CHECKOUT
SUMMER 2024 - VOL XXXIII NO 2 Inside...
• Cargill Dunlop members end strike with ratified agreement
• UFCW Women's Network Convention ... page 12
• Healthcare Conference & Stewards Training ... page 20
• and more!
UNION STRONG – UNION PROUD
Strike ends for
Cargill Dunlop members
At a vote held July 6, 2024, the members of UFCW Local 175 working at Cargill Dunlop in Guelph ratified a new negotiated settlement, bringing an end to the nearly six-week strike for the 960 members at the plant. Head to page 6 to learn more!
HOPE SECTOR
Director, Long-Term Care & Retirement: Sandra Ashcroft; Union Representatives: Todd Janes, Derek Jokhu, Dean McLaren, Steve Springall
Director, Community Care: Mike Mattioli; Union Representatives: Sacha Edey, Nabeela Irfan, Sabrina Qadir, Meemee Seto, Hodan Wais
REGION 1 Director: Tracy Stubbs; Union Representative: Alex Stubbs
REGION 2 Director: Jason Hanley; Union Representatives: Chris Bernardi, Ricardo Bocanegra, Amanda De Melo, Christina Mayberry, Amy Tran
REGION 3 Director: Paul Hardwick; Union Representatives: Sean Carroll, Shannon Epp, Kimberly Hunter, Joe Tenn; Servicing Representative: Damian Hulshof
REGION 4 Director: John DiNardo; Union Representative: Jennifer Hanley; Servicing Representatives: Fatima Butt, Nunzio Cannistraci, Art Gier, Paul Handy, Dawn Hanlon, Shirley Hepditch, Braden Messervey, Maxine Prince
REGION 5 Director: Jehan Ahamed; Union Representatives: Arlene Robertson, Mario Tardelli; Servicing Representative: Kelly Dick
REGION 6 Director: Sam Caetano; Union Representatives: Dave Forbes, Chris Mayberry, Nelson Pereira, Melody Slattery, Navidad Talbot, Fred Teeple
REGION 7 Director: Jehan Ahamed; Union Representative: John Beaton; Servicing Representatives: Julie Jodoin, Skip Pavlick, Michael Windley
REGION 8 Director: Derik McArthur; Union Representatives: Jeff Barry, Michael Bernier, Richard Eberhardt, Jim Hames
WORKERS’ COMPENSATION Coordinator: Sarah Neath; Workers’ Compensation Intake Representative: Georgina MacDonald; Workers’ Compensation Representatives: Joanne Ford, Ashley Hunt, Courtney Salomons
PAY EQUITY Coordinator: Matt Davenport; Pay Equity Representative: Orsola Augurusa
HEALTH & SAFETY Director: Kelly Nicholas; Health & Safety Representative: Donna Rhodes
LEGAL Director: Jane Mulkewich; Paralegal: Gord Steinberg; Counsel: Christopher Jagodits, Matthew Jagodits, Ambar Reyes, Brandon Rodrigues
ORGANIZING Director: Tony Nigro; Organizing Representatives: Joce Cote, Tim Hum, Jeffery Lu, Casey Magee
TRAINING & EDUCATION Director: Kelly Nicholas; Servicing Representative: Teresa Wilson;
COMMUNICATIONS Coordinator: Jennifer Tunney; Communications Representatives: Laurie Duncan, Ashleigh Vink
PROJECTS Coordinator: Wei Chen
President’s Message
Responsibility to one another: A
hallmark of what it means to be
Union
One of the pillars of our Local Union and the entire labour movement is ensuring that power rests with the workers.
From taking part in proposal, ratification, and strike vote meetings, to bringing concerns to the attention of your Stewards or Health & Safety members every day – you are an important part of this Union. And the more active you and your co-workers are, the stronger you are as a unified force in your workplace.
And, ultimately, you get to vote. You and your co-workers get to decide if you go on strike. And you and your co-workers get to determine when an agreement is acceptable to you.
A lot of what we see about union workers in the media –especially when workers vote to go on strike – is negative. The news might portray the strikers as greedy, disruptive, and just out to inconvenience the public in some way.
And corporations will always rely on trying to sell the impact a work stoppage has on their customers as worker greed. Those companies love
when they can divide the public over a strike and certainly when they can divide the members of a bargaining unit.
But when you see stories about working people, whether on strike, in bargaining, or in any way represented in the media, I encourage you to think about the context and source of what you are seeing.
Consider what may have brought those workers to the point where they were willing to sacrifice their regular paycheques to go on strike.
Like many issues plaguing our world, it is hard not to be self-protective in difficult times. We are all prone to forgetting the bigger picture when someone's actions have a negative impact, however temporary they may be, on our own expectations, routines, and potentially on our own livelihoods.
As we publish this issue of Checkout, the 960 members of UFCW Local 175 at Cargill Dunlop in Guelph have just ratified a deal, bringing an end to their nearly six weeks on the picket line.
You can read more about the strike and its resolution on page six of this issue.
And while we celebrate the end of this strike for these workers, please ask yourself why. Why did our members at Cargill have to take to the picket line to try and achieve fair pay from this global behemoth?
Solidarity and true workers’ right advocacy, and all human rights, advocacy asks us all to always remember the bigger picture. We have a greater responsibility to each other. And recognizing that responsibility is one of the hallmarks of what it means to belong to a Union.
Please take care of each other, and enjoy the summer.
In Solidarity,
Kelly Tosato president@ufcw175.com
Secretary-Treasurer's Message
Educational opportunities:
Taking full advantage of being a member
This Spring was a busy one when it comes to educational events at the Union.
Stewards who attended the six spring weekend seminars or the healthcare conference may have heard me talk about how proud I am of this Local Union and our tradition of education.
President Tosato and I are committed to continuing this tradition to ensure our Stewards have the resources they need to continue defending the rights of members in the workplace. And we encourage all of our members to take advantage of every educational opportunity available to them through their Union.
Starting on page 20 of this issue, you can see photos and read more about the weekend Steward Seminars and our annual Healthcare Stewards conference. These events are not only a great opportunity to build skills, but are chances to meet and network with lots of members from within and outside of your sectors.
Understanding that you’re not alone in the issues you face in the workplace is an important
part of building strong solidarity across the Local Union and the larger labour movement. The more we share information, resources, and solutions, the better off we all are. We’re all a part of this organization and we are stronger for it.
To supplement our annual Stewards training – whether weekend seminars or local cell sessions – your Union also offers online orientation for new Stewards. I encourage any new Steward who has not had the chance to attend training yet to reach out to their Representative or the Training & Education Centre to find out more about these online sessions.
Coming up this fall, we will hold the annual Weeklong Paid Training programs for Members, Stewards, and Health & Safety members. These programs provide a more intensive look at information and skills development for each group. See the back page of this issue of Checkout for a link to apply.
Through UFCW Canada, our members can take advantage of more than 200 free online courses on the WebCampus.
Course categories include digital skills, health and safety, labour studies, food and retail, skilled trades, and personal development. Visit ufcw.ca/ webcampus for full details.
Don’t forget that every year, Locals 175 & 633 offers Solidarity Scholarships of $1,000 to members and their children or dependents attending college or university full time. We’ve increased the number of scholarships to 104 every year. The deadline to apply is August 1 so apply today!
I hope you take full advantage of what it means to be a member of UFCW Locals 175 & 633. We strive to ensure opportunities are available for all of our members to advance their skills and learn more about the Union.
If you have questions, please reach out to your Representative for more information on what is available to you as a valued member of the Union.
In Solidarity, Jim McLean treasurer@ufcw175.com
Strike at Cargill Dunlop
Strike ends for Cargill Dunlop members with ratified deal
At a vote held on July 6, 2024, the 960 members at Cargill Dunlop ratified a new collective agreement after 41 days on the picket line.
“It is a tough decision to go on strike and it can be an even more difficult decision to end a strike. But these members took a stand against a huge corporation and they should be proud of their strength and courage.”
As members head back to work, full hours may not be available for all members as the plant ramps back up. As such, the Union will continue pro-rated strike pay for the first week for those not receiving full hours immediately.
•Wages will increase by a total of $3.75 per hour over the term of the deal, which includes $2 per hour in the first year. That $2 will be paid retroactive for all hours worked, including overtime, since January 1, 2024. In addition, members receive a contract renewal incentive payment in the form of a $500 lump sum.
•Dental coverage improves to $2,000 per year, and members also benefit from the removal of lifetime caps on a number of dental services.
•Short Term Disability (STD) now has a maximum of 70% and will provide up to $143 more per week. This means members can receive up to $668 per week while on STD leave.
• Bereavement leave entitlement for members will now be five days, up from four, for the death of a spouse, child, or parent.
The Cargill Dunlop members began strike action at 12:01 a.m. on May 27, 2024, after rejecting a previously negotiated settlement by 82%. The strike vote in April had 99% support from the members.
Check out a video from the picket line where 960 members of Cargill Dunlop stood strong for nearly six weeks!
STAFF NEWS
Welcome New Staff
Braden Messervey has joined the Local Union as a Servicing Representative in Region 4.
Braden began his career at Zehrs Markets in Cambridge in 2012, while he was in high school; packing groceries and collecting carts as a part-time service clerk.
While attending the University of Waterloo for Sociology, Braden kept working at Zehrs and became a supervisor at the store, taking on additional roles and responsibilities. Eventually, Braden left university to focus on full-time opportunities at Zehrs and he became the Front-End Manager. Shortly after, a Union Steward at the store approached Braden and encouraged him to get involved in the Union.
Braden became a steward and got actively involved in the Union. “I participated in the Bylaw & Policy conference and then completed the weeklong Youth Internship Program (YIP) program offered for young workers,” said Braden. “That involvement made me realize I could make more of a difference by joining the labour movement and pursuing a role at the Union."
“Being a labour advocate means leading and supporting the fight for a better working environment,” added Braden. “So far, this job has allowed me to meet so many passionate and engaged members, which provides a huge encouragement for me to keep moving forward and making a difference. The members are a driving force in my passion for advocacy,” explained Braden. “I hope to continue advocating for safe, inclusive, and beneficial workplaces for all UFCW members.”
“Braden is a young advocate with a fresh perspective,” said President Tosato. “His ability to relate to others, along with his more than a decade of experience as a member and his passion for workers’ rights make Braden a definite asset to our Local Union membership.”
The Local Union has welcomed Donna Rhodes as a new Representative in Health & Safety.
Donna has been a dedicated Union member and advocate for the past 32 years. She was first introduced to working in a union environment for Maple Leaf Foods in Brantford, which was her first job in a factory. Within three years of starting at Maple Leaf, Donna became an active member of the Joint Health & Safety Committee (JHSC) and later became a Union Steward, Plant Chairperson, and negotiating committee member.
Donna says that being a labour advocate has been a dream. She thrives on being able to provide sound advice to management and the union about the development and interpretation of health and safety issues and concerns, along with other labour relations, policies, and practices.
“My goal is for all members, Union staff, and employers to know, be aware of, and carry out their rights, roles, and responsibilities under the Occupational Health & Safety Act (OHSA),” said Donna. “At UFCW Locals 175 & 633, we can be a positive, informative liaison and close the gap between the employer and worker committees.”
Donna says she looks forward to working with this great organization and an amazing group of
knowledgeable people. She hopes to “guide committees, members, and staff to ensure their workplaces are as physically, mentally, and socially safe and healthy as possible. Our voices need to be heard. We must have communication and participation!”
“Donna is a natural problem solver and is someone who will go above and beyond in everything she does,” said President Tosato. “She is a great fit in our Health & Safety Department and she will bring an amazing wealth of experience and passion to the membership in their workplaces.”
In early March 2024, Skip Pavlick joined the Region 7 team as a Servicing Representative.
Skip started working at Horizon Poultry in St. Mary’s, Ontario in 2000. Little did he know, that soon he would be part of an organizing drive to bring a Union into the plant. In 2006, Maple Leaf Foods had acquired Schnie ders. Amid speculation of possible wage reduc tions, the workers at the plant began looking into unionization and sought out the UFCW Local 175 Organizing Team to get things started.
Skip saw first-hand the difference a Union can make in a workplace and it became a stepping stone for a career in worker advocacy. After the successful organizing drive, Skip became a leader in his workplace and his co-workers elected him as a steward. “Despite being relatively new to the position, I found immense fulfillment in actively assisting my colleagues,” said Skip. “I served as a steward or chief steward until the closure of the St. Mary’s facility in February 2023. During that time, I helped with the negotiations with many of our CBAs, and the closure agreement, as well as the first CBA for the new London poultry plant.”
Skip looks forward to witnessing the positive outcomes of his advocacy efforts. “Being a labour advocate means being a dedicated voice for workers’ rights: fighting for fair wages, safe working conditions, and benefits,” said Skip. “I want to empower workers to have a voice for a more just and equitable work environment. And I want to be a support system for workers to help
Canada’s groundbreaking digital education platform, webCampus, has a range of courses focused on helping you gain new skills such as Time Management, Digital Skills, Retail Communication Skills, and many more.
“Skip's experience and commitment to workers' strong bonds," said President Tosato. "He brings good use defending the members of this Union."
has
Welcome New Members
Thunder Bay Delta by Marriott workers vote Union Yes
The 84 employees working at the Delta by Marriott hotel in Thunder Bay have joined UFCW Local 175.
Organizers had met with employees at the Delta by Marriott to discuss their concerns and how joining the Union can help them reach their goal to improve their working conditions.
Those discussions led to the workers signing Union cards, and an application being made to the Ontario Labour Relations Board (OLRB) for a vote. That vote took place online over a 24-hour period, ending on March 21, 2024. The OLRB released the results shortly after the vote closed, assuring these workers are now Local 175 members.
The newest members are a welcome addition to the growing hospitality and service sector at the Union. The 84 workers at the Delta that will form the bargaining unit are employed throughout the hotel in Maintenance, Housekeeping, Front Desk, Food & Beverage, Banquets, and more.
"Delmanor Retirement workers vote to join UFCW Local 175
On April 10 & 11, 2024, Delmanor Retirement Home workers in Toronto voted to join UFCW Local 175, becoming members of the Healthcare Office and Professional Employees (HOPE) sector at the Union.
In healthcare, the combination of long hours, low pay, emotional strain, and lack of support can contribute to high levels of burnout and staff turnover; this affects the well-being of workers and the continuity of care for residents.
To address these issues, these workers reached out to the Local Union Organizing Team, signed union cards, applied for certification, and won their vote. These members can now begin the collective bargaining process to work toward increasing wages and benefits, securing comprehensive training and support, and prioritizing the well-being of both workers and residents.
The 80 new members at Delmanor Retirement Home work as Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs), Personal Support Workers (PWSs), Kitchen and Dining Aides, and more.
All of these workers were looking for a way to build a better life. Joining our Union and working together is a great way to harness their collective power to do just that, and I’m pleased to see that all of these workers - our new members - won their votes.
Kelly Tosato, President - UFCW Local 175
Welcome to Your Union
Lallemand Inc workers in Cornwall become members of Local 175
On February 14 & 15, 2024, workers at Lallemand Inc. in Cornwall, Ontario, voted yes to joining UFCW Local 175.
These workers specialize in the development, production, and marketing of yeasts and bacteria. They work as machine operators and maintenance workers, and they joined the union to make improvements to their working conditions.
The campaign for these workers to join the Union began earlier in 2024, when workers met with Organizing Reps to discuss their workplace concerns. Some of the main issues brought up at that initial meeting included mistreatment, wage concerns, fairness, and respect in the workplace.
These new members are eager to begin collective bargaining to build a better life through achieving wage and job security improvements, enhancing health and safety at work, and securing a harassment-free workplace.
Friendly
Stranger cannabis win certification to become members
On April 28, 2024, workers at the Friendly Stranger in Dundas, Ontario, voted in favour of joining UFCW Local 175.
Retail cannabis workers often face discrimination, unfair treatment, and favouritism and although it seems to be a budding industry, things are far from friendly.
Retail cannabis workers is a growing sector for our Local Union that our Team has been actively organizing since the workers at Canna Cabana (Hamilton) first became certified Union members in April 2020. In fact, our Local Union was the first Union to organize workers at a Cannabis retail store front in Ontario.
Changing the way the cannabis industry treats its budtenders will take work. They have invaluable knowledge and experience, and are dedicated to their careers, And workers like these, and others before them, are leading the way in making those positive changes.
UFCW Local 175 is thrilled to welcome over 50 new members from the Gay-Lea Food Cooperative in Brampton. Their decision to come together and join our Union marks a significant step towards ensuring a fair and equitable workplace for everyone.
Members at Gay-Lea work in a tough environment servicing the dairy industry and overseeing the distribution of products. They work in shipping/receiving, delivery, and dock coordination.
Gay-Lea Food Cooperative workers vote Union yes to join Local 175
These workers reached out to us due to the unfair treatment they received from management including inconsistent and long-lasting disciplinary measures, benefit discrepancies and increased costs, and a lack of fair and equitable representation.
Members were happy with the results of their vote and are ready to be represented by UFCW Locals 175 & 633. They look forward to having a strong Union to back them up and make their voices heard in their workplace.
UFCW Women's Network Convention
On May 16 – 17, 2024, about 300 delegates from UFCW Local Unions across Canada and the United States took part ithe 15th Biennial UFCW Women’s Network Convention.
During the two-day convention, members heard several panel discussions including one called Connect Your Power which featured Local 175 President Kelly Tosato, among other women leaders from our Union. The entire group was part of a large workshop entitled ‘Developing a Leadership Mindset.’ In addition, smaller workshops in break out rooms covered topics such as:
• Building Community Connections – Broad Based Organizing
• Communication is Key, and;
• Online to Offline – Identifying Leaders in Organizing Campaigns.
On May 16, delegates grabbed protest signs and donned their women’s network t-shirts to rally with community leaders and other Unions at a local Food 4 Less store in solidarity with workers who are fighting for better wages, benefits, and job security from parent company Kroger.
Resolutions passed by delegates at the Convention addressed:
• Training & Support for UFCW Women in Leadership Roles;
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Action;
• Advancing a Working Women’s Agenda by Engaging More Women and Members in Politics;
• Ending Gender-Based Violence, and;
• Closing the Gender Wage Gap.
Protest to Save Public Healthcare
On May 30, 2024, your Local Union, along with thousands of workers and advocates from across Ontario, joined the Ontario Health Coalition to tell the Ford government to put a stop to the privatization of our healthcare and keep our system public!
Rallies took place in Toronto, Ottawa, North Bay, Sault Ste. Marie, Thunder Bay, Dryden, and Cornwall.
UFCW Locals 175 & 633 is proud to represent several thousand healthcare workers across the province in long-term care, retirement homes, community care centres, addiction treatment centres, and in home care services. These members and others know firsthand about the effects of poor public policy when it comes to healthcare.
Some of those members were affected by the now-repealed Bill 124 which put a cap on how much compensation they could get in their collective agreements. And while this legislation has since been deemed unconstitutional and then repealed, Premier Ford continues to undermine the healthcare system in this province.
Through chronic underfunding of the public system and its workforce to shuttering hospitals, the privitzation of some core services at hospitals, and increasing funding to private clinics by more than 200%.
We must keep our eyes turned to the things that are vital to the well-being of all Ontarians. Our healthcare system must stay public and it must be accessible to all.
Negotiation Updates
Improved wages, benefits, and more
ratified by Sofina Foods members
The membership at Fearmans (Sofina Foods) in Burlington ratified a three-year agreement on June 9, 2024.
The new agreement contains wage increases of $2 per hour in year one, paid retroactive to April 1, 2024, plus 50 cents per hour in year two, and 75 cents per hour in year three.
Benefits improve to provide an increase of $250 to the dental coverage maximum for a total of $1750, and Physiotherapy coverage will increase to $400 per year, up from $300. A new benefit will provide orthotic coverage at $200 per year.
Other coverage improvements include $25 more toward the Eye Exam allowance and $50 more for eye glasses coverage.
The Boot Allowance will increase to $175 per year, up from $150, effective April 1, 2025. Plus, the Tool Allowance will increase by $100 over the lifetime of the agreement. And, the members' meal allowance increases by $1.
Shift premium improvements will see Maintenance and Apprentices on the night shift receive
$2 per hour. A new role, Master Butcher, will add 25 new roles at the Class 5 rate of pay. And new apprenticeship Language will be introduced as well.
Language improvements address single-day vacation requests, stat holiday pay counting towards overtime, and workers who have been injured at work will not have their pay negatively affected after two years if they cannot return to their pre-injury job.
Union Negotiating Committee: Sue Barbaro, Barb Gravelle, Marco Rodrigues, John Smukovich. Region 2 Director: Jason Hanley. Union Representative: Melody Slattery.
Wage & language improvements ratified by Briton House members
The membership at Briton House Retirement in Toronto ratified a two-year agreement on June 7, 2024.
Members will receive wage increases of 7% over the term of the agreement, and there will be an increase to the weekend shift premium of an additional 10 cents per hour. Further monetary improvements include a $25 increase to the uniform allowance for both full and part-time.
Language improvements provide full-time employees with an additional sick day. Additionally, the collective agreement will now reflect gender neutrality throughout its language.
ORCA (Ontario Retirement Communities Association) training will be scheduled during working hours, and it will be the responsibility of the employer to schedule this time.
Union Negotiating Committee: Maria Desumala, Eulalia Ferrer, Christine Pascal, Valbert Spencer. Union Representative: Steve Springall.
Golden Boy Foods members ratify significant wage & other improvements
Members at Golden Boy Foods in Toronto unanimously ratified a three-year agreement on April 30, 2024.
Members receive wage increases of almost 15.5% over the term of the agreement. Plus, employees at top rate receive a lump sum payment of $1,325 per year. And, the minimum wage gap guarantee increases from 25 cents to 75 cents.
Benefit improvements include an increase in the employer co-pay from 70% to 80%.
Language improvements include enhanced eye glass and eye exam coverage, an improved shoe allowance, additional bereavement provisions, and a night shift premium of 75 cents per hour.
Members benefit from an additional sick day to bring their entitlement to five days.
Overtime will be paid at time and a half after 40 hours in a week. Employees who are required to work on any of the listed holidays will receive two times their regular rate of pay for all hours worked in addition to pay for the holiday.
The employer will increase their contribution to the Training & Education Fund from $200 to $300 per year.
Riverine members ratify first renewal contract
Members at Riverine Independent and Retirement Living in Napanee ratified a two-year agreement on March 22, 2024.
Members receive wage increases of 3.5% in both years across all classifications. A new weekend premium will provide 15 cents per hour.
The employer will increase their benefit contribution rate from 65% to 70%.
As of ratificatoin, full-time sick days increase to five, and on January 1, 2025, increase to six. Part-time sick days increase to three days on January 1, 2025.
The uniform allowance will increase yearly to $120 for full-time and $75 for part-time.
Union Negotiating Committee: Roxanne Brownlee. Union Representative: Dean McLaren
Union Negotiating Committee (l-r): Greg Williams, Union Representative Amy Tran, Harvinder Singh, and Richard McLarty.
Negotiation Updates
Larabie’s YIG members ratify monetary gains & language improvements
Members in Kapuskasing working at Larabie’s YIG ratified a five-year agreement on June 4, 2024.
Full-time end rates will increase by $1.50 per hour as of ratification, retroactive to date of expiry, and then by an additional $3 per hour over the term of the agreement. Part-time end rates will increase by $1 per hour as of ratification and then by $2.20 per hour over the course of the collective agreement. All part-time and students will receive a signing bonus of $100.
Language improvements include manager relief pay of $50 instead of the previous $40. Department Managers assigned to close the store receive a premium of $15, up from $10. All employees who are required to wear safety footwear, will receive a boot allowance of $100, up from $85.
Part-time employees can now take their vacation pay at the time of their vacation instead of a predetermined date. The agreement also contains improved bereavement language and a new letter of understanding regarding minimum wage gap language.
Union Negotiating Committee: Krystal Armagost, Samantha BrittNiquet, Samantha Wilkie. Union Representatives: Jeff Barry and Michael Bernier.
Ridgewood Industries members ratify after challenging negotiations
After a difficult set of negotiations, the members at Ridgewood Industries in Cornwall ratified a two-year agreement on May 5, 2024.
The members achieved general increases over the term of the agreement totalling $1.20 per hour. In addition, the shift premium for afternoon work will improved by $1.15 per hour.
Previously, the RRSP plan only permitted the employer to contribute. Now, the members have the ability to match contributions to the group RRSP.
Additional monetary improvements include an increased boot allowance of $150, up from $120,
and a new training premium of $1 per hour for all hours so worked. The Union Negotiating Committee also achieved enhanced severance language in the event of unit closure.
Members benefit from a number of language improvements including the addition of Family Day to the list of paid holidays, and an extra floater day for employees with more than 25 years of service. Bereavement entitlement improves to include one paid day for a parent's siblings and niblings.
Union Negotiating Committee: Albert Boileau, Mike Leroux, Jean Patenaude, Rene Roberts. Union Representative: Shannon Epp.
Sudbury Wholesale Club members ratify improved wages & language
On May 13, 2024, members working at the Wholesale Club in Sudbury ratified a five-year agreement.
Over the term of the agreement full-time workers receive wage increases of $4.50 per hour and part-time workers receive $3.20 per hour. Minimum wage plus language will apply for part-time employees at the end rate. Lump sum payments will be paid at $1,000 for full-time, $500 for part-timers at end rate, and $100 for part-time in progression.
Pension improvements include an increase of $100 per year to the RRSP contributions for fulltime.
Language improvements address improved safety footwear, employer-reimbursed doctor's notes, stronger protection against unfair discipline, and
Great Lakes Elevator members ratify wage & other improvements
Members at the Great Lakes Elevator in Owen Sound ratified a new agreement on May 14, 2024.
Wages will increase by a total of 9% over the three-year term, retroactive to the previous date of expiry. The Fumigation rate will double and the lead hand rate will increase to $1 per hour; both of these will be built into rates of pay and not premiums. Plus, the agreement contains new language to assist members in moving up through the progression quicker.
The shoe allowance will go up to $185 per year for safety shoes, and $150 per year for rubber boots. Job posting language improvements will ensure seniority is prioritized, and the agreement also contains improved language for probationary employees who have completed probation.
Union Negotiating Committee: Mike Brown, Tanner Shlakat. Union Representative: Todd Janes.
time alloted for stewards to provide new employee orientation. In addition, newly hired full-time employees will receive a new personal day.
The employer will also share the cost of printing collective agreements for the Members.
Union Negotiating Committee: Joyce Lebranche. Union Representative: Richard Eberhardt.
Substantial increases ratified at Quinte Humane Society
Members working at Quinte Humane Society in Belleville, ratified a three-year agreement on April 5, 2024.
The agreement includes substantial wage increases totalling 12% over the life of the contract for employees with three or more years of service. All employees receive a health spending account lump sum payment of $300 in January 2025 of $300, and $350 in January 2026.
The uniform allowance improves to $175 and a shoe allowance will be introduced at $50 yearly. Members will also be eligible for eight hours off with pay for a pet emergency or death (including vet visits).
Union Negotiating Committee: Kaitlin Mitchell, Melissa Pickell-Pitt. Union Representative: Dean McLaren.
Health & Safety
The Basics:
Workers' Health & Safety Rights
Every worker has three basic health & safety rights under the Ontario Occupational Health & Safety Act (OHSA).
• The right to know!
• The right to participate!
• The right to refuse!
If you're not sure, please ask and get the conversation started. If you have questions, chances are another co-worker has questions, too!
Ask your Steward, your JHSC members, your supervisor or employer, your co-workers, and/or your Union Rep.
Even if there is no direct violation under the OHSA, language under Section 25 may still apply:
Section 25: Duty of Employer
An employer shall ensure that,
(2) Without limiting the strict duty imposed by subsection (1), an employer shall,
(h) take every precaution reasonable in the circumstances for the protection of a worker.
STAY SAFE!
Find the full OHSA legislation at https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/90o01
A message from your NEW Health & Safety Rep Donna Rhodes!
As your new Health & Safety Representative, I will do my due diligence in all health and safety matters that may arise for the Members of this Union.
I am here to help, provide advice, and help you communicate with your employer, your Joint Health & Safety Committee Members, Union Stewards, and Union Reps.
Whether through educational seminars, the UFCW webCampus, on-thejob skills, participating in committees, and more, we can all benefit from continuous learning and upgrading our skills at every opportunity.
I look forward to working with our members to create environments where workers help to build and maintain a true culture of safety by training their co-workers!
Share the wealth, share the knowledge, and let's keep each other safe.
If you have any health and safety questions or concerns, your Representatives and myself are always available to help.
membership@ufcw175.com
905-821-8329 / 1-800-565-8329
In Solidarity, Donna Rhodes H&S Representative
To learn more about Donna's career leading up to her role as Health & Safety Representative, go to page 8.
Workers' Compensation
Injured Workers, families, and advocates mark June 1 as Injured Workers Day
Workplace injury and illness prevention begins with excellent health and safety standards. Having an informed and active workforce and a responsible employer go a long way to building, maintaining, and enhancing those standards.
But even in workplaces with extensive and enforced health and safety measures, accidents can happen. If an incident happens, or if you notice symptoms of an injury or illness that may be work related, please reach out to your Union Representative or the Workers' Compensation department, and file a WSIB claim.
Visit ufcw175.com/workers-compensation or send an email to workerscomp@ufcw175.com for more information on what to do if you suffer a workplace accident, injury, or illness.
Changes to the WSIAT format
On May 6, 2024, changes affecting the Workplace Safety & Insurance Tribunal Act (WSIAT) pre-hearing process took effect.
What does this mean for Members?
The Union's Workers' Compensation department will start to transition cases from the old process to the new process. This is expected to take up to six months.
ANY members that receive notifications for appeals to WSIAT must contact the Union immediately. Deadlines are now much tighter than before.
Members should ensure they keep in regular contact with the Workers' Compensation Department as well.
In 2023, the WSIB allowed 177,676 claims from workers across Ontario.
Of those allowed, about 40.6% were lost-time claims.
In 2023, the WSIB allowed 23,922 occupational disease claims.
visit the WSIAT at
Stewards Stewards Seminars
From March through May of this year, hundreds of Local Union Stewards from across the province took part in a series of six biennial weekend educational seminars.
These seminars, which are available every other year, are an incredible opportunity for our dedicated Stewards to advance their skills, discuss workplace issues, and connect with other members of the Union. In alternating years, these seminars are complemented by local cell training.
Over the weekend, Stewards took part in various classes. Topics covered include:
• Introductory steward training;
• Health and safety;
• Preparing for arbitration;
• Collective Bargaining, and;
• New this year, a course on Mental
Health First Aid.
"Our Stewards inspire us every day with their commitment to building better and safer workplaces, and their care for the well-being of their co-workers," said President Tosato. "It's always an honour for me to be in a room with our Stewards and it is encouraging to know how many of them took time away from their busy schedules to be there."
This year's seminars took place in Hamilton, London, Sudbury, Thunder Bay, Toronto, and Ottawa.
For more photos from the seminars, make sure to look for us on social media @ufcwlocals175633 on Facebook and Instagram.
Sudbury
Thunder Bay
Ottawa
Healthcare Conference
The 20th annual Healthcare Stewards Conference took place April 11 – 12, 2024 in Toronto where nearly 100 members from the HOPE Sector met for two days of learning and networking.
The agenda included a warm welcome from Local 175 President Kelly Tosato and Secretary-Treasurer Jim McLean, and the conference was emceed by Local 175 Recorder and Registered Nurse Karen Vaughan.
Over the two days, delegates heard from and took part in a number of educational sessions.
• Arbitrator William Marcotte spoke to the stewards about the arbitration process including proper evidence, deciding facts from evidence, the role of the arbitrator, the pros and cons of taking a grievance to arbitration, and more.
• Sherry Simo, Occupational Health & Safety Inspector, discussed Workplace Harassment & Violence Policies, the various roles of the Ministry, understanding the law and the roles and responsibilities of the workplace parties, and how to report incidents and how those reports are investigated or dealt with.
• Jane Mulkewich, Legal Department Director for the Union, gave a presentation on Bill 124, the impact it had on our members, and the Union's participation in the successful charter
challenge to have it overturned. On November 22, 2023, Bill 124 was found unconstitutional because it violates the freedom of association. Despite an appeal by the Ford government, that ruling was upheld in a decision on February 12, 2024, and Ford was forced to repeal his own law.
• Jorge Lasso, an investigator and trainer, addressed the topic of workplace investigations. Jorge explained what a workplace harassment investigation is, why and how they are conducted, the duties of employer, the importance of accurate report writing, and the legal process.
Stewards took part in a workshop on Workplace Violence & Harassment. The group discussed the definition of harassment and protected grounds with real life examples, and what to do when in a given situation. Participants also talked about prevention, the Ontario Human Rights Code, and work refusals as well.
The conference concluded with stewards participating in various town hall meetings where they were able to ask questions of Local Union experts in health and safety, workers’ compensation, the law, workplace representation, and pay equity.
Community
Over the May long weekend, Local 175 member Ted Dawes from Minute Maid, climbed on the roof of Morello's YIG in Peterborough for Ted on the Roof, the Final Chapter.
For years, Ted and his crew of volunteers have been dedicated fundraisers for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada (LLSC) and Ted on the Roof has been a mainstay of the long weekend for a while.
Local 175 President Kelly Tosato joined the event on the Saturday to help barbecue and collect donations in front of the store from the generous community members.
This year, through donations and sponsorships, bake sales, a silent auction, and more, Ted on the Roof raised an incredible $31,000 for the LLSC. Thank you and congratulations to Ted for another successful event raising money for this worthy cause.
TED on the ROOF
GOLF TOURNAMENT
The rainy weather was no match for the determination of our golfers at the annual Golf Tournament for the LLSC.
Our golfers showed up for registration in the pouring rain and were rewarded with clearing skies just as they teed off for the afternoon.
President Tosato and Secretary-Treasurer McLean were on hand to welcome our 144 golfers, get them registered and send them off on their way to a great round on the links.
Thank you to all of our golfers and sponsors for helping raise $15,600 for the LLSC.
SolidarityScholarships
Members: November 4 - 8, 2024
A basic introduction to your Union, the membership, and what it means to be a Union member.
Courses take place at the Training Centre in Mississauga. As per Local Union policies, we cover the cost of:
• The course, materials, and instruction;
• Members’ lost wages;
• Per diems;
• Transportation costs, and;
• Accommodations *for those who qualify.
Stewards: October 21 - 25, 2024
Open to Union Stewards. Topics include human rights, workplace injuries, return to work, and accommodation.
Health & Safety: October 21 -
25, 2024
Open to JHSC Members/Representatives. Covers topics like committee functions, work refusals, hazard analysis, inspections, and more.
