THE NEWS MAGAZINE FOR MEMBERS OF LOCALS 175 & 633 UFCW CANADA
C H E C K O U T
VOLUME XVII NO. 1 FEBRUARY
2008
Leadership Update:
Brother Shawn Haggerty elected President of Local 175...................Page 3
Sister Teresa Magee now SecretaryTreasurer of Local 175 .............. Page 3
Locals 175 & 633 Announce 2007 Scholarship Winners.................Page 15
CONTENTS
President’s Message............................................................................... 4 Secretary-Treasurer’s Message................................................................... 5 People Shawn Haggerty & Teresa Magee elected President and Secretary-Treasurer by Local 175 Executive Board...... 3 President Hanley announces he is stepping down as President of Local 175 to concentrate on his role as UFCW Canada National President.......................... 6 Conferences OFL Delegates endorse card-check based certification................................... 7 Seminars Inspire Stewards............................................................................. 9
Workplace News Local 175 Health Care members offer caring support to Seniors..................... 10 Ontario Regulation 474/07, Occupational Health & Safety Act..................... 11
Negotiations
12
Scholarships
15
Community Local 175 members support CBTU Dinner......................... In the Community: Happy Diwali!..................................... UFCW Representatives educate WWCC students about workers’ rights................................................................. Local 175 and the Somali Soccer Tournament................... Local 175 supports Fast Forward Student Success...............
2
18 18 18 19 20
LOCAL 175 President Shawn Haggerty Secretary-Treasurer Teresa Magee Recorder Betty Pardy Executive Assistants Jim Hastings Harry Sutton UFCW Local 633 President Dan Bondy Secretary-Treasurer Marylou Mallett Recorder Neil Hotchkiss Provincial Office 2200 Argentia Road Mississauga L5N 2K7 905-821-8329 Toll free 1-800-565-8329 Fax 905-821-7144 Benefits Representatives Sherree Backus, Roy Etling, Joanne Ford Benefits Intake Representative Orsola Augurusa Legal Counsel Victoria Shen Communications Representatives Cheryl Mumford, Jennifer Tunney Servicing Representative Lien Huynh Health & Safety Representative Janice Klenot Legal Counsel Marcia Barry, Michael Hancock, Rebecca Woodrow, Natalie Wiley Legal Representative Fernando Reis Organizing Representatives Rick Hogue, Steve Robinson CENTRAL EAST REGION Director Luc Lacelle Union Representatives Jehan Ahamed, Mona Bailey, John DiFalco, Anthony DiMaio, John DiNardo, Emmanuelle Lopez, Rob Nicholas, Dave White SOUTH CENTRAL REGION Director Sylvia Groom Union Representative Judith Burch Servicing Representatives Angela Mattioli, Brenda Simmons, Mark Stockton, Mario Tardelli TRAINING & EDUCATION CENTRE Coordinator of Education Kelly Nicholas
Published six times yearly. ISSN no. 1703-3926 CHECKOUT is an official publication of Locals 175 & 633 of the United Food & Commercial Workers. Web site: www.ufcw175.com E-mail: membership@ufcw175.com CENTRAL WEST REGION 412 Rennie Street Hamilton L8H 3P5 905-545-8354 Toll free 1-800-567-2125 Fax 905-545-8355 Director Paul Jokhu Union Representatives Matt Davenport, Tim Deelstra, Joe DeMelo, Linval Dixon, Dan Serbin, Kelly Tosato Servicing Representative Sam Caetano EASTERN REGION 20 Hamilton Avenue North Ottawa K1Y 1B6 613-725-2154 Toll free 1-800-267-5295 Fax 613-725-2328 Director Dan Lacroix Union Representatives Simon Baker, Chris Fuller, Paul Hardwick, Marilyn Lang, Daniel Mercier Servicing Representative Jacques Niquet SOUTH WEST REGION 124 Sydney Street South Kitchener N2G 3V2 519-744-5231 Toll free 1-800-265-6345 Fax 519-744-8357 Director Ray Bromley Union Representatives Wendy Absolom, Kevin Dowling, Julie Johnston, Angus Locke, Roy Reed, Rick Wauhkonen Representative Mike Duden NORTH WEST REGION Lakehead Labour Centre 21-929 Fort William Road Thunder Bay P7B 3A6 807-346-4227 Toll free 1-800-465-6932 Fax 807-346-4055 Director Harry Sutton Union Representatives Colby Flank, David Noonan Education Representatives Georgina Broeckel, Gail Carrozzino, Derek Jokhu, Ashleigh Vink cep Local 571
Leadership Update: Shawn Haggerty elected Local 175 President At the November 20, 2007, Local 175 Executive Board meeting, President Wayne Hanley recommended Secretary-Treasurer Shawn Haggerty as his successor. The Executive Board subsequently and unanimously elected Brother Haggerty to the position of Local 175 President. President Hanley says: “Shawn is an extremely capable and caring individual who is dedicated to serving the members. He pitches in and provides assistance whenever and wherever it’s needed. I know he will do a fine job as Local 175 President.” Brother Haggerty, who has more than a decade of experience negotiating for the rights of UFCW members, first gained exposure to Unions while working as an electrician in the maintenance department at Robin Hood Multi-Foods in Port Colborne. He was the President of UFCW Local 416P and also the Secretary-Treasurer for UFCW Local 617P until the merger with Local 175 in 2000. He then became a Local 175 Union Representative and later North West Regional Director in 2003. In 2005, he was appointed Executive Assistant to President Hanley. In 2006, after the retirement of Secretary-Treasurer Jerry Clifford, the Local 175 Executive Board elected Shawn to fill the position of Secretary-Treasurer. In addition to his responsibilities as President of Local 175, Shawn sits as a Trustee on several benefit plan boards and also serves on the Labour-Management Advisory Committee for the Ministry of Labour for the Province of Ontario.
Teresa Magee elected Local 175 Secretary-Treasurer The Executive Board unanimously elected Sister Teresa Magee to the position of Secretary-Treasurer. She has served as Executive Assistant to the President since 2005. “Sister Magee is an exceptional negotiator and communicator. She always puts the members first and has the experience and skills to get the job done – no matter how great the challenge,” says President Haggerty. Previously, from 2001, Teresa was Director of the South West Region. There she worked with six Union reps and three clerical staff to ensure that the Kitchener Office delivered a high level of membership service. She joined UFCW Local 175 in 1990 as a Union Representative in the Central Region. In addition to her many responsibilities with Local 175, which include participation in the CAN Committee, Teresa is also on the Board of Directors for the Working Women Community Centre.
FEBRUARY 2008
3
President’s Message
In 2008, we will continue to build on current success, expand into new areas of importance and focus on priorities SHAWN HAGGERTY
It is with great pride that I accept the position of President of this great Local Union.
Local 175 has always had the welldeserved reputation of being one of the best – many would say the very best – Local Union in the Labour movement. I plan to continue this proud record of achievement and service to all our members. I along with our staff will continue to dedicate ourselves to bettering the lives of the members of both Locals 175 & 633. While Local 633 is a separate Local Union with its own officers, Local 175 officers and staff also serve Local 633 members through a servicing agreement. In 2008, and the years beyond, I look forward to working with all staff and members to achieve the very best collective agreements in the Province of Ontario. My priorities for the upcoming year are to build on existing strengths and to expand and focus in specific areas. The Local Union enjoys a solid financial base to fund its many programs. Over the past few years, we have invested heavily in Training & Education for both members and staff. Local 175 staff are, without doubt, the best trained in the province and they are dedicated to serving the membership. We will continue to build on these strengths.
Across the board, we want to be more systematic in researching collective agreements and be more innovative in introducing contract improvements. Our goal is to achieve the best contracts for all members. To do this, both Union reps and members need to know what is available and achievable, in their industry and across the country, and within the various sectors as well. This strategy will mean that our Union Negotiating Committees will be in a stronger bargaining position when they sit down with the employer representatives to hammer out new collective agreements.
The high Canadian dollar has created difficulties for many of our employers and for members as a result. We will continue to dedicate resources to Adjustment Programs and Action Centres so that members affected by these layoffs are able to access relevant training, develop job search strategies and ultimately find suitable new employment.
Health & Safety will continue to be an essential priority. Our H&S representative, Janice Klenot will be doing even more work with committees representing our numerous workplaces. We know the H&S training we do is very important in reducing accidents and injuries and saving lives. It makes sense to invest in H&S training. More than 70 percent of our members who have taken training courses continue to be active on their workplace Joint Health & Safety Committees.
As companies continue with layoffs and downsizings, it becomes
Political Action is yet another area where
We plan to expand the role of the Community Action Network (CAN), to reach out to more groups and become involved in more events. At the same time, we will encourage members to link their diverse community organizations with the work of the CAN Committee.
4
even more important to strengthen our Organizing efforts to bring new members into our Union. We are making good progress by coordinating our Organizing efforts province-wide. We are continuing to focus on our core industries, particularly with non-union retail chains like Sobeys and Wal-Mart. Health Care is also a key sector for us. We plan to increase our involvement in Health Care and strengthen the units we have now.
Secretary-Treasurer’s Message
2008: Will be a year of change & challenge It is a time of change and new challenges for us in the trade union movement and certainly within Local 175. Brother Shawn Haggerty, who is our new President, is a man of vision and dedication who is well-experienced within the UFCW and the labour movement. Our membership reached approximately 50,000 under former President Hanley’s tenure. I will be working with Local 175 staff to maintain and even increase these numbers. Having a large, educated membership base enables us to negotiate better contracts for all and also to provide many other services, such as our extensive education program. Attracting new members into our Union is a necessity. For the past several years we have lost thousands of members due to plant closings and downsizings. Job loss in Ontario is yet another negative effect of participating in a global economy and it is a trend, sadly, that shows no sign of diminishing. The Community Action Network committee, which was established two years ago by our Local Union, is an important initiative for involving both existing and
potential new members in our diverse union. Brother Naveen Mehta has made presentations on Local 175’s Diversity strategy at Local Union seminars and conferences. As the demographics of TERESA MAGEE the Ontario workforce change, so does our membership. I know that both will become increasingly diverse, and include more young workers of various backgrounds, cultures and ethnic groups. Our success in attracting and involving these new members depends on our ability to welcome them to our Union. In the instance of newer immigrants, who may not have enjoyed Union rights in the past, it may also be necessary to educate them about the benefits of belonging to a good Union. I hope you will share your many positive Union experiences with your family and friends so that we can continue Ontario’s tradition of a strong Union culture, for the benefit of all.
. . . President’s Message continued from previous page
we need to focus our energy. For instance, many Local 175 members will not benefit from the new Ontario statutory holiday – Family Day – which was implemented after the 2007 election campaign. This extra holiday generally only covers those employees who now have only the barest minimum under the Employment Standards Act. We need to take action to ensure that the government treats our members with the respect they deserve. Similarly, there is no good reason why only the construction industry in Ontario is permitted to form a Union in their workplaces on the basis of a cardcheck certification process. All of Ontario’s workers should have the right to join a Union when a majority
sign Union cards. The requirement to hold a vote in a workplace, once a majority has signed cards, is undemocratic in that it enables employers to harass, intimidate and threaten. We will have staff representatives participating in various committees, such as Political Action and H&S through the UFCW National Council. This will enable us to combine the strength and knowledge of UFCW Locals from across the country and I believe to be more effective in what we do as a result. I am looking forward to speaking to and meeting with many of you over the course of the next year.
FEBRUARY 2008
5
PEOPLE
President Hanley announces he is stepping down as President of Local 175 to concentrate on role as UFCW Canada National President On November 20, 2007, President Wayne Hanley advised the Locals 175 & 633 Executive Board that he would step aside as President of Local 175, effective December 31, 2007. He will now focus his considerable energy, skills and experience on his role as National President of UFCW Canada.
Action Network (CAN), an initiative of Local 175. Through the funding of, and involvement with, cultural, community and educational projects President Hanley’s goal is to unite the many members of Locals 175 & 633 through diversity.
He told the Executive Board: “It has been an honour and privilege to serve as the President of Local 175. The gains and accomplishments we have made for our members during my terms as President are a tribute to you, your hard work, support and our commitment to a shared vision.” Brother Hanley became President of Local 175 in 1999 and was re-elected by the members in 2000. Again in 2004, the membership showed their support for his great work and leadership by electing him to another four-year term as President of the Local Union. Since 1999, his leadership of Local 175 has brought a great growth in membership, an excellent servicing record and record-breaking fundraising achievements for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada (LLSC). President Hanley successfully led the Local to raise a total of $375,000 for the LLSC in 2007. He has also championed many firsts in the area of Labour Education. The Training & Education department grew exponentially under President Hanley’s guidance. More than 8,000 members took part in Union-provided courses in 2007.
Wayne Hanley
Prior to becoming President of Local 175, Brother Hanley served as Secretary-Treasurer from 1992 through 1999. He first became a member of the Local Union in 1976 while working as a parttime grocery clerk at Miracle Food Mart (now A&P). He became a Union Organizer in 1984, a Rep in 1986, Local Union Pay Equity Coordinator in 1987, A&P Grievance Chair in 1988 and Director of the Central Region in 1990. Wayne continues to serve as a Trustee on numerous Pension and Health and Welfare plans. He is on the Board of Directors for the Canadian Food Industry Council and the Textile Human Resources Council. Brother Hanley is active in international issues as well. He is an International Executive Vice President and one of the five-member UFCW International Executive Committee. It represents the interests of 2.4 million members working throughout North America and is headquartered in Washington, DC. Wayne also participates in ongoing negotiations with both Mexican and Canadian governent officials to improve working conditions for migrant farmworkers.
In 2006, President Hanley launched the Community
Ottawa member recognized for outstanding service Fiby Labib, a desk clerk and steward from the Westin Ottawa was chosen by the Ottawa Gatineau Hotel Association for the 2007 Star of the City award. Fiby came to the rescue of a vacationing Mexican couple who had forgotten to retrieve their passports, wedding ring and other valuables from a safe at their previous hotel. Without their passports, they were likely to miss their scheduled bus tour to Niagara Falls, and possibly their flight home as well.
6
Fiby wasn’t able to arrange a courier in time for their bus departure. So she decided to drive to Montreal and retrieve the documents herself. The trip cost Fiby a $300 speeding ticket but she says if she had to do it again, she would. “Fibi really exemplifies what being a Union steward is about,” says Regional Director Dan Lacroix. “She took initiative and did a great thing for this couple and we are proud to have her as a member. I’m sure her generosity and giving spirit make her an excellent steward.”
Locals 175 & 633 delegates participated in the Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL) convention from November 26-30, 2007. The OFL is the voice of the 700,000 organized workers in the province. Every two years it convenes to set policy as Ontario’s central “House of Labour.” At this recent convention, delegates voted unanimously in support of the UFCW Canada resolution calling on the provincial government to restore card-check based certification for all workers in Ontario. Local 175 Servicing Representative Lien Huynh spoke passionately on this issue. She said: “In non-unionized workplaces, where there is no union representation, the burden of upholding just and fair labour practices rests on the limited interpretation and enforcement of the Ontario Employment Standards Act. More often than not, non-unionized workers face unjust termination, harassment or bullying by management or peers. This cumulative threat of losing livelihood, fear of isolation and unwanted attention takes root in the hearts and minds of workers long before a Union organizing drive commences.
witness their employer freely engaging in union-busting tactics such as bribery, verbal or physical harassment, and termination of employment – all without having to suffer any substantial financial loss or punishment. We have a responsibility to unite and fight to reinstate card check union certification to remove this rule of fear and intimidation. As Burma opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi once said: ‘It’s not power that corrupts, it is fear. Fear of losing power corrupts those who wield it and fear of the scourge of power corrupts those who are subject to it.’ To regain the right to join a Union without fear or harassment is not something to do later, or for someone else to do, but we, as trade unionists, must demand this basic right for all workers now!” During the Thursday lunch break, delegates marched to Queen’s Park to protest the inaction of the Dalton McGuinty Liberals on a few fronts. These included: provincial funding decisions that prevent adequate levels of care for frail seniors who live in long-term care facilities and also the lack of card-based certification for all Ontario workers.
Non-unionized workers are conditioned to believe their only option is to either continue their current job or look for other even less meaningful employment. An organizing drive helps workers understand there is an alternative – to fight back! The week of the vote, however, reactivates many workers’ deeply-rooted fears, as they
I would like to thank you for the Outstanding Member Award, which I recently received. I was nominated by one of my fellow workers and was very surprised when notified that I had been chosen to receive it. The UFCW does so much for so many people. The amount of training provided is truly amazing. It has helped so many of us to better ourselves. When I first started taking my training I had no idea what my rights were as a worker. Because of what this Union has done for me personally I have been able to educate myself and others as well. This education has made me want to do more for my brothers and sisters.
Now as an instructor I can spread the knowledge that I've obtained to others. I know that this Union is growing stronger every day and as time goes on our members grow stronger too. They say knowledge is power and power is strength. In unity we have power. In diversity we have strength. With this we are able to help our families and our community. Keep up the great work that you do and thank you again for this award.
LETTERS
To the attention of President Shawn Haggerty
Judith Moore, Pinty’s Fine Foods, St. Catharines
FEBRUARY 2008
17
CONFERENCES
OFL Delegates endorse card-check based certification
CONFERENCES
Central West & South Central Regions
Eastern Region
18
CONFERENCES
Seminars Inspire Stewards Approximately 400 stewards attended Stewards Seminars this year in Kingston, on November 3 & 4 and in Niagara Falls on December 1 & 2. More than 100 of these stewards were participating for the first time. The weekends’ agendas included registration on Friday night and early Saturday; a plenary session to officially open the conferences on Saturday; and then classroom sessions beginning about mid-morning and continuing into the late afternoon, with an additional session on Sunday morning. The two days of courses included everything from Stewards Level 1 training to courses that focus on WSIB, health & safety, youth, and grievance and arbitration procedures. At both seminars, incoming President Shawn Haggerty discussed the ongoing need to organize non-unionized workers and the progress made by the UFCW National Office with respect to migrant workers. Later on in the day, Organizing Representative Rick Hogue visited each classroom to talk with the stewards about the importance of organizing. He told them that their role as Union leaders in their workplaces makes them a vital resource for establishing new leads and new campaigns. Eastern Regional Direction Dan Lacroix noted: “These seminars are a great mix of people who were able to bring their ideas together and discuss problems they face in the workplace.” Leukemia fundraising was an important part of the weekend. “Every year the stewards and members become more generous when it comes to Leukemia fundraising,” says President Haggerty. “And this year was no exception.” Through prize draws and a silent auction, members helped raise almost $50,000 at the two seminars.
FEBRUARY 2008
91
WORKPLACE NEWS
Local 175 Health Care members offer caring support to Seniors Local 175 represents about 2,500 members who work in the health care sector, most in retirement residences and long-term care facilities. Stewards from this sector will meet in Mississauga later this year to discuss issues and concerns and learn more about available resources and methodologies for managing the changes and challenges that affect their workplaces. In the kitchen of the retirement residence, Cooks Steve Smith, Cassandra Amaral and Marie Smith prepare tasty meals
Personal Caregiver Marlene Stoodley with retired resident
Retirement residences in Ontario offer relatively mobile seniors a high degree of independence. Our members who work in these facilities, such as Erin Mills Lodge Retirement Residence, provide a substantial amount of care and comfort to the residents. Members clean the suites, prepare and serve meals, administer medication, conduct activity programs and provide additional personal or nursing care when needed or requested. Residents socialize together and participate in programs such as walking, fitness, current events discussion, bridge, euchre and billiards, to name just a few.
Nursing Home Workers Mildred Knight and Connie Perreira serve lunch
Erin Mills Nursing Home, which is located adjacent to the retirement residence, is a long-term care facility for those requiring a greater degree of assistance and support. Below, Personal Service Workers Virginia Oliver, Gertrude Takyi-Berko and Norma Navas with one of the Nusing Home residents
Approximately 160 Local 175 members work in the two facilities which provide130 suites in the retirement residence and 86 beds in the nursing home. Members in both facilities are generous with the smiles, hugs, laughter and support that they willingly extend to the residents.
Joan Allen and Agnes Villaneuva are kept up-to-date in the Nursin
To the right, Hair Stylist Patricia Elliot uses a quiet moment in the salon to touch up the hair of Housekeeping co-worker Alice Kayitale
110
Thanks to the efforts of Local 175 – and other like-minded workplace safety advocates – health care workers will be better-protected from needlestick injuries at work. Definition 1. In this Regulation, "safety-engineered needle" means, (a) a hollow-bore needle that, (i) is designed to eliminate or minimize the risk of a skin puncture injury to the worker, and (ii) is licensed as a medical device by Health Canada, or (b) a needleless device that, (i) replaces a hollow-bore needle, and (ii) is licensed as a medical device by Health Canada. Application 2. This Regulation applies to the following facilities: 1. Every hospital as defined in the Public Hospitals Act. 2. Every private hospital as defined in the Private Hospitals Act. 3. Every institution as defined in the Mental Hospitals Act. 4. Homewood Health Centre Inc. Provision of safety-engineered needles 3. (1) When a worker is to do work requiring the use of a hollow-bore needle, the employer shall provide the worker with a safetyengineered needle that is appropriate for the work. (2) Subsection (1) does not apply if the employer is unable, despite making efforts that are reasonable in the circumstances, to obtain a safety-engineered needle that is appropriate for the work. Use of safety-engineered needle 4. (1) A worker who has been provided with a safety-engineered needle for work described in subsection 3 (1) shall use the safetyengineered needle for the work. (2) Despite subsection (1), the worker may use a hollow-bore needle that is not a safety-engineered needle if he or she believes on reasonable grounds that, in the particular circumstances, the use
of a safety-engineered needle would pose a greater risk of harm than the use of the hollow-bore needle. (3) In subsection (2), "risk of harm" refers to either or both of the following risks: 1. A risk of harm to the worker or to another worker. 2. If the work involves the use of a needle on a person, a risk of harm to him or her. (4) The employer shall develop, establish and provide training for workers to assist them in applying subsection (2). Exceptions, emergencies and risks to health 5. (1) Subsection 3 (1) does not apply if all of the following conditions are satisfied: 1. The facility is located in a part of Ontario in which, i. a declaration of emergency made under the Emergency Management & Civil Protection Act is in effect, or ii. a situation exists that constitutes or may constitute a serious risk to public health, whether the Chief Medical Officer of Health has taken action under section 77.1 of the Health Protection & Promotion Act or not. 2. The employer's supplies of safety-engineered needles appropriate for the work have been exhausted. 3. The risk of harm from postponing the work until a safetyengineered needle appropriate for the work becomes available is greater than the risk of harm from using a hollow-bore needle that is not a safety-engineered needle. (2) In paragraph 3 of subsection (1), "risk of harm" refers to any or all of the following risks: 1. A risk of harm to the worker or to another worker. 2. If the work involves the use of a needle on a person, a risk of harm to him or her. 3. An immediate or potential risk to the public or to the public interest. Commencement This Regulation comes into force on September 1, 2008.
a ensure resident records ng Home
Personal Service Worker Madge Graham Activities Co-ordinator Naheed Sheikh with retirement home resident
Waitress Helena Marciniak serves food and beverages in the elegant dining room of the retirement residence
FEBRUARY 2008
11 1
WORKPLACE NEWS CONFERENCES
Ontario Regulation 474/07, Occupational Health & Safety Act
CONFERENCES NEGOTIATIONS
For all the most recent UFCW news, including more up-to-date and detailed
First collective New members at Liberté Natural Foods celebrate a agreement for new great first contract members at Parkway Members at Liberté Natural Foods in Brampton were successful in achieving a first collective agreement The 16-member bargaining unit at eight Parkway Parking locations in Toronto ratified their first collective agreement on November 8, 2007. It provides a number of improvements for the newly organized workers, which include: • Annual wage increases – a minimum of 3 per cent, with red-circled workers receiving a 3 per cent lump sum paid bi-weekly. • New hourly premiums of 50 cents for training and also for night shift hours worked between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. • Eleven paid holidays per year including two religious float holidays. • The company pays 100 per cent of the premiums for health & welfare benefits including dental, prescription drug card and vision care. In addition, new language provides for continued company-paid coverage during certain leaves of absence or layoffs. • A $75-annual allowance for safety shoes. • Five days of Paid Absence Time (PAT) per year with the unused time paid out at 100 per cent at the end of the contract year. • To protect full-time jobs, a new provision addresses no part-time “back-to-back.” • Workers benefit from improved language regarding job postings, uniforms, leaves of absence, hours of work and overtime, vacation and bereavement leave. • Seniority language, including first right of senior employees to sever their employment voluntarily, with an enhanced severance package including one year of company-paid benefits, before a junior employee is laid off. • New provisions address a number of workplace issues including steward representation, grievance and arbitration language, bumping rights, paid lunch periods, guaranteed call-in and reporting pay. Union Negotiating Committee: Fikru Habtemariam, Asnake Seifu and Union Rep John DiFalco.
12 1
on December 2, 2007. The 55-page document covers the wages and working conditions which the Union Negotiating Committee achieved for the members. It affects approximately 45 full-time members of the bargaining unit who work for the food distribution company. The agreement includes: • A wage grid starting at a $15 base rate per hour for full-time, rising to $18.30, after 12 months service, as of January 1, 2010. • Employees with 12 months service receive increases of 50 cents per hour, effective as of the date of ratification in Year 1, 52 cents in Year 2 and 54 cents in Year 3 while those still in the wage progression receive an immediate increase of up to $1.25 per hour. • The Lead Hand/Warehouse position has a premium of $1.50 per hour; vacant positions are posted and filled in accordance with the collective agreement. • Additionally, all full-time employees who are on the payroll as of the date of ratification receive a lump sum payment of $150. The part-time wage grid ranges from start rates of $14 per hour, effective January 1, 2008 to $18.39 per hour for those who have worked 3,600 hours, effective January 1, 2010. • Students, who are employed from May 1 to September 1 each year, are paid $12 per hour. • Employees with seniority are paid their base hourly rate times their number of regularly scheduled hours for Ontario's nine statutory holidays, plus Civic holiday and a floater day. • A part-time worker who exceeds 28 hours for 12 consecutive weeks is reclassified as full-time, unless replacing a full-time employee. This first contract (detailed at www.ufcw175.com) covers numerous other significant issues affecting members in the workplace pertaining to life insurance, AD&D, long-term disability and extended health & dental plans, sick days, group retirement savings plan, work clothing and safety boot allowance. It sets parameters for Health & Safety, discipline procedures, contracting out, stewards and negotiating committee members. It also includes language related to hours of work, overtime, vacations, seniority, job vacancy postings, layoff & recall rights, leaves of absence and bereavement leave. Union Negotiating Committee: Sherwin Flight, Emmerson Baque and Union Rep Rob Nicholas.
Brown Shoe members secure wage and other improvements On October 2, 2007, members at Brown Shoe Company in Perth voted to ratify a new three-year collective agreement. They achieved: • Wage increases totalling $1 per hour, plus a new wage scale provides for shorter progression to the top rate. • A dental plan and health & welfare plan that is now 100 per cent company-funded. • The company will match employee contributions to their RRSP to a maximum of 25 cents per hour and the Life Insurance plan premium is now 100 per cent paid by the employer. • Workers with 12 years of service or more receive a fourth week of vacation per year. • New language incorporates Respect in the Workplace language into the agreement as well as provisions for the Union to seek alternative benefits for the membership. Union Negotiating Committee: Margaret Kerr and Bill Ballantyne. Absent from photo: Union Rep Simon Baker
Pharmacy technicians secure three-year contract Members at 12 Oak Pharmacies locations achieved a new three-year collective agreement at a meeting held Sunday, November 25, 2007. The more than 60 members of the bargaining unit, who work as pharmacy technicians in A&P-owned stores, secured: • Increases of 25 cents per hour, retroactive to September 24, 2006, 25 cents per hour retroactive to September 23, 2007 and 25 cents per hour effective on each of September 21, 2008 and September 20, 2009. • A wage adjustment of $8 per week for full-time workers effective January 11, 2009 and another $8 per week as of January 10, 2010. • Company contributions to the workers' dental plan increase by two cents per hour effective January 1, 2008. • Vision care coverage increases to $200 per 24-months. • Bereavement leave language improves to include step-parents and step-children as part of a member's immediate family. • New language addresses evening shift scheduling and filling full-time positions.
CONFERENCES NEGOTIATIONS CONFERENCES CONFERENCES
information on negotiations, visit our Web site: www.ufcw175.com
Meat Packers ratify new three-year contract At a ratification meeting held October 28, 2007, members at Quality Meat Packers and Toronto Abattoirs secured a new collective agreement. The more than 500-member bargaining unit gains a number of improvements in the new contract including: • Annual wages increases of 35 cents per hour, with a signing bonus of $250 paid following ratification and another $250 paid in January 2009. • A 10-cent per hour increase in company contributions to the pension plan, plus the dental plan contribution will rise to 32 cents per hour by the end of the contract. • The Good Attendance bonus for eligible employees is increased to $900 per year. • Tool allowance for Maintenance Groups 7 & 11 increases to $200 and $110 for all other maintenance classifications; vision care coverage increases to $170 and AD&D coverage increase to $35,000. • Improved language addresses wage classifications and team leaders while new language covers pay corrections and the Union Negotiating Committee.
Union Negotiating Committee: Valerie Wiermeir, South Central Regional Director Sylvia Groom and Executive Assistant Jim Hastings.
Pinty ’s workers approve three-year contract The approximately 200-member bargaining unit at Pinty’s Delicious Foods in St. Catharines achieved a three-year collective agreement following a ratification meeting held December 9, 2007. The negotiated contract includes the following highlights: • Wages increase by 35 cents per hour for all rates retroactive to November 5, 2007. Subsequent increases total 70 cents per hour for all rates over the life of the agreement. • Maintenance rates receive a market adjustment to $24 for 1 ticket and $25 for 2nd ticket, which will be applied prior to wage grid adjustments. • Company contributions to the workers’ dental plan increase to 32 cents per hour, up from 26 cents per hour, over the duration of the contract. • Life Insurance coverage increases by $5,000 to reach a maximum of $30,000 and workers benefit from the introductions of a new drug card.
Union Negotiating Committee: From front left, Plant Chairperson, Frank Menezes, Nouno Flamino, John Caldeira and Raul Frietas. Back row: Ying Jie Yang, Union Representative Dan Serbin and Executive Assistant to the President, Harry Sutton.
Grocery workers achieve new contracts Workers at O'Reilly’s Your Independent Grocer in Prescott ratified a new agreement on December 2, 2007, which includes: • Hourly increases to end rates for both full and part-time of 35 cents per hour, effective March 31, 2008, plus another 25 cents on March 31, 2009 and 2010 and an additional 30 cent increase on March 31, 2011, plus a lump sum payment of $125 for part-time employees in the wage scale progression. • Full-time employees and part-timers at the end rate both receive an additional 25 cents per hour on all hours worked between November 30, 2006 and March 30, 2008. • Employer contributions increase to 33 cents per hour for the dental plan and by 16 cents per hour for the Canadian Commercial Workers Industry Pension Plan (CCWIPP). • Significant new language includes No Harassment, personal job assurance for all existing full-time employees and new part-time wage scales in each year of the collective agreement. Union Negotiating Committee: Mary Alice Allan, Susan Chillson, Union Reps Simon Baker and Paul Hardwick along with Eastern Regional Director Dan Lacroix.
continued on page 14 . . .
FEBRUARY 2008
1 13
NEGOTIATIONS
For all the most recent UFCW news, visit our Web site: w w w. u f c w 1 7 5 . c o m
Members at Grenon’s YIG secure new contract Workers ratified a new collective agreement on December 9, 2007. Highlights include: • Retroactive pay increases of 25 cents per hour to end rates for both full and part-time workers with subsequent increases totalling $1.15 per hour. • Part-time workers in progression receive a lump sum payment of $125 and there is a new wage scale. • Company contributions to the workers' dental plan increase to 32 cents per hour effective January 1, 2008, and by 16 cents per hour for CCWIPP. • Significant new language includes personal job assurance for all existing full-time employees. Union Negotiating Committee: Carmen Faubert, Veronique Fortin, Union Rep Daniel Mercier and Eastern Regional Director Dan Lacroix.
Pinty ’s Fine Foods . . . continued from page 13
• New language provides job security and bumping rights for seniority employees whose jobs are eliminated. • Language improvements recognize Family Day as a statutory holiday and improved bereavement provisions now include step-parents and step-children. Union Negotiating Committee: Ron Bautista, Missy Christie, Kate Jones, Darlene Lorrain, Judith Moore and Union Representative Kelly Tosato.
Hotel workers at the Sudbury Radisson vote in favour of deal Hendriks’ YIG workers ratify improved agreement More than 100 bargaining unit workers at the Hendriks’ YIG store in Perth achieved a new contract on December 9, 2007, with: • Initial increases to end rates of 45 cents per hour for full-time and 35 cents per hour for parttime effective March 1, 2008. Both receive retroactive pay of 25 cents per hour back to June 2006. • Increases over the course of the rest of the contract total $1.35 per hour for full-time end rates and $1.10 per hour for part-time workers at the end rates. • Part-time employees in progressions receive a lump sum payment of $200. • In addition, there is a new part-time wage scale and hourly night crew premium increases to $1. • Language improvements provide an increased compliment of Union Stewards, reduced qualifiers for part-time bereavement leave and new premium pay for department manager relief. Union Negotiating Committee: Dave Vandusen, Gary Yuill and Union Representative Simon Baker.
Morello’s YIG workers gain new agreement On December 12, 2007, the more than 100 workers at Morello's YIG in Peterborough secured a new contract that will bring them wage and benefit increases, including: • A lump sum wage adjustment of 25 cents per hour paid retroactive for hours worked between August 17, 2006 and March 30, 2008; the minimum payment is $150. • Increases to the top rates – a total of $1.15 per hour. • Eligible workers receive a lump sum payment of $200 for full-time and $150 for part-time on March 31, 2011 and the premium for Department Head Relief increases to $50 per week. • Company contributions to the workers pension plan improve and the rate of contribution to the dental plan increases by 1 cent per hour. Union Negotiating Committee: Randy Ellis, Rosalind Heffernan, Union Rep Chris Fuller and Eastern Regional Director Dan Lacroix.
14
Members ratified a new three-year collective agreement on November 6, 2007, with the following improvements: • All wage classifications receive wage increases of between 2.75 and 4.5 per cent retroactive to August 20, 2007, with subsequent increases of 3 per cent in both the second and third year. • Those workers with 18 plus years of service are entitled to five weeks vacation paid at 10 per cent. • Improved language addresses steward representation, uniforms and bereavement leave. • Other language states the union and company will meet in further discussion to improve the health & welfare benefits plan. Union Negotiating Committee: Elaine Conley, Tammy LeClair, Richard Linekar, Racheal Strosouseand, Union Rep Dave White and Central East Region Director, Luc Lacelle.
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 will be in August 2008, with the exact date not yet determined. More than $418,000 has been awarded in the last nine years.
The names of the 2007 scholarship winners follow . Central East Region Mohamed Hersi, who works at Dollar Thrifty at Pearson International Airport in Mississauga. Yingying Fu, whose mother, Mingzhu Tang works at Olymel in Brampton.
Natasha Hanif whose mother, Veerone Hanif, works at La Rocca Creative Cakes in Markham, with Union Rep John DiNardo.
Aleksandra Jedruszek whose mother, Krystyna Mlodzikowska, works at J.H. McNairn Ltd. in Whitby.
Erika Mason whose mother Karen Mason works at Huntsville District Nursing home, with Union Rep Rob Nicholas.
Simone Smith, who works at Mississauga Transit, with Union Rep John DiNardo.
Palar Shah whose mother Neena Shah works at Pharma Plus #1438 in Mississauga.
Nicole Vandinther, whose mother Maria Vandinther works at Zellers #1211 in Barrie.
Angela Luan, with mother Anne Bushey who works at A&P #173 in Parry Sound. Judene Silva, whose mother Norma Silva works at Cargill Foods in Rexdale.
North West Region Jonathan Broten who is the son of Louella Broten, who works at Birchwood Terrace Nursing Home.
Jason Rodrigue,
Christopher Tyler Tafe, who is the son of Derrick Tafe, who works at Canada Malting Co. Ltd. Jason Rodrigue is the son of Denise Rodrigue, who works at Landriault YIG in Kapuskasing.
Danielle McEachern, who works at Quality Market in Kenora.
William Takacs is the son of Carole Takacs who works at A&P #422 in Thunder Bay.
Alberto Valenzuela, who works at Canada Safeway #674 in Fort Frances.
FEBRUARY 2008
15 1
SCHOLARSHIPS
2007 Scholarships
SCHOLARSHIPS
Central West Region
Kumudini Akuressa whose spouse Kapila De Silva Samararatne works at Sobeys Retail Support Centre in Milton, with Union Rep Joe Demelo. Nicole Andruszkiewicz who is the daughter of Helen Andruszkiewicz who works at Allan Candy Company Ltd. in Hamilton.
Jenn Crow, who works at Zellers store #45 in Brantford, with Union Rep Matt Davenport.
Eastern Region
Victor Espinoza, who is the son of Susana Espinoza, who works at Hallmark Housekeeping, with Union Rep Joe Demelo. Kimberly Farias, whose father Antonio Farias, works at Maple Lodge Farms in Mississauga.
Megan Gates, whose father Daniel Gates, works at Good HumorBreyers in Simcoe, with Union Rep Tim Deelstra.
In addition to scholarships awarded by Locals 175 & 633, awards are also provided by the UFCW Canada National Council and the UFCW International Union.
Alesha Feyen who works at Pharma Plus in Brighton, with President Shawn Haggerty. Fannie Francisco whose spouse AlPhil Francisco works at Minute Maid in Peterborough.
Jennifer Lochbihler, who works at Pharma Plus store #2410 in Burlington.
Marshall Mainprize, who works at Loeb Cornwall, with Union Servicing Rep Jacques Niquet.
Li Chang Wong, whose father Chan Jen Wong works at Quality Meat Packers in Toronto. Chan Jen (above) displays cheque, with Plant Chair Frank Menezes, Chief Steward John Caldeira and Union Rep Dan Serbin.
Emily Swayze, who is the daughter of Starr Swayze, who works at Grandview Lodge in Dunnville, with Union Rep Matt Davenport. Rose Yee, who is the daughter of Ling Yee, who works at Western Waffles in Brantford, with Union Rep Matt Davenport.
Lacey Foster, with Eastern Regional Director Dan Lacroix, was one of the winners of the Beggs Dowling Mathieu Scholarships offered by the National Council. Her father works at Madoc COPE Corporation.
Jessica Van Lanen who works at O’Reilly’s Y.I.G. in Prescott with Union Rep Dave White. .
Owen Wetherow, who works at the Westin Hotel in Ottawa, with Union Rep Simon Baker.
Jason Williamson, whose mother Betty Franco works at Rosebridge Manor. Dylan Palmer, who works at Newcastle IGA, with President Shawn Haggerty.
16 1
Ryan Peart, who is the son of Todd Peart, who works at CFB Trenton, with President Shawn Haggerty.
Eric Viau, who is the son of Gaston Viau, who works at O'Reilly's YIG with President Shawn Haggerty.
Brendan Curry, who works at Havelock Foodland in Havelock.
SCHOLARSHIPS
South Central Region Nathan Arsenault, who works at The Real Canadian Superstore #2800 in Toronto.
Stacey Redding works at The Barn #226 in Hamilton.
Adam Siniowski is a member at Food Basics #137 in St. Thomas. William Izzard is the son of Kent Wharram who works at A&P in Tillsonburg, with Union Servicing Rep Brenda Simmons.
Cindy Ta is a member at The Real Canadian Superstore #2800 in Toronto. Christine Salmon works at Fortinos #69 in Brampton, with Union Servicing Rep Mario Tardelli.
Asad Imam is a member at A&P #83 in Brampton.
Scott Wharram is a member at A&P #124 in Tillsonburg. Joan Chan who is a member at Food Basics #679 in Markham. Patrick Ciaschi who is a member at Ultra Mart #55 in Guelph.
South West Region
Andrea Barrales-Hall is the daughter of Christopher Fenwick who works at Dresden Industrial in Stratford.
Joanna Elgie is the daughter of Karen Elgie who works at ED Smith in Seaforth.
Imaan Mohamoud works at Zellers in Windsor, with Union Steward Nicole Burns.
Jaclyn Marie Watson, who is the daughter of Linda Watson who works at RCSS Chatham, with Union Rep Kevin Dowling.
Tawnya Trachsel who is the daughter of Lori Trachsel who works at Maple Leaf Schneider in Stratford.
Bo Xu, whose father Dianshen Xu (shown in photo with Union Rep Rick Wauhkonen and Union Steward John "Chris" Watson) works at Cargill Meat Solutions/Better Beef in Guelph.
Victoria Clifford is a member who works at Dresden Industrial in Stratford. Amanda Meloche works at A&P #139 in Tecumseh, with Executive board member Brad Wigle.
Collin Demmans is a member who works at Zehrmart in Sarnia with Union Rep Kevin Dowling. Amanpreet Nijjar whose mother Darshan Nijjar works at Sun Valley Foods in London.
Visit www.ufcw.org/scholarship to apply online for the UFCW International Scholarship Every year several of these scholarships, valued at $8,000 each, are awarded to UFCW members & eligible dependents. To be eligible for this year’s awards, you must have been a member since January 14, 2007 and complete the online application by March 15, 2008.
The scholarship winners will be selected and awards made on the basis of scholastic achievements, community involvement and completion of an essay that shows understanding of the principles of the labour movement. Complete rules, regulations and other details are posted on the Web site.
FEBRUARY 2008
17 1
COMMUNITY
Locals 175 & 633: Making a Local 175 members support CBTU Dinner The Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU) held their annual awards dinner on November 10, 2007. Several UFCW Local 175 members attended, including Diane Jokhu who works at Cadbury Adams Inc. in Toronto, as well as several members from Dollar Thrifty at the Pearson International Airport in Mississauga. The members from Dollar Thrifty were Libaan Omar, Zahra Hersi and Mulki Mohammed. Also participating were Local 175 representatives Jehan Ahamed, Derek Jokhu, Paul Jokhu and Amy Tran of the UFCW Canada National Office.
just five years as a professional musician, Jalota accomplished what took Elvis 27 years to achieve. Jalota sings in six languages. He has recorded over 1,200 bhajans, ghazals and songs and performed more than 4,000 live concerts in 100 plus cities on all five continents. To learn more about India visit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/India. Additional information, on the same site, is also posted under Hinduism, Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, Bhajan, Ghazal and Language. The Wikipedia information is provided by contributors and not endorsed by Locals 175 & 633 or the government of India.
Information about the CBTU, including upcoming events, is at www.cbtu.ca.
UFCW Representatives educate WWCC students about workers’ rights
In the Community: Happy Diwali!
In September 2007, Local 175 Servicing Representative Lien Huynh, with the assistance of Keith Murdoch of the UFCW Canada National office, delivered courses at the Working Women Community Centre (WWCC) in Toronto.
Senior Legal Counsel and Vice-Chair of the Community Action Network (CAN), Naveen Mehta, attended a Diwali Concert in The WWCC is a nonVaughan on November profit, charitable organi10, 2007. Diwali is a zation that provides major Indian festive holiopportunities for immiday, and a significant grant women and their festival in Hinduism and families to improve the some of the other faiths quality of their lives that originated in India. through self-development Many legends are assoand community action. ciated with Diwali. Today Secretary-Treasurer & it is celebrated by CAN Committee member Hindus, Jains and Sikhs Legendary Indian singer Anup Jalota performed at the Diwali Centre in Vaughan Teresa Magee serves on across the globe as the the organization’s Board of Directors. Festival of Light, where the lights or lamps signify victory of good over the evil within every human being. Lien and Keith provided informational seminars, about Workers’ Rights, to both beginner and intermediate level The concert starred legendary Indian singer Anup Jalota. students in the English as Second Language (ESL) program. He is best known for his performances in the Indian musical style of the bhajan and the ghazal. The bjahan is a Hindu devotional song, often of ancient origin. Ghazals are a form of poetry consisting of couplets which share a rhyme and a refrain. Etymologically, the word literally refers to “the mortal cry of a gazelle.” In 1998, Jalota surpassed the Elvis Presley record of 45 gold and platinum discs by selling 58 albums of his own. In
18
Students learned that Local 175 seeks to broaden the definition of workers’rights, as defined under the Employment Standards Act, by including the right to join a Union and the right to earn a living wage. Clients of the WWCC include both women and men of all ages. In addition to ESL courses, the centre is also a resource for settlement services, public education and health & wellness.
COMMUNITY
Difference in the Community Local 175 supports Somali Soccer Tournament For the first time this year, Local 175 sponsored the Somali Soccer Tournament, hosted by the Somali Ontario Sports & Cultural Association (SOSCA). The international tournament featured several teams and numerous players who competed during a week of matches. The tournament wrapped up on July 13, 2007. Local 175 provided trophies for the winning team, as well as for the runner up and third place teams. They also donated commemorative metals for individuals on the winning teams. Next year’s tournament is expected to take place once again at the Centennial Park Stadium in Etobicoke. For more information, please contact Union Representative Jehan Ahamed at the Mississauga Provincial Office.
We Did it: Mission Accomplished! SALCO becomes the 80th Community Legal Clinic in Ontario On July 19, 2007, after intense pressure from the South Asian Community and the 50,000 members of UFCW Locals 175 & 633, the Attorney General of Ontario announced that the South Asian Legal Clinic of Ontario (SALCO) would receive stable funding through Legal Aid Ontario (LAO). The clinic will become LAO’s 80th community legal clinic. LAO funding was scheduled to terminate in September 2007, leaving Ontario’s fastest-growing ethno-cultural community without access to affordable legal services. Closing the clinic would have meant that its South Asian clients, who’s heritage is Indian, Pakistani, Sri Lankan, Bangladesh and Nepalese, would have been denied services provided to other ethno-cultural communities. Locals 175 and 633 worked with SALCO in the SAVESALCO campaign to pressure the McGuinty government into providing SALCO with the same type of annual, stable and permanent funding that is allocated to the other 79 community legal clinics in the province. The Local Unions were dynamic partners in the campaign. They helped spread the message across the labour move-
ment and to our members in every corner of the province. They sponsored the SAVESALCO campaign Web site, and took an active part in the SAVESALCO petition, which was tabled in the Provincial Legislature by Howard Hampton, Leader of the Ontario NDP. Of the approximately 2,100 signatures tabled, Locals 175 and 633 supplied more than 1,400. Naveen Mehta serves on the SALCO Board of Directors. He said: “This is a historic achievement for South Asian working people. Our Union ensured that 50,000 Union families recognized the inequities regarding access to justice for our sisters and brothers in this community. This is a great example of labour and the community working together towards a common goal to effect socially just and positive change that directly elevates the standard of living of working women and men.” In recognition of the Locals’ commitment, former Local 175 President Wayne Hanley was recently honoured at a ceremony in Toronto. He said: “This is a tremendous accomplishment for this group of young lawyers working to better the lives of those in their community. SALCO is the only clinic of its kind in Canada and likely North America. As a social-justice-based organization, the Locals have always been committed to fighting for justice and equity. Ensuring that SALCO received permanent and stable funding was an important part of that commitment.” The new funding will allow the not-for-profit organization to hire additional staff and increase its services. SALCO’s stability of status and funding will ensure that vulnerable and low income members of the South Asian community will have access to effective and appropriate legal representation and services, which meets their needs in a linguistically and culturally sensitive manner.
FEBRUARY 2008
19
Local 175 supports Fast Forward Student Success On October 25, 2007, Don Bosco high school in Etobicoke officially opened its new Hospitality & Tourism Centre. This facility provides training, work placements – and ultimately jobs in the service sector. The Fast Forward Student Success program builds on the earlier Success for All program. It now serves more students and provides a greater range of courses. The program is also known as Pathways to College and the World of Work. A Pathways to
University option is in the planning stages. Local 175 is a longtime supporter of these programs, which enable students to learn the skills to work in this important sector. The Local Union has welcomed students to its Training & Education Centre to learn about workplace rights and health & safety. It also provides an annual $500 bursary to the top student in the program.
Return postage will be paid by: United Food and Commercial Workers Locals 175 and 633 2200 Argentia Road Mississauga ON L5N 2K7
Canada Post Corporation Publication Agreement No. 40064671