CONTENTS
President’s message: Pensions...
PAge 3
secretary-treasurer’s message: Women in Work...
PAge 4
staff Changes Announced...
PAge 5
Letters from our members...
PAge 5
steward seminars...
PAge 6
member Awards 2009...
PAge 9
WsiB news...
PAge 10
Political Action...
PAge 11
negotiations...
PAge 12
metro negotiations...
PAge 14
scholarship Winners...
PAge 15
training & education...
PAge 18
Health and safety news...
PAge 19
Community news...
PAge 20
LOCAL 175: LOCAL 633:
Shawn Haggerty, President; Teresa Magee, Secretary-Treasurer; Betty Pardy, Recorder; Ray Bromley, Jim Hastings, Harry Sutton – Executive Assistants Dan Bondy, President; Marylou Mallett, Secretary-Treasurer; Neil Hotchkiss, Recorder
Benefits Casey Magee, Intake Representative; Victoria Shen, Legal Counsel; Orsola Augurusa, Sherree Backus, Joanne Ford – Benefits Representatives COmmuniCAtiOns Jennifer Tunney, Senior Communications Representative; Emily Groom, Communications Representative HeALtH & sAfety Janice Klenot – Senior Health & Safety Representative LegAL Fernando Reis – Co-ordinator; Marcia Barry, Michael Hancock, Rebecca Woodrow, Natalie Wiley – Legal Counsel OrgAnizing Rick Wauhkonen – Organizing Representative; Tony Nigro – Organizing Apprentice trAining & eduCAtiOn Kelly Nicholas – Co-ordinator of Education; Georgina Broeckel, Laurie Duncan, Ashleigh Garner, Jason Hanley – Education Representatives CentrAL eAst regiOn Kelly Tosato – Director; Jehan Ahamed, Mona Bailey, John DiFalco, Anthony Di Maio, John DiNardo, Linval Dixon, Emmanuelle Lopez, Angela Mattioli, Dave White – Union Representatives sOutH CentrAL regiOn Sylvia Groom – Director; Judith Burch – Union Representative; Lee JohnsonKoehn, Virginia Haggith, Brenda Simmons, Mark Stockton, Mario Tardelli – Servicing Representatives CentrAL West regiOn Luc Lacelle – Director; Matt Davenport, Tim Deelstra, Joe DeMelo, Rick Hogue, Dan Serbin – Union Representatives; Sam Caetano – Servicing Representative eAstern regiOn Dan Lacroix – Director; Simon Baker, Chris Fuller, Paul Hardwick, Marilyn Lang, Daniel Mericer – Union Representatives; Jacques Niquet – Servicing Representative sOutH West regiOn Paul Jokhu – Director; Wendy Absolom, Kevin Dowling, Julie Johnston, Angus Locke, Rob Nicholas, Roy Reed – Union Representatives
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CeP 571-0
CHeCKOut is published six times yearly. issn no. 1703-3926 CHeCKOut is an official publication of Locals 175 & 633 of the united food & Commercial Workers (ufCW) PrOVinCiAL HeAd OffiCe 2200 ARGENTIA ROAD MISSISSAUGA, ON L5N 2K7 TEL: 905-821-8329 TOLL FREE: 1-800-565-8329 FAX: 905-821-7144 HAmiLtOn OffiCe 412 RENNIE STREET HAMILTON, ON L8H 3P5 TEL: 905-545-8354 TOLL FREE: 1-800-567-2125 OttAWA OffiCe 20 HAMILTON AVENUE N. OTTAWA, ON K1Y 1B6 TEL: 613-725-2154 TOLL FREE: 1-800-267-5295 KitCHener OffiCe 124 SYDNEY STREET S. KITCHENER, ON N2G 3V2 TEL: 519-744-5231 TOLL FREE: 1-800-265-6345 tHunder BAy OffiCe 21-929 FORT WILLIAM RD THUNDER BAY, ON P7B 3A6 TEL: 807-346-4227 TOLL FREE: 1-800-465-6932
President’s Message – Shawn Haggerty
Pensions
In early November, the Local Union mailed a copy of a newsletter entitled “Inside Pensions” to every member. This is the first in a series of informational pamphlets we’re preparing to better help our members understand the complex issue of pensions. Pensions have always been important but have never been in such peril. And there’s a lot of confusing and misleading information out there. But with many different types of plans, different types of funding and different regulations for each type, any advice you get must be accurate for your situation. The fact is that most pensions are in trouble. Some are feeling the effects of the economy more immediately while others’ value will be adjusted down the road. The fact that only 25 per cent of employees belong to a work-related pension plan should concern everyone. Even the Canadian Pension Plan (CPP) will be tested as a large section of the population is reaching retirement age. The plan is only meant to supplement about 25 per cent of the average wage and without a workplace pension plan or your own savings – that’s not enough to live on. In fact, of those Canadians who have a work-related pension plan, 76 per cent of them are Union members. Most members in the Local Union participate in the Canadian Commercial Workers Industry Pension Plan (CCWIPP), which is funded entirely by employers through negotiated contributions. The majority of the rest of our members take part in company pensions plans or RRSP contribution plans through work, which are often voluntary. Every time we gain new members who don’t have a pension plan, we have to fight for it at the bargaining table. It’s not easy – in fact it’s a struggle. And every time we renegotiate a contract with an existing pension plan, we have to fight for increases to its funding. To address this head on, the UFCW Canada National Council resolved in a unanimous vote to work in solidarity across the country with Local Unions to secure the pensions of members receiving benefits from CCWIPP. In order to assist CCWIPP in its recovery from the recent global economic downturn, employers must secure CCWIPP
pensions by renewing their commitments to the plan. Resolution: That UFCW Canada Local Unions and the National Council unite in solidarity and support to resist and fight any attempt by employers to withdraw from CCWIPP. Further; Local Unions will take necessary actions – up to and including strikes – to preserve and improve CCWIPP to ensure the best possible retirement income for its participants, our members. The recent negotiations with Metro (details of the ratified contract on page 14) had to deal with pension issues as well – as do all of our current and future negotiations. Metro employs almost 10,000 of our members – that’s a lot of pensions and a lot of futures they can affect. We need all companies to do their part to help their workers retire with dignity and without fear of living a reduced quality of life. The ratified contract for Metro includes a commitment from the company to contribute 40 cents per employee per hour toward the Stabilization Fund. It’s something that our members were willing to strike over, in addition to a number of issues. These workers depend on the funding of other pensions and doing anything less than ensuring their employees get the pension they deserve is irresponsible. Contributions now will help better protect the members’ interests in the future. Part-time or full-time, no matter where you work and no matter how far off retirement might seem – it’s never too early to think and act upon it. And for those members who are closer to retirement, it’s never too late to get financial advice from an expert who knows your financial situation and all the facts about what you’re looking for in your retirement. The next issue of Inside Pensions will look further into the different plans, including CCWIPP. Look for it in your mailbox this month. If you didn’t receive the pension mailing, please ask your Union Rep for a copy. Or you can read it online at www. ufcw175.com/InsidePensions.
JANUARY 2010
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Secretary -Treasurer’s Message – Teresa Magee
Women In Work When we think of the film “Norma Rae,” we picture Sally Field standing on her workstation holding a placard scrawled with the word ‘UNION.’ What we may not think of is the woman who inspired such a film, who sacrificed so much and fought hardline anti-unionism in North Carolina. In 1973, Crystal Lee Sutton attempted to mobilize workers at J.P. Stevens textile mill in Roanoke Rapids, to join the Amalgamated Clothing Workers of America. Employees at the mill were essentially treated as second class citizens earning a mere $2.65 per hour. Not only were the wages unacceptable, the working conditions were below par with poor safety standards, no regular breaks and long hours of work which were similar to sweatshop practices. Sutton began to hand out union literature and hold rallies in the mill even though she faced constant harassment and death threats by various employees. Those who wanted change in the workplace were too scared of losing their jobs and ultimately did not support Sutton’s initial efforts to unionize. J.P Stevens aimed to make an example of Sutton by firing her and forcing her to leave the premises. Sutton’s will was much stronger than the employer thought as she refused to leave the building. After the police arrived to physically remove Sutton, she climbed on her workstation with the Union placard and held it up for everyone to see. One by one the mill workers began to shut down their machines and stood in solidarity with Sutton. The collective power that the mill workers had in that moment was Sutton’s first victory. Her second victory happened less than a year later when 3,000 textile workers at seven N.C. mills became unionized, including J.P Stevens, the most antiunion employer of them all. On September 18, 2009, Crystal Lee Sutton passed away of a brain tumor at the age of 68.
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Women have fought extensive battles inside and outside of the Union. We fought for suffrage. We fought for education. We fought for autonomy and the right to choose. Even though women have won these battles and many more, inequality still exists across our society. In some sectors women earn significantly less money than men and they face a higher rate of unemployment. The Public Sector Equitable Compensation Act put in place by the Harper government removes the right of public sector workers to file complaints for pay equity with the Canadian Human Rights Commission. This act in itself prevents women in the federal public sector from receiving equal pay for equal value work. Central East Director Kelly Tosato, South Central Director Sylvia Groom and I attended UFCW’s Women’s Network Biennial Convention last November. The focus of the convention was Education, Growth and Leadership building amongst women in the Union. We examined the tactics used to divide workers and how this affects women. We shared ideas on how to promote positive change in the workplace through building understanding and solidarity among women of various diversities. We came out of the convention with more knowledge of how we in the Local Union can promote women’s activism and leadership. UFCW Locals 175 & 633 represent over 30,000 women workers. From meat plants to nursing homes to grocery stores and community health centres, our members should be confident that their Local Union will continue to fight for equality and absolute fairness in the workplace as well as a bullying, harassment and violence free environment. These qualities are the backbone of the labour movement and should never be denied to any worker. Because of strong women like Crystal Lee Sutton along with our strong membership, we have the ability to fight for fairness and change.
STAFF ANNOUNCEMENTS
Tony Nigro has accepted the position of apprentice Union Organizer for UFCW Locals 175 & 633. In 2001 Tony was elected departmental Steward at Cargill Foods, before becoming Chief Steward in 2003 until the time of his acceptance into the organizing department. His vision for unity, fairness and equality in the workplace made his time spent in this capacity at Cargill a rewarding experience. Tony graduated from Seneca College’s Marketing program in 2000 and has continued his ongoing professional learning through participation in various Union seminars and conferences. For the past three years Tony has sat on the Executive Board and has recently become an active member of the Community Action Network Committee. Tony also gives back to the community by volunteering his time with various charity events and youth programs.
Virginia Haggith has joined the staff of the South Central Region as a Servicing Representative. Virginia began her Union involvement as Steward at Maple Leaf Consumer Foods in 1999 before becoming Chief Steward from 2002 to 2008. She has been an active member of the Executive Board since 2005, sitting on various committees such as Health & Safety, Training & Education and the Political Action Committee. Virginia also sits on the Brantford Labour Council and also volunteers her time at numerous Leukemia fundraising events such as Ride 4 A Cure and our Union’s annual hockey tournament.
LETTERS
Thank you again for everything and I look forward to hearing from you.
Dear Sherree,
Your friend,
I often think of you realizing that my life is much better these days and all of it is because of you. The real difference comes in the way of my daughter. Because of your hard work with my case and our success, I was able to reinstate all of Abby’s therapy and I bought her an augmentative device that allows her to talk with us and tell us her needs which makes all of our lives so much better.
Kevin Locking
The government was nice enough to finally let us have one after two years on a waiting list and a bill for ten thousand dollars! If it wasn’t for you she would not have received it. Our whole family is indebted to you and we sincerely thank you so much for being as skilled as you are in your field and the care that you showed me over our trial period. I think a lot of people out there are very thankful for having you on their side. I just really wanted to let you know that even months after the fact, I am sitting here watching my daughter play and still thinking of how you changed our lives.
Dear Shawn and Teresa, Thank you for your extremely generous gift. This scholarship has been of great assistance in allowing me to attend Carleton University this fall. As costs for post-secondary education continue to rise, it is reassuring to know that people such as yourselves are willing to recognize and assist those aspiring to continue their education. Your generosity is very much appreciated. Sincerely, Marianne Poirier Letters, questiOns Or COmments? CHeCKOut mAgAzine 2200 ArgentiA rOAd mississAugA, On L5n 2K7 OR SEND US AN E-MAIL AT: memBersHiP@ufCW175.COm
JANUARY 2010
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StewardS SeminarS 2009 The steward seminars of 2009 were a great success. Hundreds of members from the provincial regions attended the various two-day seminars. President Shawn Haggerty was at each seminar to discuss some key issues that seriously affect workers and their families, such as the recession and widespread job loss across the province. President Haggerty also pointed out that your Local Union is becoming more politically active at the Executive Board level. “We are motivated and committed to developing strategies that will assist our members and ensure the government knows what is best for our members and their families.� Members took in courses such as Stewards Training, Bullying and Harassment, Intro to Arbitration and others. The new course addition to this year’s seminars was Cultural Comfort Training. Over one hundred stewards took the course and found it to be quite eye-opening as it deals with issues of diversity, acceptance, social inequalities and sexual orientation. For more information on the courses offered by the Training & Education Centre, turn to page 18. At the 2009 seminars, the Stewards were extremely generous and helped your Local Union raise over $53,000 for Leukemia research.
North West
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September 19 & 20
Central East
October 3 & 4
South West
October 17 & 18
JANUARY 2010
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Eastern
Central West
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November 7 & 8
November 14 & 15
AwARdS Local 175 member receives WHsC Activist of the year award Joe Costa, a proud UFCW Local 175 member for 31 years, received the Workers Health & Safety Centre Activist of the Year Award in Toronto on Friday, October 16, 2009. Joe is the driving force behind keeping our members safe at Cadbury Adams on Gladstone Avenue in Toronto. A Joint Health & Safety Committee member for 20 years, Joe became Co-Chair of the Committee in 2002 and has helped improve the Inspection Program and accident investigation process and assisted in reinforcing the internal responsibility system within the workplace. Joe also takes responsibility for monthly inspections of the entire workplace which can take up to 3 days to complete. Joe works extremely hard to guarantee the effectiveness of the JHSC as well as improve the relationship between the management and worker members on the committee. Locals 175 & 633 are proud partners of the Workers Health & Safety Centre. Their programs are top-notch and workplace health & safety is a priority for your Union. This wouldn’t be possible without activists like Joe Costa inside the workplace working day in and day out, ensuring the safety of our members.
OUTSTANDING MEMBER ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS 2009 Kevin Brown – Contribution to the Community
Betty Pardy – Health & safety, WsiB
Kevin began working for Weetabix Canada in the spring of 1987. Kevin became a Union member in the same year and quickly made the decision to run for Union Steward. After several years in this position, Kevin made the transition to Chief Steward and presently holds the title of Chairperson.
As Chief Steward of the Sun Valley (Cargill) Plant in London, Betty is responsible for dealing with close to 1,000 members. She has not only shown great leadership when handling our members’ issues but also maintains a good working relationship with the employer.
Kevin has successfully negotiated six excellent contracts and is well respected among his Union brothers and sisters. Kevin is always there to help Union members as well as community members.
She brings expedited meaningful resolutions to our members’ concerns and grievances, in turn allowing a calmer and far more relaxed work environment. On a daily basis, Betty shows her extensive knowledge of health and advocacy for workers in the area of Health and Safety. Betty is tireless in her assistance to our many brothers and sisters with workplace injuries who are in need of her knowledge and compassion with WSIB matters.
Kevin finds the right balance to devote his time to his career and to his family. Kevin has been involved over the years with the Cobourg Soccer Club, coaching and refereeing. He has made a huge impact on the youth in the organization. He also volunteers his time with seniors of the community, spending time with residents at the Golden Plough. Kevin has spent his life time making a difference in the lives of the young and old. Kevin sets a high level of dedication and compassion for those he comes in contact with throughout his day at work and around the community.
She is also a member of the Return to Work Committee, which assists many of our members in their rightful return to work whether it is graduated, modified work or full duties. Betty is instrumental to those who are dealing with Short Term Disability. In her free time, Betty assists those who have been afflicted by cancer, through UFCW Leukemia fundraising as well as the Ronald McDonald House.
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WSiB Injured worker received significant compensation thanks to Local 175 Benefits Department A member began working for Qualicaps, Pharmaphil Division in Windsor in and around February 1995 as a machine operator. In the fall of 2006 he sustained a lower back injury while lifting a 25 pound box above shoulder level onto a skid. This claim was accepted by WSIB and Loss of Earning (LOE) benefits were received for 4 shifts. The Injured Worked (IW) worked continental shifts, which meant 12 hour shifts, three days on off then four days on. The IW also worked a lot of overtime as the workplace was very busy. A previous work injury in 1996 involving the lower back caused some pain, however, did not impact the IW’s ability to perform regular wok duties. After the injury of 2006, the IW continued to have considerable difficulties and was now experiencing pain in the right leg. He sought medical attention; however the doctor did not make the connection to the back injury and sent the IW to a vein specialist. This specialist found no problems. The leg pain continued and the IW was sent to another vein specialist
who did make the connection to his back injury. Finally, testing was done on the lower back. During this time the IW complained to management and co-workers about the back and leg pain, telling them that he had been referred to a vein doctor twice. The IW also self-accommodated by extending breaks, having co-workers cover him while lying down for an hour at a time and taking stronger medication prescribed by doctors. At home the IW could not sleep and was taking hot baths in the middle of the night, icing the back or using a heating pad. The IW finally left work in November of 2007. The IW was diagnosed with displacement of lumbar discs with radiculopathy in two spots.The IW underwent surgery in April 2008. WSIB denied the recurrence and LOE benefits. His claim went to appeals, where the IW was granted LOE benefits, Permanent Impairment (IP) and NonEconomic Loss (NEL) and eventually Labour Market Re-entry (LMR) services.
Awards Continued Michael Collins – Dedication to Leukemia Fundraising
Yogendra Patel – Leadership and Advancement of UFCW
Mike has been Chief Steward at the Holiday Inn Select since 1999. In that time he has sat on all of the negotiating committees and has been successful in achieving good contracts for our members. He is diligent in enforcing the collective agreement and is also heavily involved with Health and Safety work. Mike attends all National Defence Fund conferences and is currently advocating for the hotel to join the fund.
Yogendra, or Yogi as most members call him, is a great Steward at Compass Group Sunnybrook Hospital. He is patient and always ready to hear a member’s concerns in the workplace and do the necessary follow-up to address situations.
Mike started a Leukemia fundraiser called Catch for a Cure, which is in its third year. This fundraiser is in its early stages but Mike works all year round on this project and it gets bigger each year. He has gone on to raise thousands of dollars for Leukemia and Lymphoma research. Michael is a huge supporter of his Local Union as he participates in the Labour Day parade, proudly waving the UFCW banner.
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As a head cook, he takes pride in his work ethic and is very much a person who leads by example. He treats his co-workers with respect and dignity, which definitely helps others get through their day in what can be a very busy and stressful work environment. Yogi helps in promoting the Union and our numerous courses, having taken many himself. He dedicates himself to learning though the Training & Education courses. He has given much of his unpaid time in dealing with grievances in the past to represent his co-workers and is a firm believer in the value of our Union in the workplace. Yogi is recognized by his peers, employer and hospital staff in general for outstanding performance in his work.
Political action Harmonized Sales Tax The Liberal budget of March 2009 contained the Harmonized Sales Tax. The new tax is scheduled to take effect July 1, 2010, which will combine the 8% PST with the 5% GST making the HST 13%. This will tax a far wider range of items and services than before. The HST will affect all consumers in various ways. Haircuts, gasoline, Internet service, water/house/ auto insurance, telephones and cable, hydro and electricity plus realtors fees, will all rise in cost. Even funeral arrangements will be more expensive. Organized sports (e.g. hockey) which need to rent facilities will have to pay more therefore causing fees to rise. Simply put, this is a blatant tax increase imposed on consumers. The government is trying to stimulate our economy by encouraging us to spend, but at the same time are trying to convince us that they are opposed to any new taxes. On the other hand, businesses will benefit greatly from the new HST. Economists believe combined taxes will reduce business costs by $6.9 billion in Ontario and British Columbia. Ottawa is offering $4.3 billion in assistance to ease the transition by sending out government cheques for
Workers rally in favour of Bill 86 On October 8, 2009, some 600 workers from across Ontario, including UFCW Locals 175 & 633 participated in a rally at Queen's Park in support of the proposed antiscab legislation at second reading. More than 50 striking Vale Inco workers from United Steel Workers Local 6500 came from Sudbury to participate. Also present were locked-out steel workers from USW Local 8782 from U.S. Steel's Lake Erie Works and striking driver examiners and Drive Test customer service agents from USW Local 9511. Following the rally, the workers filled the public gallery to hear the debate on the bill in the legislature.
$1,000 to a number of families and $300 to a few single people. This may sound like free money, but the reality is this subsidy will do very little when the HST hits. In spite of the continuing and ever-changing dialogue between the Liberals and Conservatives, they are in lockstep on implementing this new tax. There will be definite financial consequences for workers and increasing benefits for business. The NDP are unequivocally opposed to the proposed HST and remain a real voice of opposition to Harper’s plan to raise taxes on Ontario families. The HST will hurt thousands of Ontarians already paying more than their fair share of taxes. To create change, we as working people need to raise our voices. Statistics Canada figures for Ontario in 2008 show that 22.3% of eligible voters did not cast a ballot in either of the last Federal or Provincial elections. By attending your local candidates meetings and similar gatherings, asking questions about where they stand on issues that concern you, you will be able to make an informed decision on where you are going to mark your X.
of a bargaining member seriously rips at every fibre of what the labour movement in Canada stands for.” Ultimately the bill was defeated at second reading by a vote of 25 to 10. This number goes to show how our government does not work for working people and their families.
The aim behind anti-scab legislation is to encourage civilized negotiations during strikes and lockouts and to reduce picket line violence and other problems associated with labour disputes. Employers use scabs to bully workers into taking unfair deals but in reality, bargaining becomes much more difficult and disputes can be dragged out even longer. There was anti-scab legislation in the past but the law was repealed by Conservatives during the Mike Harris era “This is an outrageous practice,” says President Shawn Haggerty. “Allowing replacement workers to do the job
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NEGOTIATIONS Health care workers ratify new deal Health care workers at The Richmond in Belleville secured their new collective agreement at a ratification meeting on October 27, 2009. Members benefit from wage increases of 15 cents per hour to all rates and classifications as of January 2011, and a 20 cent per hour increase to the above in January 2012. On January 9, 2011, supervisory pay increases to $6.00 per hour (on top of regular hourly wages), up from $5.75, and then to $6.25 as of January 8, 2012. In lieu of benefits for part-time employees, wages increase by 68 cents per hour effective January 2009, then increase another 70 cents
January 2012. After one absence, sick pay will be paid in full for any subsequent absences. Pension contributions increase by 40 cents per hour effective December 12, 2010 and as of January 1, 2011 members will enjoy an additional floating holiday per year, after 5 years of service. Uniform allowance increases to $90.00 per year for full-time members as of January 2011 then to $96.00 as of January 2012. Part-time allowances increase from $42.00 to $45.00 as of January 2011, then goes to $48.00 in January 2012. Union Negotiating Committee: Shannon Andrews, Kerri Kelly, Sherry Lanagabeer, and Union Rep Marilyn Lang.
Members at Whitby Price Chopper secure three year deal Members working at Whitby Price Chopper voted in favour of their new three-year collective agreement at a ratification vote on December 6, 2009. Full-time members who are above the wage grid will receive five lump sum payments of $125.00, while part-time members above the grid will get five lump sum payments of $75.00. Wages will increase up to $1.40 per hour over the term of the agreement. As of January 1, 2010, the Dental plan increases to 32 cents per hour up from 26 cents, then increases again to 38 cents in January 2011. Part-time members with five or more years of service will be reimbursed $125 every 24 months toward the cost of eye glasses or contact lenses. Family Day is now recognized as a holiday and the employer will allocate up to 65 cents per hour to the Stabilization Fund. Union Negotiating Committee: Heather Pultz, Kim Veninga and Union Rep Mona Bailey.
Textile workers in favour of new contract Thirty-five members working at Waterloo Textiles met on September 28, 2009 to secure their new three-year collective agreement. All classifications will receive a 2 per cent wage increase in the second and third year of the contract. Members with five or more years of service will now receive up to $400 per year in employer RRSP contributions. Improved language ensures that bargaining unit members will not lose hours if the employer contracts out. Family Day is now recognized as a holiday while the Christmas bonus increases to $125, up from $100. Bereavement leave improves to four paid days if a member loses a sibling. Members benefit from improved Health and Safety language and the initiation of a Joint Health and Safety Committee. In each year of the agreement, the employer will contribute $400 to the UFCW Locals 175 & 633 Training & Education Fund. Union Negotiating Committee: Marcy Cordeiro (left), Rosa Bairos and Union Rep Rob Nicholas.
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registered nurses vote unanimously for agreement Registered nurses working at sara Vista n nursing Home voted 100% in favour of their new two-year collective agreement at a ratification vote on November 16, 2009. Our members receive wage increases of 1%, plus an additional $0.18 per hour retention and recruitment adjustment, during each year of the agreement. Members will receive a shift premium of 5 cents for each hour worked during the hours of 3 p.m. and 7 a.m. as well as 10 cents per hour during weekends. Effective July 1, 2010 the premium will increase to 10 cents per hour during 3 p.m. and 7 a.m. while weekend premiums go up to 20 cents. It is now recognized that 1500 hours worked equals one year of service, which is down from 1725 hours. Effective date of ratification, where a Registered Practical Nurse has acquired an RN
certificate and has accepted an RN position, the Employer will recognize recent related RPN experience on the basis of one annual increment for each two years of service up to a maximum of year three on the wage grid. Members will now be eligible for a maternity leave top up. Vision care increases to $150 after the first year of employment, and then goes up to $160 after the second. The employer will increase their contribution to the CCWIPP Stabilization Fund to 23 cents per hour by December 1, 2010. Overtime will be paid for all hours of work over seven and half hours on shift and/or in excess of 75 hours in a bi-weekly period. Union Negotiating Committee: terry yandt, union reps emmanuelle Lopez and rob nicholas.
members at national Car rental locations ratify a three year deal Workers at national ational Car rental ental at Pearson Airport and Union Station secured their new collective agreement at a ratification meeting on November 2, 2009. Rental Sales Agents, Hand Held, and Greeters will receive wage increases up to $1.75 over the term of the agreement. Full-time employees who have 18 years service will receive 5 weeks’ vacation along with 10% vacation pay. All available hours for part-time employees will now be distributed by seniority. The employer will now contribute 70% to the Extended Health plan. New language was added to create lead positions which will entitle workers to an hourly shift premium. Negotiating Committee: ugas Abdirashid, Ari Poobala and union representative Jehan Ahamed.
L.P.I. LawNET™ is a comprehensive legal assistance plan, for all your personal legal needs; peace of mind for just pennies a day. L.P.I. LawNET™ gives Canadians an easy-to-use first response source of help when confronted with issues which may have legal consequences, and, when more than free telephone legal guidance is needed, members have access to a wide range of personal and small business legal services with discounted legal rates ranging from 25% to 60% less than average market rates. Annual membership to the Canada-wide, legal assistance plan gives members: o Unlimited, toll-free telephone access to free preliminary legal guidance, delivered by L.P.I.’s network of experienced practicing lawyers on any issue raised by the member o Easy referral to an experienced local lawyer o Pre-negotiated fixed fees on the most commonly used personal legal services o Preferred pre-set hourly rates for most other services sPeCiAL “stress reLief” grOuP PriCe For a limited time only, L.P.I. is offering L.P.I. LawNET™ at a significantly reduced “Stress Relief” special price to all UFCW 175 & 633 members. Only $60.00/year (plus tax) That’s a savings of over 66% off the current retail price of $180.00/year (plus tax)! In addition, anyone purchasing L.P.I. LawNET™ at this special price during this promotion will be guaranteed that price for lifetime renewals AND a portion of all proceeds will go to UFCW 175 & 633’s charity of choice, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Find out more at www.lawprotector.ca/ufcw-175-633 JANUARY 2010 13 Or call Law Protection Inc. at 1-866-660-6628
METRO NEGOTIATIONS 2009 10,000 members at 75 Metro-owned Ontario grocery stores ratified a two-year deal following two days of meetings. The 26-member Union committee met with the company on 26 separate occasions since March of 2009, including six days of mediation with a conciliation officer from the Ministry of Labour following strike votes held for members on November 8 and 9. “The members had given us a strong strike mandate of 95% to take back to the bargaining table,” says president shawn Haggerty. “That mandate allowed us to achieve a contract for these workers that reflects their hard work.” The deal includes wage increases of 25 cents per hour for full and part-time end rates in each year of the contract with retroactive pay for all employees of 25 cents per hour paid back to the expiry of the previous contract. A new parttime wage scale allows members to slide into a new progression rate once the new minimum wage is implemented next March. Premiums for night shift and relieving a Head Cashier also improve.
The company will contribute 40 cents per hour toward the CCWIPP Stabilization Fund in addition to their current contributions to the plan. Members electing early retirement will have vision, medical and drug benefit coverage continue until age 65. Buy-down and buyout language, which applies to members affected by the closing or conversion of current Metro stores, improves and senior department heads now have the opportunity to step down to fill a full-time job opening. Family Day is added as a paid holiday and bereavement leave improves to provide up to one day of a members’ paid bereavement to be used for an internment at a later date. Members benefit from a new safety footwear allowance of $75 per year for full-time and $75 per two-year period for part-time. The bargaining unit is comprised of both Local 175 and Local 633 members who work both full and part-time in Metro-owned stores across the province.
negotiating Committee Colleen Cox, may Chalmers, ray Laforge, Brian Kozlowski, dale stuart, tim Kelly, don Lupton, rob rovinelli, denise Hunter, mike Arsenault, Brad Wigle, Anne quigley, Carolyn martin, rob mayer, Al Lindo, rick Alagierski, renzo nobile, mary sue meehan, Laura morton, dan Bondy, Allan Beal, union representative Colby flank, executive Assistant Jim Hastings, executive Assistant Harry sutton, south Central director sylvia groom and President shawn Haggerty.
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SCHOLARSHiPS The cost of education continues to rise in Ontario and around the country. Your Union believes that education is the right of every worker and their family in Canada and not just the right of those who can afford it. Each year UFCW Locals 175 & 633 give away 56 mattie mcKay, Pat thompson, Julius Hoebink & Clarence gibson scholarships valued at $1,000 to members and their families who are studying at a post-secondary institution. Everyone who applied for the scholarship has an equal opportunity to be chosen as the winners are selected by a random draw. For updates on the 2010 Scholarship applications, please visit www.ufcw175.com/scholarships.
Central East Region Aurora maeers, member at Rexall in Sault Ste Marie.
stephanie Bowen, a member at Price Chopper in Oshawa. Charlene Kotey, daughter of Doris Boamah, a member at Cargill. michael Wang, son of Yan Gu, a member at Olymel in Brampton.
simon Xie, member of Torlake Wings with Steward Tim Hum.
Jason ellis, son of Bill Egan from Park N Fly with Union Rep Angela Mattioli.
faduma Hersi, daughter of Yusuf Hersi a member at Avis in Toronto.
nicole Horne, a member at Aramark- Leisure World in Orrillia.
sean ngo, son of Canh Ngo, a member at Cadbury Adams in Toronto.
sheree spencer, daughter of Whittier Spencer, a member at Zellers # 238.
Central West Region Catherine Carreia, daughter of Manuel Carreia from Maple Leaf Pork, with Rep Joe DeMelo.
darlene nunes, daughter of Manuel Nunes, a memb e r a t Q ua l i ty Meats.
don Ho, son of Phat Ho (pictured), a member at Pinty’s.
sherry Liu, daughter of Mui Tsan Lui from Maple Lodge Farms, with Rep Matt Davenport.
A r i el l C h oy, daughter of Denis Choy from Ready Bake, pictured with Matt Davenport.
Kaleen erb, daughter of Rodger Erb from Jadee Meats with U n i o n Re p Rick Hogue.
Allyssa Lewis, daughter of Lisa Lewis from Good Humour Breyers with President Haggerty.
Chanise de Pagter, a member at Haldiman-Norfolk Community Credit Union. sarah Waddell-moreno, daughter of Victoria Moreno from Benlan Inc.
marlene malcolm, daughter of Marjorie Malcolm, a member from Lakeside Retirement in Innisfil.
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Eastern Region skye sullivan, a member at Pharma Plus #654. Angela ritchie, daughter of Kimberly Sayyeau from Olymel Cornwall. Ashley macgregor, daughter of Jean MacGregor from Almonte Country Haven. Jonathan Parker, a member at Food Basics #887.
President shawn Haggerty and director dan Lacroix congratulate scholarship winners at the eastern stewards seminar in november. from left to right the winners are sara Alexander, Candice Widdifield, Alexander duquette, marianne Poirier and Kyle Lauzon.
J e r e m y Courtney, pictured with mom Susan Courtney, a member from Kentwood Park.
North West Region Chris mutz, pictured with President Haggerty is a member at Safeway #674.
Kayla Baxter, a member at Westfort Foods in Thunder Bay with President Haggerty.
Phyllicia taylor, Daughter of Barbara Taylor, a member at Canada Safeway in Thunder Bay.
Leah simon, the daughter of Executive Board member Dale Simon pictured here with President Haggerty.
stephanie Botelho, member at Extra Foods in Dryden.
Leah fuhr, member at Thunder Bay Home Hardware Building Centre.
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South Central Region Felicia Graham, a member from Food Basics #677 pictured with Union Rep Brenda Simmons.
Monique Robinson, a member from Metro #429, pictured with Union Rep mark Stockton.
Joseph Adamo, a member at Metro #60.
Lauren Jones, a member at Metro #481.
Katie Kish, a member at Metro #230.
Carlie Davenport, daughter of Patty Davenport from Metro #92.
Shelley Lee Lambert, daughter of Doug Lambert from Metro #112.
Daniel McPhail, a member at Metro #228.
Nancy Pedota, a member at Metro #106.
Eugeny Podobedov, member at Metro #114.
South West Region Amanda Ford, a member at Winderemere on the Mount with Union Rep Wendy Absolom.
David Ly, son of Krystyna Ly from Sofina Foods Inc, with Rep Kevin Dowling.
Colleen Raczycki, daughter of Alina Biczysko from Rexall pictured with Rep Julie Johnston.
Jaide Marie Lyons, daughter of Sally Lyons (right) from Zehrs, with Union Rep Julie Johnston.
Samantha Koelewijn, daughter of Barbara Koelewijn from Wilfrid Laurier University, with Rep Roy Reed.
Sarah Poole, daughter of Jean Poole from A & M Cookie Co. Canada pictured Rep Rob Nicholas.
Sharlyn Mao, daughter of member Li Mao from Cargill Limited, Watson Road.
Stacey Chambers, daughter of Donna Chambers from P & H Foods, Hanover.
Rick Buchanan, a member from Coca Cola with Steward Steve Brasier and Union Rep Wendy Absolom.
Stephanie Huff, daughter of Patrick Boyle from Casco in London.
JANUARY 2010
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TRAiNiNG & EdUCATiON 2009 proves to be another successful year for training Locals 175 & 633 has been breaking ground in Training & Education for over a decade. We continue to provide more and more training opportunities for our members each and every year. We strive to be the leaders in adult labour education. Last year proved to be a productive one, not just for our department, but for the members who completed a record number of courses. This past year over 3,500 members (or their family) completed courses from start to finish. This includes training in Computers, CPR and First Aid, weeklong Scholarship, stewards training and online. “We work hard to ensure that the courses we offer are relevant to you, the members,” comments President Haggerty. “We revamped and rolled out many new courses in 2009.” At our Fall Stewards Seminars, a course called Cultural Comfort attracted many people who wanted to explore how to become more inclusive in the workplace. Back by popular demand was Workplace Bullying & Harassment, a course we are looking to roll out in a short 3-hour workshop to all the members around the province. Stay tuned for more information in 2010. Also overhauled was the Collective Bargaining for Stewards course. It now includes some important sections on note taking and understanding the difference between needs and wants and how we go about getting the best for our members. We encourage any stewards considering running for their negotiating committee to take this course. Our list of online courses is always expanding. The most notable courses unveiled this past fall were Digital Cameras 101 and Digital Photogra-
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phy 101. These courses compliment each other and will teach you how to understand your digital camera along with its many settings and when all is said and done, how to tweak your pictures to perfection! One of our popular in-class courses that saw new content this past year was the First Aid & CPR Program. We offered for the first time a Recertification course for those who have their completed Standard training already and only needed a re-cert instead of doing the course from scratch. This course was attended by over 60 participants in late November. In other CPR classes held around the province, we now include awareness training on AED (Artificial External Defibrillation) machines. We expect 2010 to follow the same pattern as last year. We are already working on a new Internet 101 course for both our online and inclass computer programs. This course will include an overview of the latest and greatest Web Sites, like Facebook, Twitter and more. We are always looking for your comments and suggestions about our training programs. We appreciate your comments about these training courses or potential new ones. To get more information about any of our training programs or to send in your comments please contact the Training & Education Department by e-mailing tcadmin@ufcw175.com.
2010 training & education schedule Stewards’ Weeklong Scholarship May 3 - 7, 2010 Members’ Weeklong Scholarship May 10 - 14, 2010 *NEW - Health & Safety Weeklong Scholarship April 26-30, 2010 Online courses start January 4, 2010! Visit the Web Campus at http://campus.ufcw175.ca for dates and details.
HEALTH & SAFETy substitution of Chemicals It should not surprise anyone to know that 750,000 chemical products marketed in Canada are subject to WHMIS requirements. Approximately 50% of chemical products originate from outside Canada and more than 50% of compensation payouts for fatalities in Canada can be attributed to occupational exposures. We live in a world of chemicals that allow us to clean better and degrease oil based materials. Chemicals are in the food we eat, the air we breathe, and the clothes we wear. They are everywhere. They have been blamed for the rise of occupational diseases, the rise of childhood asthma, the increase in birth defects, concerns of reproductive issues and many more acute and chronic health issues which are common in many workplaces.
trobenzene is a highly toxic chemical which can be fatal if ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through skin. It may cause damage to the liver, kidneys, blood, central nervous system and male reproductive system. Two hundred parts per million (200 p.p.m.) of nitrobenzene is immediately dangerous to life or health. Chronic exposure to nitrobenzene can cause organ damage and cancer.
Unfortunately, our health and safety laws do not go far enough to protect people from exposure to chemicals. there is no law that requires any chemical to be tested for potential health hazards before it enters the workplace. They do need to be accompanied by a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) but these do not necessarily warn of the immediate or long-term health effects. We workers rely on the information available, which is not always sufficient enough to protect our health. Many occupational diseases have a latency period from the time of exposure to the onset of the disease, a time frame that could even go beyond 25 years.
A Ministry of Labour (MOL) Hygienist attended the workplace to assist in the investigation. The three MOL orders issued were; to install a deluge shower, provide workers with personal protective equipment and for the employer to prepare a policy and procedure regarding the use of nitrobenzene. At that time it was decided jointly by the JHSC and the employer to completely eliminate nitrobenzene from the workplace.
Health and Safety Committees work diligently to reduce worker exposure to these hazardous chemicals. An effective way is to substitute a hazardous chemical for a less hazardous chemical. The JHSC at Prince Foods did exactly that. It was brought to their attention they had a chemical called nitrobenzene used in the Quality Assurance department to measure salt ions. The committee’s investigation revealed that ni-
The committee submitted a written recommendation to the employer that an assessment be conducted immediately. The committee called for an independent hygienist to carry out an air sample test. They also made sure all proper precautions were taken during the investigation, including the wearing of all required personal protective equipment.
The Quality Control Technician conducted research and found an alternate method in measuring salt ions, including equipment that was available to perform this task. This equipment was purchased and now they are able to measure salt ions without the use of any chemicals. The JHSC, along with the employer, eliminated a hazardous chemical that had the potential to cause disease, by substitution. They are to be commended for working towards a safer workplace. Want more information about getting toxic cleaning products and other toxic chemicals out of your workplace? Visit the following Web Sites for more information. For suggested chemical substitutions www.cleanersolutions.org Europe-based NGOs Substitute it Now (SIN) list of harmful substances www.sinlist.org Prince Food JHSC Top row: stephen Harley (H&S Preventionest) and dick Budge (right). Bottom row from left: melissa macgowan, Kathleen st.germain and Louise summers (Certified Member).
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COMMUNITY golf tournament raises $30,000 for Leukemia research On September 19, 2009 the Local held its 7th annual Golf Extravaganza. 144 golfers took part in this year’s event held at Innisbrook Golf and Country Club in Barrie. After a huge buffet breakfast, the golfers took to the course at 8 a.m. looking to grab a share of the $6,500 in prize money. There were 13 winners of $500 cash prizes. The big winner of the day was the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society as the tournament raised $30,000. Putting contest winner Lisa Hill, pictured here with former Local 175 Secretary-Treasurer and tournament organizer Jerry Clifford, won an autographed jersey from Ethan Moreau, captain of the Edmonton Oilers.
Chinese new year Celebration! The Community Action Network cordially invites all members of Locals 175 & 633 along with their families to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year with us. According to the lunar calendar, Chinese New Year falls on February 14, 2010. Please join us on Saturday, February 6th at the Mississauga office for live entertainment, cultural food, fun and prizes. CAn Committee sponsors winning film at reel Asian film fest The Community Action Committee was a proud sponsor of the film Agrarian Utopia at the annual Reel Asian Film Festival in Toronto this past November. Director Uruphong Raksasad, from Thailand, took top prize for Agrarian Utopia, a film which follows the lives of two rural farming families trying to make ends meet during poor economic times. On opening night, Local 175’s Benefits Lawyer, Victoria shen, introduced the film and spoke about the various community work and initiatives your Union is involved in. The Community Action Network strives to strengthen our Local Union and the level of service to the members by building on the principles of commitment, respect, justice and equality for all, while representing and supporting the multiculturalism and diversity of our membership. To learn more about the CAN committee, contact membership@ufcw175.com or call 1-800-5658329 (toll free).
Return postage will be paid by: United Food and Commercial Workers Locals 175 and 633 2200 Argentia Road Mississauga ON L5N 2K7
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