L5N 2K7 905-821-8329 or 1-800-565-8329 Fax 905-821-7144
Graphic design by ARTiFACT
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 or 1-800-567-2125 Fax: 905-545-8355 Director Harry Sutton Union Representatives Matt Davenport, Joe DeMelo, Linval Dixon, Rick Hogue, Fernando Reis, Dan Serbin, Kelly Tosato Servicing Representative Sam Caetano EASTERN REGION 20 Hamilton Avenue North Ottawa K1Y 1B6 613-725-2154 or 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 or 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 or 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
Long and tough negotiations now the norm in grocery industry In this issue of Checkout, you can read about the most recent contract affecting approximately 10,000 members working in A&P, Ultra Food & Drug and Dominion stores across Ontario. It was ratified in December 2006 by more than 85 per cent of members at meetings around the province, a strong indicator of the excellent work by the negotiating committee. The committee met with company negotiators for many days over a period of several months before they were successful in reaching this agreement. Members had given the negotiating committee a strike mandate of 98 per cent at provincewide membership meetings in October 2006.
WAYNE HANLEY
Given the many changes in the grocery industry, long and tough negotiations have become the norm for virtually every contract renewal. Locals 175 & 633 work to maintain and improve the good wages, benefits and working conditions in their collective agreements. It took a long 18 months to negotiate the current Loblaws contract. This recent province-wide A&P agreement, individual Sobeys or IGA contracts, as well as others, have also been achieved only after hours and hours of hard negotiations over weeks and months of effort. We are doing everything possible to secure your future. You can help by shopping only at Unionized stores.
Grocery industry changes mean tougher negotiations The retail grocery industry in Canada has undergone dramatic change in the last several decades, and it continues to evolve. The industry knows it must adapt to retain existing customers and attract new ones. “Store Conversions” have become common practice, describing the extensive changes that occur when one store format gives way to another in the quest for more customers. Conversions and new store openings mean more competition. Retailers react by trying to cut labour costs. They demand more and seek to pay less. Negotiations in each new round of bargaining are a constant push and pull between the Union and the employer. The Union negotiating committee pushes to improve wages, benefits and working conditions. The employer attempts to pull back wherever it can. It is because of these changes and competitive pressures that negotiations for new contracts become longer and harder.
Canadian retail food history About 50 years ago, grocery chains had started to build large, full-service supermarkets, enabling them to capture the majority of sales and cutting into the market previously dominated by independent grocers. Newer grocery chains, such as IGA, Dominion Stores and Canada Safeway as well as Steinbergs, Miracle Mart, Metro, Valdi and Overwaitea, joined the established chains of A&P and Loblaws. Young men and women were returning to Canada after World War II. Those who went to work in retail stores felt they deserved good pay and working conditions after risking their lives overseas for a better world. Thanks to E CONTINUES ON NEXT PAGE
FEBRUARY 2007
President’s Message
A CONTINUES FROM PREVIOUS PAGE
the hard work of Unions, with Local 175 leading the way, substantial improvements were made. Progressively more workers became Union members, which resulted in good collective agreements and progressive labour legislation. By the 1970s, Local 175’s membership was growing rapidly. In 1971, Local 175 A&P members ratified their very first province-wide collective agreement after a 19-day strike. As well as substantial wage increases and better working conditions, the Union was also successful in negotiating pension plans, dental, health & welfare benefits and increased job security. Local 175 also achieved a 37.5 hour workweek for full-time A&P members. In the last two decades of the 20th century, both new and established chains continued to purchase and open new types of store formats, such as The Barn, Fortinos, Food Basics and No Frills. Wal-Mart was beginning to open supercentres in the U.S.A. and entered the Canadian market, for the first time, with the purchase of 122 Woolco stores. The “Beast of Bentonville” as its detractors refer to the mammoth chain, immediately and permanently laid off all workers in the nine Woolco stores that were unionized, while continuing to operate those stores that were not. The latter part of the century also saw the establishment of food departments in other large discount warehouse stores, such as Costco. Other retailers, such as pharmacies, gas stations and department stores, added grocery and deli departments. At the same time, workers were being negatively affected by free trade and globalization. Fortunately, the merger between the Retail Clerks and The Amalgamated Meatcutters created a new large powerful Union, The United Food & Commercial Workers, which was able to stand up to big, multinational corporations. These powerful food conglomerates and retailers were demanding numerous concessions, including wage rollbacks and cuts in benefit programs. In 1993-94 alone, thousands of Locals 175 & 633 members courageously walked picket lines and stood tough against Zehrs, Miracle Food Mart and Canada Safeway to fight for good contracts. And again in 2003, after a long and hard 16-month strike and the closure of the three Canada Safeway stores in Thunder Bay, members voted in favour of a new contract and returned to their jobs.
The future In the first decade of the 21st century, grocery giants continue to battle for dominance of the Ontario market. While Woolco stores had just 15 per cent of the Canadian department store market in 1994, Wal-Mart now controls more than 50 per cent. Can it repeat this success in the grocery industry? Many Canadian chains such as Valdi and Knob Hill Farms have closed their stores. Others, such as Steinbergs, Miracle Mart, Dominion stores and A&P have changed ownership. The “Big Three” players left in the Ontario grocery retailing market – Loblaws, Metrocontrolled stores such as A&P and Dominion, along with Sobeys – are preparing their own “fight back” strategy as Wal-Mart brings supercentres to Canada. Three Wal-Mart Supercentres already opened in Ontario in 2006, with another five to 12 projected to open in 2007. It is probably not a coincidence that Wal-Mart is targeting Ontario, with its relatively weak Union organizing laws, for its initial expansion. One industry analyst predicts WalMart will establish 105 of these supercentres throughout Canada by 2010, giving Wal-Mart a $6.2 BILLION share of the grocery market and increase its already substantial buying power over suppliers. By any measure, Wal-Mart is expected to have a significant impact on the Canadian grocery market. Among Canadian retailers, Loblaws has been the most proactive in meeting Wal-Mart head on. It established its own chain of supercentres, called the Real Canadian Superstores. It leads the way in Canadian retailers who are prepared to compete with Wal-Mart, using general merchandise to draw shoppers to its stores. Traditional Loblaws stores and Zehrs too have grown larger in the last decade as they added photo shops, dry cleaners, floral departments, wine outlets and other services, such as full-service meat, deli, seafood and bakery departments. Other Canadian grocery retailers are also preparing to combat the considerable threat that Wal-Mart represents. No one can be sure what the eventual outcome will be. But it’s clear that it is now even more important to support Unionized grocery stores.
On December 17 and 18, 2006, members working at 78 Local 175-represented A&P, Ultra Food & Drug and Dominion stores across the province participated in ratification meetings. They voted overwhelmingly – by a margin of more than 85 per cent – in favour of the new contract. Here’s what members had to say about the new contract: Mike St. Jean says he was happy that “the new contract is a step up from the company’s original offer and provides a little more money.” As a part-time student he’s especially glad to keep the existing flexible scheduling policy, which enables him to fit his job around his personal commitments. “I know I can get time off when I need it,” he says. “I am SO glad the company was not successful in making us lock in to a schedule for an entire six-month period.”
Wendy Weaver says she’s satisfied with the new contract given that it’s basically the first with the new owners. She appreciates the tough spot the negotiating committee was in and says the committee deserves a lot of credit for reaching the agreement it did. “The increases weren’t a lot, but it’s way better than losing pay and benefits,” she says. “Once the company sees it’s making money, I would look for better improvements in the next contract, in three years – not the six the company wanted!”
Members from A&P meetings across the province reviewed the proposed contract . . . . . . asked questions, and then voted to accept or reject the memorandum of settlement.
FEBRUARY 2007
WORKPLACE NEWS
A&P members vote OVERWHELMINGLY in favour of new contract
WORKPLACE NEWS
Linda Stewart is a “single mortgage payer” who says she’s very glad not to have had to go out on strike to maintain their good wages, benefits and working conditions. “A raise is always nice,” she says. “But for me, it wasn’t about the money. The job security and options for buy outs and buy downs are important for me.” Brad Willmore says he thinks the new contract is pretty fair, given the current environment in the industry. He likes having yearly raises and a full-time job guarantee. “Of course, it would be nice to see the wages go up more,” he says. “We REALLY need to organize Wal-Mart.”
After the discussion, members lined up to receive their ballots . . .
Marlene Neely says she’s very happy to keep the 9-hour days. “I have a husband who’s not well,” she says. “The extra days off allow me time to take him to the doctor, and still have a day off for myself.” Overall she says she is pleased not to have to go on strike to keep the benefits or to get an increase in pay. Sherry Casagrande, who has served on negotiating committees in the past, says she very much appreciates all the work the committee did. “It’s absolutely important to hang on to what we have,” she says. “The $13.3-million contribution for protection of the pension is significant – it’s our future!” Tim Paterson feels the contract is good, “especially given where we were when we started,” he says. He’s very enthusiastic about being able to retain the four-day workweek. “Keeping all the benefits was important,” he says. “There are a lot of things we worked for over the years and I’m glad we didn’t have to give them up. When you’ve worked for a non-union employer, as I have, you appreciate how important it is to have these benefits paid for by the company.” Julie MacCrae says she thinks the final contract was pretty good from her standpoint. As a single parent of a six-year-old, she’s very glad to have the job guarantee for the life of the new contract. The first offer was just “crazy” she says. “I think the commit-
. . . and then cast their votes, either “in favour” or “not in favour.” tee definitely did the best they could for everyone within the structure of Metro, given that it just purchased these stores. You can’t always get everything you want.” Mary Hurley says: “As a young part-timer who has another full-time job, I was really happy to see the company drop its demand for us to lock in our scheduling availability six months in advance. I’m happy with the quarter increase per year too – I think it’s on a par with others in the industry. It was obviously a difficult set of negotiations and I think the committee did a great job.” Larry Feudo describes the new contract as “not too bad.” He says keeping the four nine-hour work days was very important and commends the negotiating committee for the good job they did. He likes knowing that he and his dependants will continue to receive benefit coverage, if he elects early retirement after age 55.
A&P workers achieve good new agreement with job guarantees for full-time workers
The Locals 175 & 633 members on the A&P Negotiating Committee were, from front left, seated: Pam Burnet, Store # 102, Dundas; Al Lindo, Store # 401, Downsview; Marylou Mallett, Local 633 Secretary-Treasurer, Store # 196, Georgetown; Pat Cepin, Store # 63, Toronto; Anne Quigley, Store # 479, Orillia; Pat Newell, Store # 143, Port Hope. Back row: Brian Kozlowski, Store # 424, Thunder Bay; Rick Alagierski, Store # 73, Mississauga; Cindy Garr, Store # 102, Dundas; Dale Stuart, Store # 204, Peterborough; Al Miller, Store # 118, London; Jim Hastings, Executive Assistant to the Local 175 President; Jerry Clifford, Secretary-Treasurer, Local 175; Sylvia Groom, Union Rep; Rob Mayer, Store # 767, Aurora; Colleen Cox, Store # 106, Whitby; Geraldine Dickson, Store # 159, Gananoque; Ray LaForge, Store # 456, Oshawa; Tim Kelly, Store # 118, London; Dan Bondy, Local 633 President, Store # 141, Windsor; May Chalmers, Store # 197, St. Catharines; and Carolyn Martin, Store # 198, Leamington. Absent from photo: Tony Morello, Store # 178, Collingwood; and Renzo Nobile, Store # 106, Whitby.
Approximately 10,000 workers at the 78 Ontario A&P, Ultra Food & Drug, and Dominion stores represented by UFCW Locals 175 & 633 have a new three-year collective agreement. “The contract is the culmination of months of difficult meetings and hard bargaining between the 24-member Union negotiating committee and the employer,” says President Wayne Hanley. “Members, for the most part, were appreciative of the hard work done by their committee and the good results that they ultimately achieved. The members ratified the new agreement by more than 85 per cent in voting conducted at 68 meetings throughout the province on December 17 and 18.”
The new agreement contains significant gains, building on benefits that members have negotiated in past contracts. The employer will improve the vision care plan and make substantial additional contributions to the employee’s dental, pension and Health & Welfare plans. The latter, which is fully-funded by the company, provides eligible employees with Group Life, Major Medical, Weekly Indemnity, Long Term Disability and Prescription Drug coverage. Those full-time workers who elect early retirement after age 55 will continue to receive vision, medical, and drug benefits for themselves and their dependents to age 65. Full-time workers are provided with a job guarantee for the life of the collective agreement. The company also committed
to maintaining its innovative four-day, 36hour workweek for full-time workers who elect this option. The new contract gives each bargaining unit member an immediate minimum 25cent-per-hour increase, retroactive to the expiry date of the previous contract. Workers receive an additional 50 cents per hour over the life of the contract. For more information visit: www.ufcw175.com. Since early December, after the members gave their negotiating committee a strike mandate, the two parties met continuously with a provincially-appointed conciliation officer. They reached the final memorandum of settlement very early in the morning of December 16.
FEBRUARY 2007
NEGOTIATIONS
For all the most recent UFCW news, visit www.ufcw175.com.
NEGOTIATIONS
For all the most recent UFCW news, including more up-to-date and
Hospitality workers in Hornepayne approve new deal JH McNairn strike resolved: Members ratify new contract Following a seven-day strike, the 128 members at JH McNairn in Whitby ratified a new contract at a meeting held Sunday, November 5, 2006. The new four-year contract includes: • Wage improvements ranging between 2.7 per cent and 3.8 per cent as well as the correction of wage inequities and increased shift premiums. • Workers receive an improved safety boot allowance and maintenance members receive an increased tool allowance. • Contributions to the dental plan increase as do employer contributions to the RRSP. • The Short-Term Disability waiting period is reduced to seven days from 14 and bereavement leave entitlement improves. • New language prevents non-bargaining unit workers from performing bargaining unit work. • Other new language covers ‘no discrimination’ policy, grievance procedure, rights and duties of stewards, additional stewards and backups, additional negotiating committee members, job posting, and health and safety. • Improvements include plant holiday language and expanded vacation canvassing and allocation language. The workers began their strike on October 29, 2006 after voting 86 percent in favour of rejecting what the company termed to be its final offer. These members manufacture paper and packaging products used by Tim Hortons, Burger King, Mr. Sub, Taco Bell, Subway and Quiznos as well as by various bakeries and supermarkets. Union Negotiating Committee: Colin Cathcart, Darren Miller, Doug Wilson and Union Rep Anthony DiMaio.
On October 11, 2006, the approximately 30 members at the Northstar Centre Inn in Hornepayne secured a new agreement that includes: • Wage increases of 30 cents per hour to the top rate in each year. Mary McLeod, who is the • In the final year, workers with 10 years of service receive longest-serving member an additional increase of 50 cents per hour. from Northstar Centre • Workers beginning their fifth and fifteenth year of Inn, gives a big “thumbs continuous service prior to October 7, 2000 receive an up” to their new additional payment of 20 cents per hour. collective agreement. • Shift differentials increase to $1 per hour in the first year. • Front desk lead hand base rate increases by 50 cents per hour in year one. • Lead hands receive an additional 50 cents per hour over and above their wage rate. This amount increases to 75 cents per hour in year two and $1 per hour in the third year. • The company will establish a Health & Welfare bank to which it will credit each worker with $100 in each year of the agreement to total $400 per worker. Accumulated money can be used toward health related expenses. • Bereavement leave entitlement improves. Union Negotiating Committee: Amanda Malloy, Beth Malloy, Roger Parker, Union Rep Colby Flank and Secretary-Treasurer Shawn Haggerty.
Rowanwood retirement care workers support improved contract The approximately 30-member bargaining unit at Rowanwood Retirement Lodge in Utterson, about halfway between Bracebridge and Huntsville, secured a new two-year agreement. The contract, ratified at a meeting held November 9, 2006, brings the following improvements:
• Wages increase for all rates and classifications by 2.5 per cent retroactive to August 1, 2006. Subsequent increases are ½ per cent on January 1, 2007, 2.5 per cent August 1, 2007, ½ per cent January 1, 2008, and another 3 per cent on August 1, 2008. • Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs) receive an additional annual wage adjustment totalling $3.75 per hour. • Unregulated Care Provider (UCP) classification receives an additional $3 per hour wage adjustment.
• Shift premiums for work completed between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. increase to 45 cents per hour. • All hours worked between 3 p.m. and 11 p.m. receive an hourly shift premium that increases to 30 cents per hour. • Company contributions to the Canadian Commercial Workers Industry Pension Plan (CCWIPP) increase to 25 cents per hour retroactive to August 1, 2006, 28 cents in the second year and 31 cents in the third year. • The company will now pay 65 per cent of the dental plan premiums for workers who have completed their probationary period. • Various language improvements include seniority and scheduling. Union Negotiating Committee: Christina Hamilton, Shirley Kennedy and Union Reps Tim Deelstra and Rob Nicholas.
GS Dunn workers ratify three-year contract
Valhalla Inn hotel workers ratify Thunder Bay Valhalla Inn workers approved a new three-year contract term on November 4, 2006. The 125-member bargaining unit secures:
Members at GS Dunn approved a new contract on November 12, 2006.
Members at GS Dunn in Hamilton, who produce dry mustard products, will receive: • A wage increase of 70 cents per hour retroactive to October 3, 2006. • A subsequent increase of 35 cents per hour in the second year and 40 cents in the third year. • Vision care coverage now includes dependants and improves to $200 per 24-month period.
• New language outlines policy for maintaining a safe and healthy workplace including the role and responsibilities of the joint health & safety committee. Union Negotiating Committee: Jason Beauchamp, Oscar Simoes and Union Rep Kelly Tosato.
Jadee Meats members secure improved contract On November 18, 2006, workers at the Jadee Meats pork processing facility in Beamsville voted in favour of a new three-year agreement. The 30-member bargaining unit secures the following: • Schedule ‘A’ wages increase for all classifications by 40 cents per hour retroactive to October 9, 2006. • Subsequent increases for Schedule ‘A’ workers include 40 cents per hour in both the second and third year. • Schedule ‘B’ workers receive an initial increase of 55 cents per hour retroactive to October 9, 2006, with subsequent increases of 55 cents per hour in each of the following two years.
• Improved language addresses union representative visits, health and safety in the workplace and the establishment of a joint health & safety committee, its role and responsibilities. • Company contributions to CCWIPP increase to total 75 cents per hour. • Vision care coverage increases to $200 per 24-month period and the safety boot allowance increases to $120 per year. Union Negotiating Committee: Ken Boyer, Diane Brown and Union Rep Kelly Tosato.
• A wage increase of 2.5 per cent in each year with the first raise retroactive to June 17, 2006. • Company contributions to CCWIPP increase by a total of 11 cents per hour. • Workers receive vision care coverage of $125 per 24-month period. • Part-time workers are now eligible for bereavement leave. • Improved language concerning health & welfare, the grievance procedure and trial periods for job filling. Union Negotiating Committee: Louise Perrier, Joe Sgambelluri, Lucille Woppner and Union Rep David Noonan.
New contract for workers at North American Lumber On November 2, 2006, members working at the Fort Frances branch ratified a new threeyear collective agreement, which includes: • Wage increases for Truck Drivers ‘A’ & ‘B’ of 8 per cent in the first year, and 1 per cent in both the second and third year. • All other classifications receive a 2 per cent wage increase in year one, 1.5 per cent in year two and 1 per cent in the final year. • Vision care coverage is $150 per worker, per 24-month period. • Company contributions to the UFCW Trusteed Dental Plan increase by one cent per hour in each year. • Employer contributions to CCWIPP increase by 3 cents per hour in each year. • Safety boot allowance is $75. • Improved bereavement leave entitlement. Union Negotiating Committee: Dale Gill, Rick Peters and Union Rep David Noonan.
FEBRUARY 2007
NEGOTIATIONS
detailed information on negotiations, visit our Web site: www.ufcw175.com.
NEGOTIATIONS
For all the most recent UFCW news, visit www.ufcw175.com.
Members at Horizon Plastics ratify On October 30, 2006, members at Horizon Plastics in Cobourg ratified a new agreement. Over the course of the agreement, the 280-member bargaining unit gains: • Wage increases of 3 per cent in each year, plus a special adjustment of $1 per hour for maintenance workers. • Allowances increase to $160 for safety boots and $350 for tools. • The company doubles its annual contribution to the Training & Education Fund to $1,200. • Improved vacation entitlement, bereavement leave and health & safety language as well as better notice of plant shutdowns, a training registry and temporary full-time positions will now be posted after 45 days. Union Negotiating Committee: Thomas Bell, Donald Carmen, Jamie Hickman, Mike Hie and Union Rep Chris Fuller.
Port Colborne Poultry workers achieve threeyear deal On November 18, 2006, the 120-member bargaining unit at Port Colborne Poultry approved a new agreement. The contract includes: • Wage increases of 40 cents per hour retroactive to September 17, 2006. • Subsequent hourly increases of 40 cents in both the second and third year. • Massage therapy coverage increases to $400 per year effective January 1, 2007. • Improved tool allowances provide Certified Mechanics with $350 per year and both Preventative Maintenance and Maintenance Helper classifications with $150 per year each. • New language covers job filling by seniority, separate shifts and policy for an additional worker to be trained as an alternate certified Health & Safety representative. Union Negotiating Committee: Debbie Fisher, Debbie TenDen, Shelly Virag and Union Rep Kelly Tosato.
Settlement provides Friendly Manor health care workers with improvements Following a recent Hospital Labour Disputes Arbitration Act (HLDAA) decision, members at the Friendly Manor Nursing Home in Deseronto, east of Belleville, will receive improved compensation and contract language. The three-year agreement includes: • Wage increases totalling 7 ¼ per cent for all rates and classifications with the initial raise retroactive to January 1, 2005. • Contributions to the dental and pension plan increase by 2 cents per hour each. • Workers are now entitled to six weeks of vacation at 12 per cent pay after 25 years of service. • Improved language covers bereavement leave and part-time hours worked. • New language establishes policy on ‘No Harassment and No Violence/Abuse,’ as well as long shift call-ins for those already working a short shift. Union Negotiating Committee: Lucy Bedore, Cathy Prevost and Union Rep Marilyn Lang.
Winner of Day of Mourning art contest announced President Wayne Hanley has announced the winner of the Day of Mourning art contest. He said: “After assessing each piece and taking into consideration the criteria, the committee chose a piece created by Jeff Stockton. Jeff is an injured worker who has suffered through the pain of injury and the impact of that injury, not only financially but on his family and well-being too. His artwork depicts the results of workplace injury, the role of the government and the helping hands of the Union. The finished artwork will be unveiled for the Day of Mourning on April 28, 2007. I appreciate the time and effort that went into creating each submission. The committee and I were happy to see the talent and promise in each artist’s work. On behalf of the staff at Locals 175 & 633, I want to thank all the artists who submitted pieces for our Day of Mourning art contest. Each of the submissions we received were superb.”
On November 14, 2006, President Wayne Hanley released a statement to all staff saying: “It is with complete sadness and mixed emotions that I advise you that Secretary-Treasurer Jerry Clifford has announced his retirement. Jerry has been not only a co-worker and friend but also my “right hand” on whom I have relied for the past 17 years, and more. You could always count on not just a smile but also a good laugh when seeing and speaking with Jerry. We will certainly feel the lack of his wit and charm around the office. I personally will miss the strength, dedication, devotion and support, which he provided me on a continuous basis, without question and without hesitation.” Prior to coming on staff, Jerry spent 25 years as a meat cutter, and later meat manager, with A&P stores in Orillia, Midland and Barrie. During that time he was an elected steward, executive board vice-president and also participated in five sets of province-wide A&P negotiations. He joined the staff of Local 175 as a Union Representative in 1989, later becoming Central East Regional Director and then Secretary-Treasurer. President Hanley and all the staff wish Jerry and his wife Linda a long, happy and welldeserved retirement.
Former SecretaryTreasurer’s Message It was with more than a little sadness that I prepared my final column, just prior to my retirement late last year. After 40 plus years as a UFCW member – the first 25 as a worker at A&P and the last 17 as a staff member and officer – it will seem strange to be no longer formally affiliated with UFCW Locals 175 & 633. I will certainly miss going to work everyday, although not my regular drive down Highway 400 from my home near Orillia.
JERRY CLIFFORD
Over these many years, I can honestly say that I’ve enjoyed any task that came my way. When I worked at A&P it was always my pleasure to assist my co-workers and later to serve the membership as a member of the Union staff. I would certainly like to thank everyone for all their support over the years, especially the officers and staff of the Local Unions. This is the finest organization with which anyone could ever ask to be associated. And given the leadership of the Locals, I see nothing but a continued bright future. On a personal note, I am very much looking forward to spending more time with my wife Linda and enjoying the family. I have four grandchildren ranging between three and 13 years of age. I will be working hard to improve my golf game, and those of my grandchildren. But of course I will always be available if the Local Unions need me . . . just not quite so often as in the past!
5TH ANNUAL
Health Care Steward Conference April 30 and May 1, 2007 Locals 175 & 633 Training & Education Centre 2200 Argentia Road, Mississauga ON L5N 2K7
If you are a health care sector steward who would like to attend, please advise your Union Representative.
FEBRUARY 2007
Secretary-Treasurer’s Message
Secretary-Treasurer Clifford Retires
PEOPLE
STAFF CHANGES Shawn Haggerty elected Secretary-Treasurer After the retirement of SecretaryTreasurer Jerry Clifford, the Local 175 Executive Board unanimously elected Executive Assistant Shawn Haggerty to the position.
and after a merger became Secretary-Treasurer of UFCW Local 617P. Robin Hood is now Horizon Milling. In his seven years on staff with Local 175 he has served as a Union Rep in the Central West region, the North West Regional Director, and for the last two years, also Executive Assistant to President Wayne Hanley. “Shawn is an extremely capable and caring individual who is dedicated to serving the members,” says President Hanley. “He pitches in and provides assistance whenever and wherever it’s needed.”
Shawn joined Local 175 in 2000 after a merger with UFCW 617P. He has more than a dozen years of experience in assisting members and negotiating good contracts. He became a member of UFCW Local 416P while working in the maintenance department of Robin Hood Multi-Foods in Port Colborne. He was later elected president of his Local,
In addition to his many day-to-day responsibilities, Shawn has also spear-headed major projects for the Local Union, which have included overseeing the design and construction of the new offices and training centre in Mississauga and managing the internal records and information systems.
Marcia Barry joins Benefits staff
Mark Stockton becomes Servicing Rep
On November 13, 2006, Marcia Barry began working for the Locals 175 & 633 Benefits Department. She will assist members with Workplace Safety Insurance Board (WSIB), Canada Pension Plan (CPP) Disability, and Employment Insurance (EI) claims appeals, as well as other matters.
Effective January 2, 2007, Mark Stockton has joined Local 175 as a Servicing Rep in the South Central Region. He is a member, from Food Basics #927 in Ajax, who has assisted the region as a Special Union Project Representative (SPUR) for the past several months.
Local 175 CAN helps out again
Thanks to the support of the UFCW Local 175 Community Action Network, the Working Women Community Centre was able to provide pre-apprenticeship training for new immigrants seeking a career as a Baker/Patissier. The graduation ceremony, on December 1, 2006, celebrated the achievements of the graduates, some of whom have already secured positions at local bakeries.
Locals 175 & 633 were the official “Local Presenting Sponsor” for both the September 9 walk in Peterborough and the October 5 event in Toronto.
Light the Night is the LLSC’s nationwide evening walk to celebrate and commemorate people whose lives have been touched by cancer
Many members participated in the two walks, which together raised pledged donations of more than $265,000. Approximately 150 people took part in the Peterborough walk at Del Crary Park. The Toronto walk attracted more than 900 participants. It started north of the Queen’s Park legislative buildings, continued down University Avenue and then detoured east to Elizabeth Street to travel past the east side of Sick Kids Hospital. Event organizers urged walk participants to look up to salute the many children who watched from the hallway on the top floor. The young patients waved small lights to thank and encourage the walkers below, and they in turn waved back. “It was a poignant and memorable moment, watching the children and walkers signalling to each other,” says Local 175 Secretary-Treasurer Jerry Clifford. Check the Locals 175 & 633 Web site for 2007 leukemia fundraising events.
FEBRUARY 2007
FUNDRAISING
Locals 175 & 633 raise $265,000 at 2006 Light the Night Events
CONFERENCES
Strength through diversity is the theme for this year’s stewards’ seminars
Nearly 500 stewards from the Eastern and Central West Regions participated in the annual seminars in 2006 More than 200 stewards participated in the Eastern Region seminar, in Kingston on November 4-5. Another 230 attended the Central West Region seminar in Niagara Falls from November 25-26. At both seminars the leadership spoke to the delegates about the value and strength inherent in the diversity within our Union and the greater community. “I am proud of the work done by the Local 175 Community Action Network,” said President Wayne
Hanley. “Disharmony within and among unions cannot and will not make us stronger. We cannot ask others to join us in solidarity if we have yet to fully recognize the potential strength that comes from having the diverse membership that we do.” Laura Morton, who works at A&P in Georgetown, presented a summary of the Youth Committee’s activities and goals at the Eastern Region seminar. She asked for the continued support of the members in involving youth in
their workplace. Nathan Monson of Food Basics in Brampton spoke on behalf of the Youth Committee at the Central West seminar. At both seminars, stewards and staff worked hard to raise in excess of $42,000 for leukemia research. Their fundraising efforts were augmented by donations of $6,000 from members at Maple Leaf Pork in Burlington and $2,400 from Maple Lodge Farms in Brampton.
CONFERENCES
CENTRAL WEST
EASTERN REGION
FEBRUARY 2007
LETTERS
J
Dear Editor:
This past year I experienced some kind of knee problems resulting in surgery. While helpful, it did not totally clear up the problems and then the other knee began to cause problems as well. On the advice of my family doctor and an orthopedic surgeon I went on modified work. That’s when I found out how difficult it is to deal with the insurance company and my employer’s benefit department. Fortunately, thanks to the expert advice and assistance of our Union Rep Roy Reed, I was reimbursed for a good portion of the lost wages, which I had been denied. I sometimes hear people question the dues paid and benefits of being in the Union. This is just one example of the benefits of Union membership. Yours truly, Bill Bowes, A&P #179 in Owen Sound
J
Dear Mr. Mercier:
On behalf of the members of Belfast Fruit Inc. we would like to take this opportunity to say thank you for the work and support you gave us during the recent bargaining sessions. All the employees are grateful for the results we received as members of Local 175. We are happy to have this new contract in place. It was because of your hard work and determination, plus the assistance you gave us, that we were successful. We say thank you once again, and hope to work with you in the future. In solidarity, Julio Jiron, Union Steward, Belfast Fruit in Ottawa
J
Dear Mr. Wayne E. Hanley & UFCW Locals 175 & 633
I would like to take this opportunity and formally thank you for selecting me as the recipient of the Mckay/Thompson/Hoebink/ Gibson Scholarship. It enabled me to pay for my tuition, fees and books. Currently I am attending the University of Windsor and I am majoring in General Science. And it is because of your gracious consideration and award that I am able to attend classes as a full-time student. Thus once again, I thank you very much as a student and also as a fellow Union member. Sincerely, Pawel Borkulak & Family, A&P #341 in Windsor
J
Dear Locals 175 & 633 UFCW Canada
I would like to take this time to thank you for allowing me to receive the Mckay/Thompson/ Hoebink/Gibson scholarship money. Getting into university itself can be a difficult task but we all have to pay for it. The cost of tuition, residence and books is extremely expensive. Any sum of money helps in big ways. I am pleased to be accepting this scholarship. It takes hard work from both ends for this reward and I greatly appreciate your generosity. There should be more foundations and unions like yours, which help students as they enter post-secondary studies. Once again, I want you to know how greatly appreciative I am of this award and your Union. Sincerely, Matt Storm, Son of Debbie Storm, IGA in Fort Erie
J
Dear Mr. Hanley,
I would like to provide my thanks for being a recipient of the Mckay/ Thompson/Hoebink/Gibson scholarship. It has helped cut the costs of my tuition by a tremendous amount and for that I am very grateful. My mother is an A&P cashier and she would also like to provide her thanks. Sincerely, Mary Edgar Daughter of Lilie Ying, A&P #173 in Parry Sound
J
Dear Shawn Haggerty:
I would like to take this opportunity to thank UFCW Union Local 175 for the scholarship award. It will undoubtedly be put towards good use in the very near future. I accept this investment in my education with great appreciation. It will assist in my drive to achieve my dreams. Sincerely, Crystal Esau, Daughter of Normande Esau, Aeroguard Eastern in Thunder Bay
J
To Whom It May Concern:
I received a letter in the mail stating that I am a recipient of the Mckay/ Thompson/Hoebink/Gibson scholarship. I wish to thank you very much for awarding me this much needed scholarship. I am deeply thankful as it will definitely help to pay for school. Sincerely, Jeannette Alblas, Formerly of Cangro/Kraft in Exeter
Once again last year, Locals 175 & 633 awarded 56 scholarships to members and their children who are pursuing post-secondary education. They are called the Mckay, Thompson, Hoebink and Gibson Scholarships and are valued at $1,000 each. Everyone has an equal opportunity to be chosen because the winners are selected by random draw. Applications are available from your Union representative, regional office or on the Web site. The deadline to apply for this year’s scholarships is August 1, 2007. More than $362,000 has been awarded in the eight years that President Hanley has been the president of Local 175.
The names of the 2006 scholarship winners follow.
Central East Region
Central West Region Grace Chua whose father ChinSeng Chua works at Cargill Food in Rexdale. Ashley DaCosta who works at A&P #193 in Huntsville.
Jason Birch, whose mother Trudy Birch works at PharmaPlus #0034 in North Bay, with Union Rep Mona Bailey.
Quinn de Vries whose mother Lind de Vries works at Laidlaw in Welland. Victor Espinoza whose mother Susana Espinoza works at Hallmark Housekeeping in Toronto.
Mary Edgar whose mother Lilie Ying works at A&P #173 in Parry Sound.
Daniel Leveille, whose mother Lynn Climenhaga works at Pharma Plus #1651 in Fort Erie, with former Secretary-Treasurer, Jerry Clifford.
Poly Hughes who works at Pharma Plus #2100 in Mississauga, with Servicing Rep Sam Caetano. Lao Kiet Lam who works at Galco Food Products in Brampton with Union Rep Mona Bailey. Cynthia Cye-Nga Chan who works at PharmaPlus #919 in Agincourt with Union Rep Mona Bailey. Ariell Choy whose father Dennis Choy works at Ready Bake Foods Inc. in Mississauga.
Trevor Lutes whose mother Lynn Ann Lutes works at Western Waffles in Brantford.
Victor Mwila who works at Dollar Thrifty #75500 in Mississauga. Blair Robitaille who works at Zellers #211 in Barrie. Rafael Sherratt whose father Thomas Sherratt works at Remembrance Services in Toronto.
Lina Wei Ip whose father Wayne Ip works at Quality Meat Packers in Toronto.
CONTINUES ON NEXT PAGE A
FEBRUARY 2007
SCHOLARSHIPS
2006 Scholarships
SCHOLARSHIPS
Central West Region
A CONTINUES FROM PREVIOUS PAGE
Central West Regional Director, Harry Sutton with Jenna Pettit and mother Janice Pettit who works at Pharma Plus #1560 in Stoney Creek.
Central West Regional Director, Harry Sutton with Crystal Quist and father Wisdom Quist who works at Pepsi in Hamilton.
Central West Regional Director, Harry Sutton with Joseph Saliba, whose mother Georgette Saliba works at Price Choppers #7837 in Burlington.
Matthew Storm, whose mother Debbie Storm works at IGA in Fort Erie, with Union Rep Sam Caetano.
Eastern Region Cindy Tanguay who works at Trenton Military Family Resource Centre.
Kyle Buchanan, whose father Tom Buchanan works at A&P #404 in Belleville, with former SecretaryTreasurer, Jerry Clifford.
Erin Mosier, whose mother Donna Mosier works at Rosebridge Manor in Jasper, with former Secretary-Treasurer, Jerry Clifford.
Stephen Burgin who works at Food Basics #892 in Lindsay.
Leigha Tregunna, whose father Paul Tregunna works at A&P #159 in Gananoque, with Union Steward Geraldine Dickson.
Sandra Zeigler whose mother Joan Valdstyn works at Jonnson’s YIG in Kemptville.
North West Region
Joshua Clayton who works at A&P #143 in Port Hope, with former Secretary-Treasurer, Jerry Clifford.
Maureen Vanessa Reyes Corea, whose father Jose Nelson Reyes Corea works at Westin Hotel in Ottawa, with Union Rep Simon Baker.
Renee Cote who works at Best Western Hotel in Dryden.
Jannette Nicole White, whose father Lewis Craig White works at Minute Maid in Peterborough, with former Secretary-Treasurer, Jerry Clifford.
Crystal Marie Esau whose father Normande Esau works at Aeroguard Eastern Ltd. in Thunder Bay. Julie Denise Guertin who works at Landriault’s YIG in Kapuskasing. Kirkland Petrin who works at Canada Safeway #674 in Fort Frances. Shannen Pudas whose mother Cindy Pudas works at Renco Foods in Thunder Bay.
Ellen Rodgerson who works at A&P #152 in Kingston with Union Rep Paul Hardwick.
Michael Tenhave whose mother Judy McGuire works at A&P #422 in Thunder Bay.
Jeannette Alblas who works at Cangro/Kraft in Exeter.
Yussra Atta with father Farrag Atta who works at Sun Valley Foods in London.
South Central Region Anthony Purr who works at R.C.S.S. #566 in Leamington.
Korie Sheffer, whose mother Tracey Sheffer works at A&P #240 in Sarnia, with Union Rep Kevin Dowling.
Pawel Borkulak who works at A&P #341 in Windsor.
Cassie Matheson who works at Zehrs #506 in Sarnia with Union Rep Kevin Dowling. Imaan Mohamoud who works at Zellers #339 in Windsor.
Adam Capoferri who works at Food Basics #906 in Hamilton.
Alan Firmani whose mother Kelly Firmani works at Food Basics #616 in Grimsby.
Cangun Kanmaz, whose father Haves Kanmaz works at A&P #109 in Oshawa, with Servicing Rep Mark Stockton.
Thomas Gallagher who works at Fortino’s #56 in Burlington.
Maciej Szydlowski, whose father Marian Szydlowski works at Cuddy Foods in London, with Union Rep Kevin Dowling.
Steven Kirwan, who works at Food Basics #871 in Mississauga, with Servicing Rep Mario Tardelli. Maxwell Infanti who works at Fortino’s #40 in Stoney Creek.
Matthew Thomas who works at Zehrs #573 in St. Clair Beach. Bo Xu whose father Dianshen Xu works at Better Beef in Guelph.
Amanda Otte whose mother Cathy Otte works at A&P #137 in St. Thomas. Michelle Palmer whose father Fred Palmer works at Food Basics #633 in Cambridge. Scott Wharram whose father Kent Wharram works at A&P #124 in Tillsonburg.
Huang Xiaotong who works at A&P #62 in Toronto, with Union Steward Brad Willmore and Union Rep Angela Mattioli. Scholarship winners and staff who attended the North West Region Region conference included from left: Michael Tenhave, Union Rep David Noonan, Crystal Marie Esau, North West Region Director and SecretaryTreasurer, Shawn Haggerty, Shannen Pudas, Renee Cote and Union Rep Colby Flank.
FEBRUARY 2007
SCHOLARSHIPS
South West Region
Local 175 is fighting for safer workplaces On November 16, 2006, UFCW Canada Local 175 members, along with those from other unions, travelled to the Ontario legislature at Queen’s Park for the second reading of Bill 30. This proposed legislation, known as “An Act to reduce the incidence of needlestick injuries” is a private members bill introduced by NDP Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) Shelley Martel. If passed, it would make the use of safety needles mandatory in all workplaces where workers are exposed to blood-borne pathogens. There are currently at least 33 known blood-borne pathogens, such as HIV, that can be contracted from a used syringe. These pathogens can contribute to the onset of life-threatening diseases, such as AIDS, as well as Hepatitis B and C. This Bill, if passed into law, would prevent 33,000 injuries per year and save Ontario taxpayers, literally, millions of dollars. Ontario currently spends some $66 million every year on workers who have suffered needlestick injuries. This doesn’t include WSIB costs associated with lost-time claims or the emotional cost of months of testing that workers and their families must endure. Ms. Martel said: “Needles pose a danger to everyone who comes into contact with the instruments until they are safely destroyed or buried. That includes all hospital staff,
UFCW Local 175 members sat in the visitor’s galley to hear discussion on Bill 30.
NDP MPP Cheri DiNovo (Parkdale-High Park) said children in playgrounds are affected by the lack of legislation. She said they should not have to endure blood tests, anti-viral medication and a longsix-month wait to find out if they’ve been infected from the poke of a dirty syringe. refuse collection personnel and even members of the public. She said 20 months have passed, with no action by the government, despite the Toronto Star report that said: “This one is a no-brainer: Replace conventional needles with safe versions, the sooner the better.” The Bill successfully passed the second reading and will now go to a committee of the legislature to determine
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NDP leader Howard Hampton listens as MPP Shelly Martel (Nickel Belt) urges a swift passage of Bill 30. if a new law will be enacted. Read more about this important issue, including the complete Hansard report of the discussion in the legislature, at: www.saferneedles.ca Be sure to revisit the Locals 175 & 633 Web site – www.ufcw175. com for the latest information and updates on current health care issues. If you have issues or concerns regarding your safety in the workplace, speak to your Union Rep or the Local 175 Health & Safe Representative, Janice Klenot.