Healthcare workers have been faced with incredible challenges over the past few years, and many of those challenges continue today.
But throughout it all, what has remained consistent is the strength and resilience of our Members who have persevered through difficult circumstances.
Our healthcare system would be nothing without the Personal Support Workers (PSWs) and Nurses who work in our long-term care homes, retirement homes, community care centres, addiction treatment centres, homecare settings, and more.
Thank you to all of our Healthcare Members at UFCW Locals 175 & 633 for your dedication, compassion, and care.
Visit us on YouTube to see videos from President Haggerty, and HOPE Sector Directors Sandra Ashcroft (LTC & Retirement), and Mike Mattioli (Community Care).
youtube.com/user/ufcwlocals175633
UFCW LOCAL 175
President
Shawn Haggerty
Secretary-Treasurer
Kelly Tosato
Recorder
Karen Vaughan
Executive Assistants
Chris Fuller
Angela Mattioli
Jim McLean
HOPE SECTOR
UFCW LOCAL 633
President
Marylou Mallett
Secretary-Treasurer
Brian Kozlowski
Recorder
Julie Hinsperger
Director, Long-Term Care & Retirement: Sandra Ashcroft; Union Representatives: Ayesha Jabbar, Derek Jokhu, Dean McLaren, Steve Springall
Director, Community Care: Mike Mattioli; Union
Representatives: Nabeela Irfan, Casey Magee, Meemee Seto; Servicing Representative: Hodan Wais
REGION 1 Director: Tracy Stubbs; Union Representative: Alex Stubbs
REGION 2 Director: Lee Johnson-Koehn; Union
Representatives: Rick Daudlin, Sacha Edey, Tony Nigro, Sabrina Qadir, Amy Tran
REGION 3 Director: Paul Hardwick; Union
Representatives: Sean Carroll, Shannon Epp, Kimberly Hunter, Joe Tenn; Servicing Representative: Sandra Proulx
REGION 4 Director: John DiNardo; Union Representatives: Jennifer Hanley, Tim Kelly; Servicing
Representatives: Fatima Butt, Nunzio Cannistraci, Al Couture, Amanda De Melo, Shirley Hepditch, Maxine Prince
REGION 5 Director: Jehan Ahamed; Union Representatives: Joce Cote, Mario Tardelli; Servicing
Representatives: Rolando Cabral, Kelly Dick
REGION 6 Director: Sam Caetano; Union Representatives: Dave Forbes, Jason Hanley, Chris Mayberry, Melody Slattery, Navidad Talbot, Fred Teeple
REGION 7 Director: Jehan Ahamed; Union Representatives: Chris Bernardi, Todd Janes; Servicing
Representatives: Arlene Robertson, Michael Windley
REGION 8 Director: Derik McArthur; Union
Representatives: Jeff Barry, John Beaton, Richard Eberhardt, Jim Hames
WORKERS’ COMPENSATION Workers’
Compensation Coordinator: Sarah Neath; Workers’
Compensation Intake Representative: Georgina
MacDonald; Workers’ Compensation Representatives: Joanne Ford, Nelson Pereira, Courtney Salomons;
PAY EQUITY Coordinator: Matt Davenport; Pay Equity Representative: Orsola Augurusa
HEALTH & SAFETY Health & Safety Representative: Christina Mayberry
LEGAL Director: Jane Mulkewich; Counsel: Shauna Fabrizi-Jomaa, Matthew Jagodits
ORGANIZING Director: Rick Wauhkonen;
Organizing Representatives: Ricardo Bocanegra, Tim Hum, Jeffery Lu
TRAINING & EDUCATION Director: Kelly
Nicholas; Servicing Representative: Teresa Wilson;
COMMUNICATIONS Coordinator: Jennifer Tunney; Communications Representatives: Laurie
Duncan, Ashleigh Vink
PROJECT COORDINATOR Wei Chen
At the Bylaw & Policy conference on April 15, I reported on a number of figures from the last four years since the Local Union last met at the 2019 conference. These figures are listed on the right-hand side here and you can read more about the Conference starting on page 6.
The Bylaw & Policy Committee brought a number of monetary improvements in terms of per diems, kilometres, and scholarships, to the convention floor, which the delegates then had a chance to discuss and vote on. While some proposals were submitted by the Committee itself, other proposals came directly from submissions made by members at the November 2022 quarterly meetings. I encourage you to attend your next membership meeting to review and vote on these proposed changes to the Policies & Procedures of the Local Union.
Attending Union meetings is an important part of being an active Union member and getting the most out of your Union membership. Like any democratic voting process; decisions are made by those who show up.
In my President’s Report, one of the numbers I discussed was that the Local Union had worked with your elected Negotiating Committees to bargain 589 collective agreements since the beginning of 2019.
Collective agreements are a result of the hard work and diligence of your Negotiating Committee. But the direction your committees take in bargaining comes from proposals submitted by the members. And the agreement is only ratified if you, the members, vote to ratify it.
A members' priorities in bargaining can depend on many factors. And given the last few years of pandemic and inflation, some things may be more important to you than others.
Is it paid sick days? Shift flexibility? Better pension, wage increases, improved benefits, more vacation? Your proposal meeting is the opportunity to make sure your elected Committee understands what you and your co-workers are looking for in your new agreement.
Your Union will continue to work hard to represent the best interests of the membership. Please ensure you also stay active and informed so you can best benefit from all of the provisions of your collective agreement and take advantage of the opportunities you have as a member to have your voice heard.
In Solidarity, Shawn Haggerty president@ufcw175.com
• More than 500 collective agreements at 1,100 workplaces enforced.
• 15,280 grievances filed.
• 1,060 grievances filed for arbitration (many resolved before hearing).
• 16 staff retirements with four more retiring this year.
• 27 new staff hired.
• 3,023 new members organized at 39 workplaces.
• 2,000 members trained through virtual, online, and in-class courses.
• $352,000 in Solidarity Scholarships awarded.
• Numerous political lobbies & protests to fight for the protection & advancement of workers’ rights.
• $243,000 donated to food banks and community support centres.
• One van donated to Shelter House in Thunder Bay.
Our Organizing team has an outstanding record of successful certification votes. They have helped thousands of workers join our great union in the last few years.
Since the start of 2019 through to the end of 2022, our Team assisted 3,023 workers at 39 workplaces celebrate the victory of winning their votes to join the Union.
These members came to us from a wide variety of sectors and industries including:
• Long-term & retirement care;
• Social services;
• Child care;
• Retail grocery & cannabis;
• Food production;
• Manufacturing;
• Medical laboratories;
• Animal care;
• Hospitality;
• Airline security;
• Pipeline control;
• Janitorial, and;
• Fast food.
Organizing is hard work and I am proud to say we have talented, compassionate staff who are dedicated to helping workers gain representation across the province.
But the people putting in the really hard work are the employees looking to build a better life by joining our union.
These workers, like many others, have faced numerous challenges over the last few years. And instead of letting those challenges discourage them, those workers rose up, stood together, and demanded change. They took steps to learn about how our Union can benefit working people and how the process of organizing works.
To build support and momentum, those workers spoke to their coworkers and addressed their questions and concerns. They held strong, sometimes in the face of employer threats. Some of them waited while their employer challenged the validity of their votes, too.
And they did all of this under a provincial government that is not friendly to working people or the labour movement. A government that was truly for the people would reinstate card-check certification, raise minimum wage, mandate paid sick days, and put the mental and physical well-being of workers before corporate profits.
I hope that when you hear a family member or friend talking about wanting to bring change to their non-union workplace, that you speak up and let them know to contact us. I encourage our Members to visit ufcw175. com/honorarium to learn more about the reward of up to $1,250 available for leads they bring to our Organizing Team that result in a successful certification.
It takes courage and drive to fight for your rights. No matter the obstacle, UFCW Locals 175 & 633 has the strength and resources to defend worker’s rights throughout the organizing process and beyond.
I am so proud of how you, our members, have showed up and keep showing up for yourselves and others. Your steadfast work ethic, your care for your communities, and your support of your Union will continue to help push the Labour Movement forward to achieve great things for workers.
In Solidarity, Kelly Tosato treasurer@ufcw175.com
On April 15, Stewards from across the province took part in the 2023 Bylaw & Policy Conference.
About 300 delegates, Executive Board, staff, and guests filled the convention hall for the day, which began with a warm welcome from UFCW Canada Resident Elder Eric Flett who is Ojibway of the Ebb and Flow First Nation in Manitoba.
Elder Flett resides in Treaty 1 territory and is a proud UFCW Local 832 retiree and past Executive Board member at that local union. He is also a founding member of the UFCW Canada Indigenous Sub-Committee and a retired member of the UFCW Canada Human Rights, Equity and Diversity Committee.
Elder Flett’s presentation included a land acknowledgment and personal stories touching on the Seven Grandfather Teachings: Love, Respect, Wisdom, Courage, Honesty, Wisdom, Humility, and Truth.
President Haggerty addressed the room next with the President’s Report. Along with videos from several departments at the Union, President Haggerty covered the work of the Union over the last four years
since delegates last met at the 2019 Bylaw & Policy Conference.
Acknowledging the difficulties of the last few years, President Haggerty thanked delegates and all members of our Union for their dedication, care, and commitment to their jobs. And despite the challenges brought by the pandemic, the Local Union’s focus on negotiating superior collective agreements, expedited problem resolution, and strong servicing never wavered. With that focus, the Union was able to continue to improve wages, benefits, and working conditions for the members, and work toward expanding agreement language to provide better health and safety rights, anti-harassment and anti-violence clauses, pension protection, and gender neutral and inclusive terms.
After touching on negotiations, the grievance and arbitration process, staff changes, organizing victories, training, and more, President Haggerty wrapped up his presentation by thanking the members of the Union.
“It is an honour and privilege to have the opportunity to work on behalf of families to help provide a better way of
life. I thank you for the opportunity to work for you as your President,” said Haggerty.
Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC), who served as a Vice-President on the UFCW Canada National Council and was also Secretary-Treasurer for UFCW Local 832 in Manitoba, spoke to the crowd next.
Bruske spoke passionately about the need to fight, nation-wide, to prevent the dismantling of workers’ rights. She noted how well the labour movement came together in Ontario to fight back against Doug Ford’s attempt to prevent the CUPE strike and his invocation of the notwithstanding clause. She applauded Locals 175 & 633 for being a force in the labour movement and for consistently working to uphold workers’ rights through many means.
Secretary-Treasurer Tosato presented financial state-
ments for both Local 175 and Local 633 to the delegates. The overview included revenue and disbursements over the last four years for both the general and strike funds, and a snapshot of the Union’s equity. Secretary-Treasurer Tosato reported that the Local Union is “well-equipped to support our members on the picket lines and fight for good, fair contracts for all workers.”
To wrap up the Financial report, Secretary-Treasurer Tosato thanked the Local Union’s Investment Committee, which is comprised of nine Local Union officers, staff, and Executive Board. “With the sound investments of the Committee and the leadership of President Haggerty and your Executive Board,” added Tosato, “I know we will continue to move forward with sound financial health while continuing to provide the best services to our members.”
Selam Debs, who is an Antiracism Educator, Holistic Life Coach, and Yoga & Meditation Teacher, took to the stage next. Speaking from her personal ex-
periences as a Black Ethiopian queer woman in Canada, Debs discussed the ongoing need to dismantle white supremacy and systemic racism.
From its beginnings as a colonizing force that stole land from Indigenous people and committed cultural genocide in the process, to current day practices, Canada’s institutions – from schools to policing, government bodies to capitalist modelling, media, and more – continue to perpetuate racist ideologies, oppression, and harm.
Debs challenged the audience with some introspection, asking them to consider who Canada is safe for? And whether Black Lives Matter to you? Debs listed numerous microaggressions that people with Black and Brown bodies encounter every day – questions like ‘where are you from?’ or ‘is that your real hair’ and ‘can I touch your hair’ – which are harmful and continue to uphold a white supremacist view on what it means to be human. She further asked the audience to re-learn the histories of Black, Indigenous, and racialized communities – histories that have been erased from our education systems. Learn more about Selam's work and advocacy at www.selamdebs.com.
Just after lunch, the Bylaw & Policy Committee took to the stage. The Committee brought forward proposed amendments
to the Local Union's Policies & Procedures to the delegates for their vote. These proposals were gathered from the membership at the November quarterly meetings last year and will be presented to members for their vote at the next membership meetings.
With conference business complete, the delegates were treated to more inspirational guests throughout the afternoon.
Serena Ryder, Juno Award-Winning Musician and Mental Health Advocate kicked off her presentation with an incredible acoustic performance of ‘What I Wouldn’t Do.’ Ryder went on to give a touching discussion about her personal experiences and mental health journey as she rose to fame. While her career was taking off, and amidst some incredible professional highs, Ryder found herself in a deep depression.
Through her experiences, Ryder learned that the symptoms of her depression were telling her something that her body needed – to rest and rebuild. She likened her journey to a caterpillar, which cannot become a butterfly without a journey that requires that caterpillar to turn into goo inside its cocoon, and crabs who cannot outgrow their shells without those shells first breaking apart. Ryder spoke about her similar need to let herself crumble and fall apart in order to rebuild herself stronger.
To wind up her time on stage, Ryder sang a couple more songs for the crowd. She also provided signed copies of her latest album in vinyl for all delegates to the conference as well. For more information on Serena Ryder, visit www.serenaryder.com
Next to take the stage was Karina Leblanc, a two-time Olympic Canadian soccer player and former Head of Women's Football, The Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF). Karina's message for the delegates focused on living a life of purpose. She recounted her own story of victories on the field, and personal struggles including a health scare that helped her redefine the life she wanted to lead.
Leblanc, who is now the General Manager for the Portland Thorns, discussed having a growth versus fixed mindset and, similar to the message delivered by Serena Ryder, how important it is to become comfortable with being uncomfortable in order to facilitate that growth.
Leblanc left delegates with a message to find their voice and their passion, and she challenged the audience to 48 hours of purposeful living and being the best version of themselves. For more information on Karina Leblanc and her work, visit karinaleblanc.com
Rounding out the afternoon’s speakers was David Benjatschek
who is a coach, speaker, and author out of Calgary. With his authentic approach and using his own personal stories of loss, hope, and connection, Benjatschek inspired the audience with a message of how to overcome adversity.
He encouraged delegates to embrace life’s challenges to grow, move forward, and find their purpose, bringing home the theme of the afternoon’s speakers that we should all strive to live a life of purpose and passion. You can find David and his work online at facebook.com/benjatschek.
To wind up the day, returning crowd favourite Choir! Choir! Choir! made their way to the stage to get delegates up and out of their chairs. The musical duo quickly brought everyone together and had the audience laughing. And in no time, they had everyone singing along to the 80s hit Don’t Stop Believing by Journey. Daveed Goldman and Nobu Adilman (AKA “DaBu”), who founded the group back in 2011, were at the 2019 Bylaw & Policy Conference as well and they received rave reviews from many delegates. For more information, visit choirchoirchoir.com.
Thank you to all of our delegates for making the 2023 Bylaw & Policy Conference a wonderful success.
The 19th annual Health Care Stewards Conference, which took place April 17 - 18, 2023, kicked off with opening remarks from Local 175 Recorder and Registered Nurse (RN) Karen Vaughan who welcomed everyone to the two-day event.
President Haggerty addressed the group as well, giving a big thank you to the Stewards for their dedication to providing an amazing level of care. President Haggerty also spoke of the realities of working in healthcare under the current government and the everyday challenges that workers face.
On day one, participants heard from several speakers who not only relate to the healthcare field, but who were there to inspire and encourage Stewards to continue advocating for themselves, their co-workers, and their residents. Stewards were also able to participate in discussions and share their experiences surrounding topics covered by the guest speakers.
Sherry Simo, Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development Occupational Health & Safety Inspector, spoke to delegates about Workplace Harassment and Violence and the Right to Refuse Unsafe Work. Simo advised Stewards that this year, Workplace Violence in healthcare is the primary focus of the Ministry.
All workers deserve respect, dignity, and fair compensation for their work, but that they also need to ensure they are taking care of themselves first.
David Benjatschek spoke to delegates about the importance of self-care through the lens of stress management essentials which are highly effective tools for all workers. He encouraged Stewards to prepare a stress management plan, ensuring it is clear, achiev-
“We know that healthcare and community health workers are facing some serious challenges these days,” said President Haggerty. “Your Union is here to advocate on your behalf and ensure that you have the support you need every step of the way.”
able, and effective, and discussed how chronic stress can take a
toll on both ones’ physical and mental health.
Day two saw Stewards participate in various town hall meetings where discussions and shared experiences shaped the day. Participants spoke with Local Union experts in health and safety, workers’ compensation, the law, workplace representation, and pay equity. In addition, lawyer Wassim Garzouzi was on hand to discuss the HLDAA process. Through these sessions, Stewards were able to bounce ideas off panelists and each other to gain a better knowledge and understanding of different scenarios and the recommended way to handle issues.
Workplace investigations are difficult, but through training and open discussion, the Union aims to empower our Stewards to be advocates in their workplaces.
Legal Director Jane Mulkewich ran through a recommended step-by-step guide to performing investigations in the workplace through a legal lens and it was well received by the delegates. Stewards asked many questions, shared scenarios, and learned how to empower themselves as labour advocates.
Thank you to all of our Healthcare Stewards for their forthright and respectful participation throughout this year’s conference. See you next year!
ration for all the work that you do, you are the heart and soul of our healthcare system.”
“As we look towards the future, we know that workers will continue to face challenges and obstacles,” said President Haggerty. “But I want to assure you that we will never stop advocating for a system that truly puts workers first. I want to express my gratitude and admi-
New members at Vishay Precision Kelk ratified their first collective agreement on April 1, 2023. The threeyear deal covers 50 full-time employees at the North York facility.
Along with all the protections and benefits that being unionized brings, these members will receive wage increases of: 4% in year one retroactive to January 1, 2023; 2.85% in year two, and; 2.25% in year three. Shift premiums will be $1 per hour for the afternoon shift and $2 per hour for the evening shift.
Benefit improvements include an Orthotics allowance increase to $400, up from $350; Paramedical coverage of $1,500, up from $1,000; Drug coverage of
100%, up from 85%, and; Optical coverage of $400, up from $300. The safety shoe allowance improves to $200, up from $170, and the employer will contribute $100 toward the Training & Education Fund.
Other improvements include seven paid sick days with reimbursement for doctors' notes if requested; two floater days, and; five days for jury duty. Those with 24 years of service or more receive three additional holidays. Further language provides three bereavement days, as well as pay equity language.
Union Negotiating Committee: Huzefa Khan and John Ruja. Union Representative: Rick Daudlin.
Compass Group members working on the sixth floor at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto ratified a threeyear agreement on February 14, 2023.
Members will receive general wage increases of 75 cents per hour in year one, 25 cents per hour in year two, and 25 cents per hour in year three.
A new baker classification will have its wage rate set at 50 cents above the general wage rate in year one, and those in this classification will then receive the general wage increase in years two and three. A lead hand premium of 75 cents per hour will be introduced as well.
Members now receive paid sick days as follows:
• Full-time: One day in 2024, and two days in 2025;
• Part-time: One day in 2025.
The membership will further benefit from an improved shoe allowance of $50, up from $25, and the addition of new members from a new location in the hospital (Peter Gilgan Tower), as well as one steward for that location. The employer will endeavor to have a consistent shift schedule (i.e. days or evenings) for at least two weeks before changing the shift schedule.
Union Negotiating Committee: Tessma Tiruwork and Sylvia Mahbub. Union representative: Sacha Edey.
Muskoka ACS members in Bracebridge ratified a three-year agreement on March 27, 2023.
Members will see wage increases totalling 7% over the life of the agreement term, including 2.25% in January 2023 retroactive to the date of expiry in the previous agreement. The Union Negotiating Committee achieved significant start rate increases paid retroactive to the date of expiry on the previous agreement. This includes a new start rate of $27 per hour, up from $20.60 for Training - ETP, and $29 per hour, up from $25.45, for Training - Local.
Effective January 2024, the Ambulance Communications Officer (ACO) 1 top rate receives improved Merit pay of 85 cents per hour, up from 82 cents. Similarly, the ACO2 top rate Merit pay increases to 90 cents per hour, up from 87 cents.
The weekend night shift premium increases to 75 cents per hour, up from 55 cents. Part-time in lieu improves to 6%, up from 5.5%. Plus, there will be a 75% Parental Leave top up to 14 weeks, up from 12 weeks.
Other language improvements:
• Employees may elect to bank overtime hours at regular rate to a maximum of 24 hours in the calendar to take as paid time off during the year.
• New: Regular part-time ACOs receive up to 24 hours of paid absence per calendar year to use for illness or urgent personal family needs.
• Truth and Reconciliation Day will be added to the list of paid holidays if proclaimed by provincial government.
• A temporary Letter of Understanding (LOU) was added to maintain language that guarantees two full-time members to be off at any given time. The employer has the ability to cancel approved vacation due to staffing shortages at the Centre, however; if that happens, the employee would receive double time for all hours worked on those days.
Union Negotiating Committee: Kris Tytler-Barnes, Dustin Otto, and Jamie-Lea Reay. Union Representative: Derek Jokhu.
The members at Battistelli’s YIG in Lively ratified a new five-year agreement on February 15, 2023. These members will see wage increases to end rates of $2.30 over the term of the agreement. Full-time members in the middle of the grid will receive a $.50/ hour increase at date of ratification. The part-time grid will reduce by 750 hours to achieve end rate. Lump sum payments will be paid to full-time in the amount of $700 and $350 for part-time workers.
Members will move to the CCWIPP Master Contribution Agreement, increasing the contribution rate from $0.55 to $0.75/hr. Language was removed that disqualified some full-time members from receiving benefits and we are happy to report that all full-time members will now be eligible to receive benefits.
The footwear allowance will increase to $100 per year for full-time workers.
The members employed by Dexterra at Fleming College in Lindsay ratified a three-year agreement on April 5, 2023.
Members will see wage increases of 60 cents per hour in year one, 70 cents per hour in year two, and $1.70 per hour in year three.
The employer will increase its contribution portion of the healthcare premium to 75%, up from 70%.
The shoe allowance will increase to $150, up from
Members at Parent's YIG in Rockland ratified a fiveyear agreement on April 11, 2023. Wages for full and part-time members at or above end rate improve by:
• $1.20 per hour as of the date of ratification;
• 40 cents per hour as of March 1, 2024;
• 35 cents per hour as of March 1, 2025, and;
• 35 cents per hour as of March 1, 2026.
Updated full-time wage grids will see all full-time grids reduced from 48 months to 36 months. All fulltime employees receive a signing bonus of $1,400.
The part-time wage scale is reduced from 6501+ hours to 4501+, with an end rate of Minimum Wage plus 85 cents.
Should Minimum wage increase above the scheduled increase for current part-time at the 6501+ end or those part-time above end rate effective March 31, 2024, those workers will receive the difference in that given year. Part-time at or above end rate shall receive a signing bonus of $700, and part-time in progression receive $100.
The night shift premium will increase to $1 per hour, and the safety footwear allowance increases to $100 per year for full-time and every 2 years for part-time.
Union Negotiating Committee: Jacob Campbell and Shannon Essex. Union Representative: Shannon Epp.
$125, and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation will be added to the list of paid holidays.
The Employer agrees that once vacation time is requested the supervisor will get back to the members in writing within five calendar days. Should the employee not receive a response within the timelines, the employee will assume it is granted.
Union Negotiating Committee: Kathy McCabe and Kelly Wells. Union Representative: Amy Tran.
General ratify new deal
On April 18, 2023 UFCW Locals 175 & 633 members at Aramark in the Scarborough General Hospital Cafeteria unanimously ratified a three-year deal.
The committee worked hard to ensure representation was given to both new and seasoned members. They improved language for probationary employees in regards to holiday pay and ensured an inclusive agreement through gender neutral language throughout.
Highlights include various monetary gains including:
• The introduction of new sick days – two (2) for Full-time and one (1) for Part-time;
• Increased shoe allowance for eligible employees;
• Increased bereavement days to five, up from four, for immediate family members, and;
• Increases to the Training & Education fund.
Additionally, members will see a change to the wage grid which will recognize the government increase to minimum wage and will bring members up to a top rate of over $18 by the end of the term.
Union Representative: Amy Tran. Director: Lee Johnson-Koehn.
The Town of Petawawa Firefighters ratified a three-year agreement on February 26, 2023.
Effective June 1, 2024, members with three years of service will receive GLOBE firefighter boots (which remain the property of the town in the event the firefighter leaves the fire service). All employees will be provided with First Aid and CPR training and maintain certification.
Appendix ‘A’ will now list specific job classifications for the Assistant Deputy Chiefs. Acting Captains will now be referenced as 'Lieutenants.' The word 'volunteer' will be replaced with 'firefighter' in the agreement. Firefighters must receive minimum Certification required under 0. Reg 343/22 Firefighter Certification, as amended from time to time, based on the level of fire protection services required by the Town.
Other language improvements include:
• Greenlights will be permitted in firefighter vehicles effective June 30th, 2023.
• The Town shall hold mandatory meetings twice a year for all firefighters.
• The additional task log will be made available to all members, posted at Station 2, and updated on a monthly basis.
• Any firefighter attending training pre-approved by the employer shall be paid their hourly rate of pay and expenses in order to attend such training.
• Job descriptions will be provided for job postings.
• The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is added to Statutory Holidays.
• Stewards will have up to 30 minutes with new hires for Union orientation training. These members receive wage increase in accordance with the Town Bylaws.
Union Negotiating Committee: Peter Moss and Bill Tabram. Union Representatives: Shannon Epp and Kim Hunter.
The Corporation of the Town of Kearney Volunteer Firefighters unanimously ratified a three-year agreement on March 8, 2023.
New improved start rates will be paid retroactive to the date of expiry, as follows:
• Captain $24.50, up from $18.77;
• Acting Captain $22.50, up from $18.77, and;
• Firefighter $21.50, up from $16.56. Further wage increases to follow of 1.75% in year two, and 1.5% in year three.
Wages will now start to be earned from the time a firefighter receives a call, and new language provides that firefighters who complete 100 hours or more of service will receive $100 per year. There will be new job classifications of Junior firefighter, First Responder, and Dispatch.
Prescription eye wear coverage will now cover 75% (up to $300) for replacing glasses that are broken while on duty. The Town will cover 100% of fees associated with obtaining and maintaining a valid DZ Driver’s License (was previously $100) and the Boot allowance will increase to $125, up from $75.
Union Negotiating Committee: David McKean and Justine McKean. Union Representative: Derek Jokhu.
The International Constitution and Local Union Bylaws require Officers of the Local Unions 175 & 633 to be elected every four years. The current term of office expires December 31, 2023.
The following pages contain the list of positions open for nomination, including the numerical designation (used only for nomination and election purposes) for each position, the relevant sectors, and signatures required for nomination.
Please also refer to the nomination package, eligibility requirements, and deadlines on page 20.
The positions, sectors, and number of qualified nominators signatures required on the “petition” for nomination are as follows on these pages.
Information on the nomination package, official petition forms, eligibility, deadlines, and notification of results continues on page 20.
A nomination package including Official Nomination Petition Forms will be available to any candidate for an elected position by contacting the Election Chairperson, Rob Armbruster.
Contact Rob Armbruster for a nomination package at the Provincial Head Office of UFCW Locals 175 & 633 at 1-800-565-8329 or 905-821-8329 on or after July 3, 2023, between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Nominations will only be accepted on an Official Nomination Petition Form which shall be prepared and provided by the Election Chairperson.
All petition nomination signatures must be made by a member of that Local Union and such nominator must be from the designated region and sector (if relevant).
UFCW 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.
To be eligible for election, a candidate must be nominated by the required number of eligible nominators.
Properly completed official nomination forms must be returned to the Election Chairperson no later than 5 p.m. on July 14, 2023 for review and verification.
Nominations post-marked no later than 5 p.m. on July 14, 2023 by Priority Post or received (and receipted) at the Provincial Head Office of the Local Union by the same deadline will be deemed properly received by the Election Chairperson.
All official nomination petition forms submitted for review must be original documents and will not be valid if submitted by copy or fax.
The results of the nomination process, acclamations, disqualifications, and nominees to specific positions will be posted in units after the close of nominations in accordance with the Local Union Bylaws.
Canada’s groundbreaking digital education platform, webCampus, has a range of courses focusing on helping you gain new skills such as Time Management, Digital Skills, Retail Communication Skills, and many more to choose from.
When you combine rising temperatures with many industries and job tasks, worker health and safety is increasingly put on the line. Whether workers are indoors or outdoors, as temperatures get warmer and humidity rises, the body must work harder to maintain a core temperature between 36°C and 38°C.
Many factors can affect someone's ability to maintain their body temperature. No matter what the temperature or humidex is, take heat stress symptoms seriously. If you or a co-worker isn't feeling well in the heat, notify your supervisor and Health & Safety Rep right away, and move the worker to a cooler space.
Symptoms can start out mild with a red, bumpy, and itchy heat rash. As things worsen, they may faint, have a weak pulse, and experience heat cramps.
Symptoms at this stage can appear suddenly and include nausea, a rapid heartbeat, low blood pressure, low-grade fever, ashen appearance, and skin that may be hot, red, dry, or sweaty.
At the most serious stage of heat stress, Heat Stroke symptoms include:
• A body temperature of more than 40°C;
• Hot, dry skin;
• Changes in mental status including confusion and even personality changes;
• Rapid heartbeat;
• Rapid shallow breathing;
• High or low blood pressure;
• A lack of sweating;
• Irritability, and;
• Fainting or unconsciousness.
Hot humid working conditions are a hazard in numerous industries.
• Food production that requires cooking/ovens exposes workers to excessive radiant heat.
• Physically taxing jobs in warm indoor or outdoor scenarios can quicken the effects of heat stress.
• Greenhouse, landscaping, and other outdoor workers are exposed to direct heat, humidity, and sun during the course of the work day.
• Older facilities, including healthcare homes, where the heating and cooling systems are inadequate at maintaining reasonable temperatures.
In addition to heat stress, other hazards include:
• Impeded vision from foggy safety glasses/goggles;
• Sweaty hands making tasks more difficult and raising the risk of dropping items;
• Reduced mental alertness and physical abilities.
Workers in warm, humid environments should ensure they are drinking water regularly, and taking frequent breaks of a reasonable length in a cooler space. Whenever possible, gear should be made of breathable fabrics that allow sweat to evaporate.
Please reach out to your workplace Joint Health & Safety Committee or Rep, your Union Rep, or the Local Union's Health & Safety Department at 1-800565-8329 or membership@ufcw175.com.
As summer approaches, it's a good time to remember that heat stress is a real hazard for many workers.
Every year on June 1, injured workers and their families, workers' rights and social justice advocates, and the labour movement gather to commemorate workers who are injured or made ill on the job.
Everyone deserves to be able to return home at the end of their workday unharmed. Yet far too many families know the pain and grief of workplace injuries and illnesses. They also know the added burden of having to navigate a slow and inadequate workers' compensation system that does everything it can to limit the benefits paid to deserving workers.
The situation is made worse with our current government backing legislation that allows the Workplace Safety & Insurance Board (WSIB) to return its billion-dollar surplus to employers, while the WSIB simultaneously decreases employer premiums.
All the while, injured workers claims continue to be denied because of poor policies and decision making by the Board.
The Workers' Comp is a Right (WCIAR) campaign, which began in 2017, continues to lobby the provincial government, submit petitions, and rally to raise awareness about how the system can be improved to benefit injured workers.
Join your Union in person on June 1 to mark Injured Workers' Day. For more information visit us online at ufcw175.com/injuredworkersday.
Last year across Ontario, workers filed more than 255,000 injury claims with the Workplace Safety & Insurance Board (WSIB).
• No cuts based on phantom jobs.
• Listen to injured workers’ doctors.
• Don’t cut benefits based on pre-existing conditions.
We're back! This fall, the Weeklong Paid Training Programs return.
Dates for each session and topics covered are listed on the right. Note that the Stewards course is only available to Stewards, and the Health & Safety course is only available to Joint Health & Safety Committee members.
These courses take place at the Training & Education Centre in Mississauga. The Local Union covers the cost of the course, materials and instruction as well as the members’ lost wages, per diems, transportation costs and accommodations as per Local Union policies.
ALL APPLICATIONS DUE JUNE 30, 2023
APPLY ONLINE AT UFCW175.COM/TRAINING#WEEKLONG
OCTOBER 16 - 20, 2023
Course content:
• Why do workers organize?
• History & Structure of our Local Union & the Labour Movement
• Role of Stewards & Grievance Handling
• An Introduction to Collective Bargaining
• Health & Safety
• A Local on the move; Benefits; Youth Scholarships; Education Programs
• Why our Local Union is the Leader in Communications & Educational Programs
OCTOBER 23 - 27, 2023
Course content:
• Committee Functions
• Ergonomics
• Work Refusals
• Hazard Analysis
• Critical injuries
• Ministry of Labour Inspections
• WSIB - dealing with injuries
• And more...
OCTOBER 23 - 27, 2023
Course content:
• It’s our Union
• Human Rights
• Workplace Injuries
• Return to Work
• Duty to Accommodate
Please note that submitting an application does not guarantee you will attend this training. Only winners will be notified approximately 4 weeks prior to the start date.
88 scholarships available of $1,000 each
Whether you’re going into your first year or heading back after some time in the workforce, if you’re going to college or university full-time this fall, apply for a Solidarity Scholarship! APPLY
