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THE NEWS MAGAZINE FOR MEMBERS OF LOCALS 175 & 633 UFCW CANADA VOLUME XVI NO. 5 OCTOBER
2007
W ORKING F AMILIES C ELEBRATE L ABOUR D AY . . . PAGE 10
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CONTENTS
LOCAL 175 President Wayne Hanley Secretary-Treasurer Shawn Haggerty Recorder Betty Pardy Executive Assistants Jim Hastings, Teresa Magee
President’s Message: Good Jobs Matter to all of us................................... 3 Secretary-Treasurer’s Message: Our government must act on Canada’s job crisis............................................................................................... 4 Community CAN committee’s first BBQ a resounding success!........................................... Local 175 campaigns for Equity.............. CAN builds communities........................ The Origins of Toronto’s Caribana.........
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Local 175 wins Labour Communication Awards
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People
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Working Families celebrate Labour Day
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Workers process 3,000 acres of apples
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Negotiations
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Summer events raise another $24,645
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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, Emmanuelle Lopez Benefits Intake Representative Orsola Augurusa Legal Counsel Victoria Shen Communications Representatives Cheryl Mumford, Jennifer Tunney Servicing Representative Lien Huynh Health & Safety Representative Janice Klenot Senior Legal Counsel Naveen Mehta Legal Counsel Marcia Barry, Michael Hancock, Rebecca Woodrow, Natalie Wiley Legal Representative Fernando Reis Organizing Coordinator & Pay Equity Mike Duden Organizing Representatives Rick Hogue, Steve Robinson CENTRAL EAST REGION Director Luc Lacelle Union Representatives Jehan Ahamed, Mona Bailey, Judith Burch, John DiFalco, Anthony DiMaio, John DiNardo, Paul Jokhu, Rob Nicholas, Dave White SOUTH CENTRAL REGION Union Representatives Sylvia Groom Servicing Representatives Angela Mattioli, Brenda Simmons, Mark Stockton, Mario Tardelli TRAINING & EDUCATION CENTRE 2200 Argentia Road Mississauga L5N 2K7 905-821-8329 Toll free 1-800-565-8329 Fax 905-821-7144
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cep Local 571
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 Harry Sutton Union Representatives Matt Davenport, Tim Deelstra, Joe DeMelo, Linval Dixon, Fernando Reis, 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 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 Shawn Haggerty Union Representatives Colby Flank, David Noonan Director of Education Victor Carrozzino Education Representatives Georgina Broeckel, Gail Carrozzino, Kelly Nicholas, Ashleigh Vink
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President’s Message
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Good jobs matter to all of us Labour Day is traditionally a time when Union members and their families come together to celebrate the achievements of organized labour. These include safer workplaces, employment insurance (EI), a legislated maximum workweek, paid overtime, a minimum hourly wage, universal health care, paid vacations, statutory holiday pay and paid leaves of absence for new parents and family members caring for dying relatives. We are fortunate indeed to live in Canada where all workers enjoy these rights by law. Most of these basic worker rights were legislated – not because business interests wanted more protection for workers – but because of the dedication of Union members and those progressive politicians who listened to us. But many of our good programs that protect workers, like employment insurance and universal health care, are being weakened by the people elected to run our country. Over the last decades, fewer and fewer workers have been able to benefit from Canada’s EI program and our health care is continually under attack by those corporate interests who want to profit from it. Equally disturbing is the growing crisis in our manufacturing sector, which continues to bleed good-paying jobs. Ontario is estimated to have lost more than 175,000 of these jobs in the last three years, with more than 40,000 disappearing in the last year.
WAYNE HANLEY
Good jobs and good social programs matter to all Canadians. Remember to vote in the next federal election for those candidates and parties who will commit to protecting them.
These lost jobs mean a dramatic drop in the standard of living for all workers. The drop is immediate for the families of those who lose good jobs. Later it affects our communities when service jobs are adversely affected by a loss of purchasing power. Ultimately our social programs too are impacted by the reduction in government tax revenues and an increased demand for services. It will soon be time to elect the federal members of parliament who are responsible for policies affecting both jobs and social programs. Please cast your vote for those candidates and parties who will commit to protecting Canadian jobs and social programs. Good jobs and good social programs matter to all Canadians.
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Secretary-Treasurer’s Message
Our government must act on Canada’s job crisis Canada is currently experiencing a job crisis in its manufacturing sector. Nationwide, we have lost an estimated 250,000 in the last few years. Each job lost costs a working family about $10,000 annually in lost income. Even when the worker succeeds in finding new employment, he or she suffers a decline of 25 per cent in annual earnings, according to Statistics Canada. That’s a loss of earnings, across Canada, which is costing working families an astounding $2.5 billion every year. SHAWN HAGGERTY
At the same time, retailers like Wal-Mart, are undermining good retail jobs. Negotiated Union contracts, on the other hand, continue to provide retail workers with security of tenure and hours as well as good wages, benefits and working conditions. But employers like Wal-Mart, who provide only the lowest possible wages and unstable employment, make it difficult for many non-unionized retail workers to survive, much less enjoy any quality of life.
Our Union negotiates the strongest and best possible contracts for all our members. We also provide extensive training and education services, accessible to all members. This helps to prepare them for promotions and other forms of career advancement. It also helps in the event of job loss, through retraining and job search assistance. But, one Union – even one that’s 50,000 members strong – can’t do it all. We ask you, as working people, to hold your politicians accountable and demand stronger trade and labour laws so that working people can earn a living wage. Our federal and provincial governments can and must do more to protect good jobs. Workers need to know they can depend on a good job to support their families. Young people need to know that there will be good jobs for many decades into the future, so that they too can start and support a family. Together we can make a difference. Please speak to, call, write, fax or e-mail your provincial and federal members of parliament and leaders to demand both a strategy and implementation of a “Made in Canada Jobs Program” that will ensure good jobs for the future, for all Canadians. Canada cannot afford the continuing erosion of our manufacturing sector jobs.
Are you moving? If you are moving or planning to move, please let us know so we can continue to send you Locals 175 & 633 publications, such as Checkout, as well as important documents related to your Union membership. Please mail your new address to us at Locals 175 & 633 UFCW Canada, 2200 Argentia Road, Mississauga ON L5N 2K7, or call us at 905-821-8329 or 1-800-565-8329. If you prefer, e-mail membership@ufcw175.com
Would you like to receive E-news bulletins, as well as e-mails related to your workplace or sector? We are gathering e-mail addresses from members to build lists that are workplace specific, so that we can send out notifications for ratification votes, proposal meetings and other important information. Just go to www.ufcw175.com and click on “Sign up for e-mail” to register for this free service.
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COMMUNITY
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CAN committee’s first BBQ a resounding success!
L OCAL 175’ S C OMMUNITY A CTION N ETWORK (CAN) C ULTURAL D AY AND BBQ WAS A BIG HIT WITH ADULTS AND CHILDREN ALIKE
More than 200 people visited Centennial Park in Etobicoke for the event on August 25, 2007. Rain was in the forecast, but fortunately it stayed away for most of the midday BBQ, which ran from noon until 4 p.m. Children’s events included face painting, races, musical chairs and other games. Everyone enjoyed the camaraderie and refreshments. The seasonal menu offered hot dogs, sausages, beef and soy burgers plus cold drinks and watermelon.
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COMMUNITY
Local 175 campaigns for Equity L OCAL 175’ S C ARD C ERTIFICATION C AMPAIGN : T HE
RIGHT TO JOIN A UNION
Your Local Union has launched an important petition campaign to demand the government recognize all workers’ fundamental right to unionize. The Card Certification Campaign demands that the provincial government re-instate the law that gives all workers the right to form a union after a majority sign membership application cards. The card certification process was the law in Ontario for almost five decades before it was rescinded by the Mike Harris Conservative government. Under the subsequent Liberal government, Dalton McGuinty revived the card-based certification – but only for Ontario’s construction sector. Construction workers can form a union when 55 per cent of those in a workplace sign application cards to join. In all other sectors, except for those covered by federal jurisdiction, workers who wish to form a union are subjected to employer coercion, harassment, intimidation, discrimination and threats because they must participate in a workplace vote. Currently, the government informs employers one week prior that there will be a Union application vote in the workplace. Subsequently, employers usually launch aggressive “fear & intimidation” campaigns on their captive audiences – the workers who need a paycheque. These campaigns include bribery, subtle or open forms of verbal and physical threats, encouraging workers to attack union supporters, rumours or threats to close the business, propaganda against the Union, and termination of workers who speak up against these injustices. The result is that Ontario
...
WITHOUT FEAR OR HARASSMENT
workers do not have the right to freely join, organize and participate in a Union without threat of intimidation, discrimination and persecution – even though this right is enshrined in the Ontario Human Rights Code, The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and The United Nations Declaration of Human Rights. Why then should workers need to repeat their intent to join a union twice – first signing the application card and then voting at work in front of their employers? For Unionized workers in Ontario, the current law has a direct impact on our right to bargain collectively. In negotiations, Unionized workers have been forced to accept concessions to compete against non-unionized workplaces. Our participation in this card certification campaign is more than a moral duty to defend a worker’s right to join a union. It also seeks to protect our right to bargain effectively for good pay, better benefits and safe working conditions. We have suffered this injustice for 12 long years. Now is the time to tell the Ontario government that enough is enough. Now is the time to put a human face to what the current labour laws are doing to workers in Ontario. Now is the time to mobilize and reverse the current unjust labour laws! Please sign our petition at your workplace and online at www.ufcw175.com or contact the Premier of Ontario and your member of provincial parliament (MPP). If you’re not sure of the name of the MPP representing your area, log on to: www.electionsontario.on.ca.
Local 175 CAN builds communities T HE C OMMUNITY A CTION N ETWORK (CAN) ACTIVELY SEEKS PLES OF COMMITMENT, RESPECT, JUSTICE AND EQUALITY FOR KNOWN AS THE P ARKDALE S OCIAL J USTICE A CTION G ROUP
THE BETTERMENT OF ALL WORKERS ’ LIVES BY BUILDING ON THE PRINCI ALL .
This project’s goals are to educate, organize, and mobilize members of visible minority communities in the Parkdale neighbourhood. A series of workshops runs from July through November 2007. These workshops focus on mental health and wellness, as well as ways of overcoming the poverty, violence and unemployment that negatively affect workers, their families and the community. Speakers at the workshops have included Servicing Representative Lien Huynh and former Organizing Representative Kevin Shimmin. They provide informa-
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H ENCE , CAN
IS THE PROUD SPONSOR OF A COMMUNITY PROJECT
tion about workers’ rights in Ontario, especially as related to Health & Safety legislation, workers’ compensation and the history of the Trade Union Movement. CAN is committed to this project through the direct involvement of personnel and guest speakers as well as through the provision of food vouchers, office equipment, publication assistance and other forms of financial sponsorship. In addition, we would like to thank Sandra Godoy, a member from Parkdale Community Health Services, for her vision and dedication.
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COMMUNITY
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T h e O r i g i n s o f To r o n t o ’ s C a r i b a n a By Enver Harbans
The Caribana celebration first started as a gift to Canada from the country’s West Indian community, offering a piece of its culture to the diversity present in Canada. The festival includes the cultural traditions of many Caribbean nations including Guyana, Bahamas, Jamaica and especially Trinidad and Tobago.
The Moko Jumbie, for instance, represents the village protector. This masked figure stands on 12-foot stilts, high above everyone else, symbolizing the Moko Jumbie’s ability to foresee evil and protect the community.
Caribana is a small replica of the rituals that take place in Trinidad during carnival time. In the period between Christmas and Lent, the British and French ruling class would have a merrymaking period of lavish celebration and street festival. Slaves were restricted from leaving their homes by martial law and forbidden to take part in the festival. In their own dwellings, however, slaves participated in the merrymaking. But because these repressive laws forbade their participation, the slaves began wearing masks and other costumes to conceal their identities. During this year’s Caribana weekend, When slavery was abolished in 1838, Africans residing in the marginalized areas of East Port of Spain used carnival as a means of expressing their freedom, while mocking the colonial establishment. Utilizing a unique form of street theater, people dressed in costumes symbolic of both their present and historical struggles.
UFCW Organizing Department members – including Lien Huynh, Kevin Shimmin and Enver Harbans – set up a Community Action Network tent on Dufferin Street. They spoke to people on the street and collected names on a petition calling for the return of card-based certification.
Other costumes, like the Midnight Robber, make a mockery of colonial administrators. The Midnight Robber embodies the character of a boastful and egocentric person who talks only about his conquests, exploits and invincibility. This “Robber talk,” as it is known, is derived from the tradition of African Griot or storyteller, with speech patterns and vocabulary imitative of former masters. Caribana owes its origins to this rich history of resistance and freedom, which is creatively expressed through art, music and dance. Toronto’s Caribana is a huge economic commodity for the city as it generates more than 100 million dollars in just one long weekend. A million plus people flood Lake Shore Boulevard to witness the spectacle that is Caribana, while Toronto plays host to hundreds of thousands of tourists during this time. Although Caribana is a tremendous expression of Canada’s cultural diversity, the history and significance of this celebration should never be forgotten, or watered down by commercial interests.
Local Union wins Labour Communications Awards Once again the International Labour Communications Association has selected UFCW Local 175 from among Local Unions throughout North America to receive four of its prestigious awards. These included a First Award for Best Photograph and a Third Award for Editorial Excellence for the poster entitled International Health Workers’ Day.
Additionally, the Local Union was also honoured with a First Award for Best Campaign Site for www.ufcw175can.ca and a Second Award for Best Web Design for www.ufcw175.com.
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PEOPLE
Member receives award for bravery
Local 175 and cow o r ke r s h e l p o u t
S t e w a r d Pr o f i l e
John Robillard, who is a member from the Maple Leaf Ontario Distribution Centre in Burlington, was honoured earlier this year at the Waterloo Regional Police Services Awards Night Ceremony. “The award recognizes the heroic and positive contributions of citizens to our community,” said Chief of Police Larry Gravill.
Earlier this year, Lori Hamilton, who is a member at Cargill (formerly Watson Foods) in Guelph, lost her home in a fire.
Dave Fox has retired. He became a Local 175 member when he began working for A&P in Napanee in 1975.
John received the award for his quick response in rescuing a woman from a violent domestic assault. He was working around the house one afternoon when he heard a commotion outside. When he rushed out to help with what he thought was fire, he learned that a man was attacking a woman. She had been yelling for help and trying to grab the front door frame before her attacker pulled her into the house. When John rushed inside, the man was on top of her. According to John, the woman was now “lying there like a rag doll with no sound.” So he pulled the man off of her, grabbed him in a bear hug, and held him on the front porch until police arrived. He later learned that the man was the estranged husband who the police originally charged with attempted murder. Even the man’s defence lawyer was impressed with John's action. “He’s kind of the hero,” he said. “Everyone was running around and screaming and he just runs in and grabs the guy. He wasn’t afraid to act.”
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It was a devastating experience . . . even more so because she didn’t have any insurance to cover the loss of virtually everything she owned. She was both overwhelmed and grateful when her Union stepped forward to provide assistance at such a traumatic time. South West Regional Director Ray Bromley and his staff organized a fundraising raffle for Lori’s benefit. They contributed a flatscreen TV, Union jackets and stuffed animals for the draw. They also persuaded Cargill to donate a day off with pay as second prize in the raffle. “We’re there whenever our members require assistance,” says Ray. “When help is needed, we’ll provide it, over and above our work in negotiating, servicing and fundraising for leukemia.” As a result of the Union’s efforts, Lori received a gift of $1,345, which aided her in replacing many essential items. “I don’t know what I would have done without the help of my Union and co-workers,” Lori says. “It’s wonderful to know there’s assistance available when you need it the most.” Plant Chairperson Larry Smith (right) presents cheque to Lori. Joining them are Vice Chairman Guy Morissette (front) together with Union Representative Rick Waukhonen and Taralyne Smith.
“I never would have lasted at A&P all these years if it hadn’t been for the Union,” he says. He was in fact laid off a few months after he started. But he filed a grievance and the Union got him his job back. Dave has been a staunch Union supporter ever since. Over the past 32 years he’s volunteered his expertise as a steward and served on the Local’s Executive Board. “It’s been the greatest experience, being involved with the Union,” he says. “I always enjoyed fighting for the members; I still get calls from former co-workers saying how much they miss me.” President Wayne Hanley says: “Dave was on most of the A&P negotiating committees and was always ready to participate on grievance appeal committees. His willingness to assist was always welcomed. We wish him and his family all the very best.”
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PEOPLE
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Member Profiles E VERY
YEAR ,
L OCALS 175 & 633
PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR BOTH
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ARE TWO OF THE PARTICIPANTS FROM THE
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Tonderai Chirara is a landed immigrant from Zimbabwe in southern Africa. He began working as a general labourer at Maple Leaf Pork in Burlington in 2006. It’s his first job in Canada. In Zimbabwe, where he was a mortgage administrator, he was a member of the Commercial Bankers Workers’ Union. So when he saw the flyer for the Members’ Scholarship award, he thought it would be a good opportunity to learn more about his Union and the labour laws in Canada. He recommends the course, “especially for newcomers,” as being highly educational. He was particularly impressed to learn about the Union’s proactive Health & Safety programs and the Training & Education courses, which are open to both members and their families. Amanda Benoit, who is a new Union steward at her Pharma Plus store in Paris, says applying for the Members’ Scholarship award was “the best thing I ever did.”
She found the course to be very educational and especially liked learning more about WSIB, Health & Safety issues and the Local Union’s online education program. She says she’s learned so much and “the instructors are awesome!”
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Staff Changes Kevin Shimmin has resigned his position as a Local 175 Organizer to return to school full time. “It was a difficult decision,” he says. “My heart has always been – and will always be – with the labour movement.” Kevin, who has a Master of Arts degree in Work & Society from McMaster University, is enrolled in the Sociology, Equity and Labour Studies PHD program at the University of Toronto. “We are sad to see Kevin leave,” says Local 175 President Wayne Hanley. “But we are extremely happy to know he is pursuing his educational dreams.” Union Representative Rick Hogue will now lead the Ontario Organizing Team, which includes representatives Steve Robinson and Lien Huynh. Rick, who has been a union representative in the Central West Region for the past four and
one half years, is an experienced organizer and union activist. He previously worked at Port Colborne Poultry. President Wayne Hanley says: “Although, our Organizing Team will certainly miss Kevin’s enthusiasm and leadership, I am confident that Rick’s dedication and expertise will ensure many successful future campaigns to bring good union wages and working conditions to unorganized workers.” In other Staff News, Orsola Augurusa has joined the Benefits Department as Intake Representative. Tim Deelstra, a Central East Region Union Representative based in Sudbury since May 2004, has moved to the Central West Region, working out of the Hamilton office. Dave White, who has been an Education Representative with the Locals 175 & 633 Training & Education Centre for the past five and a half years, became a Union Representative in the Central East Region, effective August 27, 2007.
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LABOUR DAY
Working Families celebra M EMBERS
FROM ACROSS
THE PROVINCE CELEBRATED
2007 L ABOUR D AY HOLIDAY ON M ONDAY, S EPTEMBER 3. THE
The Toronto parade, as usual, involved thousands of working people. They came with family, friends and co-workers to support their Unions and Organized Labour. They made the long march from University Avenue (some starting as far north as Dundas) to the Dufferin Street entrance of the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE). This year, they were provided with orange wristbands, assuring them complimentary admission to the CNE and Ontario Place. Hamilton too attracted hundreds of Union members, who enjoyed a shorter parade followed by a BBQ in Dundurn Park. Around the rest of the province, workers also enjoyed celebrating with other Union members at parades and other gatherings in locations such as Cornwall, Guelph, Kenora, Kingston, London, Port Hope, Sarnia, Thunder Bay, Sudbury and Windsor.
KINGSTON WINDSOR
THUNDER BAY 10
SARNIA
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LABOUR DAY
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rate L a b o u r D a y CORNWALL
TORONTO
PORT HOPE
LONDON SUDBURY
HAMILTON
KENORA
OCTOBER 2007
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WORKPLACE NEWS
Workers process 3,000 acres of apples Members at Norfolk Fruit in Simcoe are employed by a co-operative growers’ association covering 3,000 acres of orchards that produce almost 20 per cent of Ontario’s apples.
Apple bobbing is a traditional Halloween game . . . but apples are serious business for members who work at Norfolk Fruit Growers
Teresa Mummery and Stephanie Wass
Karen Vidler
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The workforce of 60-plus full timers are kept busy for most of the year when they receive, wash, sort and pack apples for consumption in Canada and around the world. During the slowest season, a smaller crew handles plant maintenance and shipments from the facility, which can store more than a million bushels under optimal climatecontrolled conditions. All around the plant workers handle every apple with a delicate touch and loving care. Fork Lift operators are kept busy throughout the year, gently lifting boxes and bins of apples, moving them from farm truck to processing, then to cold storage and back out to market. Plant workers oversee the washing and grading then tenderly pack each apple. Those apples that are bruised or misshapen are removed to be used for applesauce and juice production. Quality control workers ensure that pests are managed and harvesting is done at the optimal time. No apple is picked or shipped to market before or after it reaches its best quality. Fruit may travel to consumers as far away as the United Kingdom, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Central America, the Caribbean and South America. Varieties include Empire, McIntosh, Red Delicious, Northern Spy and Ida Red. You can find them in your local supermarket under the brands of Norfolk, Golden Garden and Orchard Crisp or purchase them at the plant’s retail store, which is open from early September until late spring or early summer. More info at www.nfga.ca.
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WORKPLACE NEWS
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Ken Hutchinson
Evelyn Coleman
Beth Moulton
Philip Klassen
Dorothy Kriston
Dave Thompson
OCTOBER 2007
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NEGOTIATIONS
For all the most recent UFCW news, including more up-to-date and d
Health care members win new contracts Members at several retirement and nursing home facilities have ratified new contracts this year. They include: Workers at the Caressant Care Retirement Home in Fergus reached a new three-year agreement on April 11, 2007, which includes: • Wage increases of 2.5 per cent plus 15 cents per hour pay equity retroactive to January 1, 2007. • In the second year, wages increase by 2.5 per cent plus 5 cents per hour and an additional 15 cents per hour for pay equity. • And in the third year, wages increase by 2.5 per cent plus 6 cents per hour and 15 cents per hour pay equity. • Contributions to the Canadian Commercial Workers Industry Pension Plan (CCWIPP) dental contributions and vision care coverage increase. Union Negotiating Committee: Shirley Holmes, Brenda Montgomery and Union Rep Roy Reed.
New deal for retail grocery workers at Loeb Southgate The approximately 97 union members at Loeb Southgate in Ottawa secured a new collective agreement on April 1, 2007, with: • End rate increases of 30 cents per hour for both full and part-time in each of years one, two and three. • Additionally, in each of the final three years, end rate workers receive lump sum payments equivalent to a raise of 50 cents per hour. • Workers benefit from improved vision care coverage, including an eye exam allowance, and a 30 per cent increase to the company’s pension contributions. • The contract sets out provisions for the movement of the workers’ health and welfare benefits to a Union Trusteed Benefit Plan. • Workers now have reduced qualifiers for holiday pay. • Other improvements include increased relief pay and premiums for night workers as well as a new premium for evening work and an improved uniform allowance. Union Negotiating Committee: Justin Braganza, Mathew Parks, Cathy Rideout and Union Reps Jacques Niquet and Simon Baker.
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Workers at Trenton’s Crown Ridge Place Nursing Home voted unanimously in favour of a new three-year collective contract on May 3, 2007, with: • Important new Health & Safety language addressing workload. • Increases of 2.5 per cent in each year for all rates and classifications. • A new weekend shift premium adds 10 cents per hour, retroactive to April 1, 2007 increasing to 15 cents in the second year and 20 cents in the third year. • Company contributions to CCWIPP increase by 8 cents per hour over the life of the contract. • Improvements to vacations, dental and health plans. Union Negotiating Committee: Sylvia Leckey, Faye Lemmermeyer, Hollie Rodd and Union Rep Marilyn Lang. In Mississauga, Erin Mills Nursing Home members voted in favour of a new three-year contract on May 29, 2007, which includes: • Wage increases between 40 cents and $1.20 per hour in each year. • Dental contributions increase by 1 cent per hour in each year of the contract. • Payment in lieu of benefits improves to 7.5 per cent as of January 1, 2008 and 8 per cent effective January 1, 2009. • Company contributions to CCWIPP increase by a total of 5 cents per hour. Union Negotiating Committee: Lurline Brown, Val Turner, Agnes Villanueva, Marcia Wilson and Union Rep Dan Serbin. On May 30, 2007, members at Briton House in Toronto ratified a new three-year collective agreement. • All wages and classifications increase by 2.75 per cent in each year with the first increase retroactive to November 18, 2006. • Full-time and part-time vision care coverage improves and eye exams are covered up to $80 every 24 months. • Pension contributions increase to 60 cents per hour as of January 1, 2008, and 65 cents per hour effective January 1, 2009. • Full-time health and welfare contributions increase to $166 by the final year of the contract. Employer contributions for part-time workers’ benefits increase to 46 cents per hour over the duration of the agreement. continues on page 16 . . .
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CONFERENCES NEGOTIATIONS
d detailed information on negotiations, visit our Web site: w w w. u f c w 1 7 5 . c o m
First contract for members at Grafton recycling facility Members at the Northumberland County Material Recovery Facility in Grafton voted in favour of their first collective agreement at a meeting held June 7, 2007. The two-year contract contains monetary improvements and important language for the approximately 50 members of the bargaining unit, including the following highlights: • Wages increase by 3 per cent in both the first and second year of the contract term. • Maintenance workers receive a shift premium
of 25 cents per hour for Saturday work and all employees working on Sunday receive double time pay. • Overtime will be paid after 42 hours worked instead of 44. • The workers now receive short-term disability coverage and they also benefit from improved eye glass coverage of $250 and chiropractic coverage of $300. • Workers receive a half day off for both Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.
• Part-time staff will be scheduled based on seniority and three full-time jobs have been added to the bargaining unit. • Language establishes a grievance procedure to help better protect the members’ jobs and the provisions laid out in the collective agreement. Union Negotiating Committee: Tracy Derry, John Goody and Union Rep Chris Fuller.
New members at Allan Candy achieve first contract The 192 new members at the Allan Candy Company in Hamilton secured their first collective agreement at a meeting held July 28, 2007. Highlights of the two-year contract include: • A signing bonus of $250 plus end rate increases of 10 cents per hour effective January 1, 2008 and another 30 cents per hour in the second year based on the performance of the plant. • The company will contribute to the UFCW Trusteed Dental plan and the UFCW Benefit Trust Fund health and welfare plan. • Workers will participate in CCWIPP to which the company will contribute at a rate of 60 cents per hour on behalf of the workers who has completed their probationary period. • Enhanced provisions include two new sick days per year and severance to a maximum of 35 weeks. • Contract language establishes a grievance procedure to protect the members and the provisions of their agreement. • In addition to standard contract language, other provisions include health and safety language, lay off and recall steps, job posting procedure, leaves of absence and hours of work. Union Negotiating Committee: Octavio Costa, Rafaelle Iannone, Mario Milazzo, Union Rep Paul Jokhu and Central West Director Harry Sutton.
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NEGOTIATIONS
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Members at ADM Milling vote for new contracts On April 10, 2007, the 75-member bargaining unit at ADM Milling in Port Colborne approved a new three-year contract which includes: • Wage increases totalling 7 per cent retroactive to December 1, 2006. • Increases in Life Insurance and AD&D plus Weekly Indemnity rises to $480. • Defined pension benefits increase annually, reaching $33 per month in the final year on all past and present years of service amounting to a 10 per cent increase in the pension benefits. • Vision care coverage increases to $125, workers receive $375 toward the cost of safety boots and improved language covers the grievance procedure. Union Negotiating Committee: Leo Caron, Rolf Numsen, Rudy Vink and Union Rep Kelly Tosato. Members of the bargaining unit at ADM Milling in Mississauga ratified the company’s offer on May 7, 2007, which included: • Wage increases of 3 per cent retroactive to February 25, 2007. Subsequent increases are 2 per cent in both the second and third year. • Hourly shift differentials increase to 65 cents for the 2nd shift and 75 cents for the 3rd shift. • Pension benefits increase to $30 per month per year of service effective February 1, 2008 and to $31 per month per year of service on February 1, 2009. Additionally, company matching contributions to the workers’ RRSP stock purchase plan increase to a maximum of 4 per cent. • Life Insurance and AD&D coverage each increase to $30,000 and the safety shoe allowance to $100. Union Negotiating Committee: Fernando Pimental, Carlos Travassos and Union Rep Paul Jokhu.
Health care members win new contracts continued from page 14 . . .
• Language improvements cover: unused sick days being paid out at 100 per cent; improved definitions of hours of work; better bereavement leave; and an improved uniform allowance. Union Negotiating Committee: Christine Pascal, Val Spencer, Maria Desumala, Evlalia Ferrer and Union Rep John Di Falco. Members working at Grandview Lodge in Dunnville have approved new contracts. Improvements for the full and part-time Service Workers, ratified on June 14, 2007, by Health Care Aides and other workers covered by this new three-year contract, include: • Across-the-board wage increases providing a total increase of 8.95 per cent with the first increase retroactive to September 26, 2006. • The weekend premium increases to 35 cents per hour worked. • Improved language covers scheduling, grievance procedure and vacations. • Eligible workers receive $150 per year toward the purchase of uniforms, $150 per year for safety footwear and increases to vision care coverage. • An improved calculation for part-time employees’ vacation weeks increases opportunities for more vacation time and earnings. At the same facility, the Registered Nurses ratified a new two-year contract on July 6, 2007, which includes: • Wage increases in the first year up to $1.10 per hour and in the second year up to $2.29 per hour. • The shift premiums increase, up to $1.30 per hour for afternoons, $1.55 for nights and $1.70 per hour for weekends. • Improved language addresses grievance procedures, seniority and bereavement leave, plus agreed to language includes improved rights and responsibilities for the workers’ Joint Health & Safety Committee concerning violence, needlestick injuries and Musculoskeletal injury prevention and control. Union Negotiating Committee for Service Workers: Sandy Cook, Ingrid Finch, Jim Fleming, Judy Hare, Kathy Robins, Kathy Sitter and Union Rep Matt Davenport. For the Registered Nurses the committee consisted of Cathy Hill and Union Rep Matt Davenport.
Soft Drink workers gain new agreements On April 12, 2007, members at the Kenora Pepsi Distribution facility secured a new three-year contract, which provides: • A lump sum payment of between $1,000 and $1,500 plus subsequent increases of 3 or 4 per cent in both the second and third year of the contract term for Schedule ‘A’ workers. • Increases totalling 6 per cent for the Lead Warehouse Tech. • Shift premiums increase to 65 cents per hour for overnight work and lead hand. Additional improvements apply to vacations, bereavement leave, apparel and meal allowance. Union Negotiating Committee: Jeff DeGagne, Craig Metail and Union Rep David Noonan. At a ratification meeting held May 31, 2007, members at Coca-Cola Bottling in Thunder Bay approved a new collective agreement. The contract includes: • Wage increases of 2 per cent retroactive to May 1, 2007, and an additional 7.25 per cent over the continues on page 17 . . .
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d detailed information on negotiations, visit our Web site: w w w. u f c w 1 7 5 . c o m
Soft Drink workers gain new agreements continued from page 16 . . .
course of the contract term for all inside and outside workers. • The merchandiser rate increases to $16.50 per hour, from $11.50. • Language improvements cover layoff and bumping rights, and call out. • Workers receive two floaters days per year. Union Negotiating Committee: Paul Meunier, Yvan Pellerin and Union Rep Colby Flank. The approximately 88 members working at Coca-Cola Bottling in Ottawa secured a new three-year collective agreement on May 6, 2007, which includes: • Wage increases of 35 cents per hour in the first year, 40 cents per hour in both the second year and third year, plus a signing bonus of $300. • Retroactive pay of 59 cents per hour includes hours worked between December 1, 2006 and May 7, 2007. • Health & Welfare improvements, effective December 2007, include: Increases in Short-Term Disability (STD) to $600 per week, Long-Term Disability (LTD) to $2,400 per month, Life Insurance increases to $50,000, plus new AD&D provides coverage of $100,000. • Improvements to vacation language as well as tool and safety shoe allowance. • Company contributions to CCWIPP increase by a total of 62 cents per hour. • Severance pay, offered to most senior employees first, provides two weeks pay per year of service, up to 72 weeks.
On May 27, 2007, the 84 members at the Coca-Cola Bottling facility in Barrie approved a new collective agreement, which provides: • Wage increases of $2 and $2.60 per hour with the first increase retroactive to January 1, 2007. • Life Insurance increases to $40,000, Weekly Income Benefits to $600 and Long-Term Disability to a maximum monthly benefit of $2,400. • Company contributions to CCWIPP increase by a total of 42 cents per hour. • A new tool allowance provides every Equipment Service worker up to $240 per year toward the purchase of necessary tools. • Improved language outlines a system of accumulating points for uniform items for both inside and outside workers and other changes improve job security related to technological changes made by the company. • New language establishes the position of Sales Equipment Trainee as part of the wage scale. Union Negotiating Committee: Marc Brunelle, Chris Warnaar, Scott Woodland and Union Rep Rob Nicholas.
CONFERENCES NEGOTIATIONS
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Members from the Ottawa Coca-Cola plant (below) applauded approval of their new contract, while listening to Negotiating Committee members (left to right): John Stewart, Doug Kowal, Eastern Regional Director Dan Lacroix, Union Rep Daniel Mericer, Normand Lacroix and Serge Leblanc.
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FUNDRAISING
More summer events raise another $ H ERE ARE SOME OF THE RECENT FUNDRAISING EVENTS THAT MEMBERS ORGANIZED TO RAISE MONEY FOR THE L EUKEMIA & L YMPHOMA S OCIETY OF C ANADA (LLSC) TO FUND C ANADIAN RESEARCH INTO LEUKEMIA AND OTHER BLOOD - RELATED CANCERS . O UR SINCEREST THANKS GO TO ALL THE PARTICIPANTS , ORGANIZERS , SPONSORS AND VOLUNTEERS WHO GIVE SO GENEROUSLY OF THEIR TIME , TALENTS AND MONEY.
G OOD H UMOR /B REYERS M EMBERS D ONATE $850 Workers at Good Humor/Breyers enjoyed a BBQ on Tuesday, July 24. The event raised $850. Nicole Petrella of the Light Labour Department was outstanding, as usual, in her dedication to raising money for leukemia research. Chief Steward Tim Dedrick and Secretary-Treasurer Shawn Haggerty assisted Nicole with the BBQ along with Union Representatives Rick Hogue and Sam Caetano.
T ORONTO M EAT P ACKERS C OLLECT $1,911 M EMBERS AT G RAND R IVER P OULTRY R AISE $360 On Thursday, July 19, members at Grand River Poultry in Paris enjoyed a chicken BBQ that raised $360.
Union Stewards - Barb Farquhar (above on left) and Betty Hartsgrove helped organize and run the Paris BBQ.
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Members at the Quality Meat Packers (QMP) and Toronto Abbatoirs Limited (TAL) facility enjoyed a lunchtime BBQ on Friday, August 10, which raised $1,911. It was organized by the Union Committee. It included: Unit Chairperson, Frank Menezes, QMP Chief Steward John Caldeira and Stewards Abraham Selvarasa, Herman Tausendfrende, Ricardo Simoes and Verrapathi Kulanthavadival, as well as TAL Stewards Joe Silva and Christian Dionne.
Above: Helpers & participants at the BBQ included, from back left: Central West Regional Director, Harry Sutton, Union Representative Dan Serbin, QMP Chief Steward John Caldeira, Servicing Representatives Lien Huynh & Sam Caetano. In front: Plant Chairperson Frank Menezes and TAL Chief Steward Raul Freitas.
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FUNDRAISING
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$24,645 for leukemia research R IDE
FOR A C URE N ETS $18,206 On Saturday, August 11, the 3rd annual UFCW Ride for a Cure, under sunny skies, with a newly incorporated Poker Run, raised an amazing $18,106!
“What a tremendous day, a gorgeous ride and wonderful camaraderie among all the riders,” said first-time participant Pearl Sawyer, Executive Vice President of UFCW Local 1000A, who joined in the event with her husband. “You can be sure I will attend this annually to support such a great cause.” Beginning at the Local 175 Mississauga office, the four-hour scenic drive took in many local attractions including Terra Cotta, Cheltenham Badlands, Hockley Valley, the Loretto Inn and the Forks of the Credit. In total, 51 riders and volunteers participated in this year’s event, which brought supporters from all over the province including Beaverton, Sudbury, Ottawa and even rider John Watson, who joined us from St Louis, Missouri. This event held special meaning for one rider, Barry Mailloux, whose family has been affected by cancer. “I am honoured to ride and participate in this wonderful event,” said Barry. “I am touched by the support of so many on this great day.” Plans are underway for next year’s event, which promises to be bigger and better. So motorcycle enthusiasts, mark your calendar for August 2008. We will hold a special draw for each returning rider who brings an additional new rider to this event. For those wishing to support this excellent cause, we still have a limited number of t-shirts available for $20 each in a variety of men’s and ladies’ sizes. Please contact Dave White at dave.white@ufcwrideforacure.ca.
For more information, including a complete list of 2007 sponsors, awards and prize winners plus more photos of the event please visit www.ufcwrideforacure.ca
T HUNDER B AY G OLF T OURNAMENT C ONTRIBUTES $3,318 On Saturday, July 21, 55 golfers teed off for the 9th Annual UFCW 175 Leukemia Golf Tournament at the Northern Lights Golf Course in Thunder Bay. Volunteers included Tracy Stubbs on the registration table. Dave Noonan and Barrett Haggerty supervised the chipping contest while Alex Stubbs, Carol Margarite and Colby Flank organized the food and prizes. Local 175 SecretaryTreasurer Shawn Haggerty welcomed all the participants and later served as master of ceremonies announcing each team, from the first place to the most honest team. It was a perfect day, warm with a nice breeze. Everyone walked away with a prize and a good feeling for helping to raise $3,318 for leukemia research.
Former Safeway member Marlene Racic joined Canada Malting's Ernie Buckman (Steward), Dale Simon (Executive Board) & Bill Arvelin.
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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
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