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THE NEWS MAGAZINE FOR MEMBERS OF UFCW CANADA LOCALS 175 & 633

UFCW International Convention honours Thunder Bay Canada Safeway Workers

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UFCW-represented A&P-owned stores ratify new contract

VOLUME XIINO. 3FALL2003

Safeway workers (in beige jackets, on left side) Natalie Dowswell, Fay Rusak, Diane Connelly (and right) Emma Bonazzo, Shawn Harris, Alf Demianiuk and Tim Ryan are congratulated by (centre) President Wayne Hanley, International Secretary-Treasurer Joe Hansen, National Director Michael Fraser and International President Doug Dority.

UFCW Canada raises $665,000 for leukemia research: Locals 175 & 633 contribute $215,000!�

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CENTRAL EAST REGIONDirector

Jerry CliffordUnion Representatives

Larry Bain, Mike Brennan, John DiFalco, Anthony DiMaio, Archie Duckworth, Rob Nicholas, Dan Serbin

CENTRAL WEST REGION

Director Harry Sutton

Union Representatives Joe DeMelo, Linval Dixon, Chris Fuller, Rick Hogue,

Paul Jokhu, Fernando Reis,Kelly Tosato

SOUTH CENTRAL REGIONDirector

Sharon GallUnion Representatives

Judith Burch, Matt Davenport, John DiNardo, Sylvia Groom,

Roy Reed

HAMILTON OFFICE 412 Rennie Street Hamilton L8H 3P5 905-545-8354 Toll free: 1-800-567-2125 Fax: 905-545-8355

Legal Department Director Larry Fisher

Legal Counsel Naveen Mehta, Tami Waters,

Georgina WattsBenefits Coordinator

Herb MacDonaldBenefits Representatives

Sherree Backus, Karl Goennemann

UFCW LOCAL 175President

Wayne HanleySecretary-Treasurer

Jim AndressRecorder

Betty PardyExecutive Assistants

John Fuller, Jim Hastings

UFCW LOCAL 633President

Dan BondySecretary-Treasurer

Roy ReedRecorder

Neil Hotchkiss

TRAINING & EDUCATION CENTRE Suite 700, 1450 Meyerside Drive Mississauga L5T 2N5 905-564-2500 Toll Free 1-800-728-8902 Fax 905-564-2898

President’s Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . �

Secretary-Treasurer’s Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

PEOPLENew Staff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

HEALTH AND SAFETYHelp is available for injured workers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . �

FUNDRAISINGRaising awareness and funds for worthwhile causes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . �

Hockey tournament scores big in fight against leukemia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . �

Walking for a good cause . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . �

The Annual London Walk at Saturn Park raised $11,100 . . . . �

Canoe-for-a-cure in Walkerton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ��

Locals 175 & 633 contributions total $215,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . ��

CONFERENCESChanging Faces, Rising Voices, a Growing Union . . . . . . . . . . . . ��

June 2003 staff conference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . �

TRAINING & EDUCATIONTraining and Education works . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ��

ORGANIZINGEmployees at Loeb supermarket join Local 175 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ��

Keep in Touch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ��

NEGOTIATIONSWorkers at Hallmark housekeeping ratify new collective agreement . . . . . . . . . . . . . ��

New contract guarantees number of full-time positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ��

Pay Equity obligations resolved for nursing home workers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ��

Ratification for Canada’s largest janitorial services company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ��

Raises and vacation pay among improvements at retirement residence . . . . . . . . . ��

Improved wages and benefits for GCIU-CPI workers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ��

Raises for retail food workers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ��

Weetabix workers receive improved pension benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ��

Wage gains and improved benefits for members at Park’N Fly . . . . . . . . . . . . ��

New agreement achieves wage gains and changes to sick leave . . . . . . . . . ��

Raises and bonuses for golf and country club workers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ��

Fruit grower company joins CCWIPP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ��

ARBITRATIONS Worker receives compensation and job vacancy in arbitrator’s decision . . . . . . . . ��

Worker unfairly bumped from shift . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ��

Arbitrator sides with union in defining ‘work in progress’ for Coca-Cola workers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ��

YOUTH NEWS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ��

Graphic design - ARTiFACT graphic design

Published three times yearly. ISSN no. 1703-3926

CONTENTS

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FALL 2003

EASTERN REGION20 Hamilton Avenue NorthOttawa K1Y 1B6613-725-2154Toll free 1-800-267-5295Fax 613-725-2328 DirectorDan LacroixUnion RepresentativesSimon Baker, Reg Baughan,Ray Bromley, Luc Lacelle, Marilyn Lang

NORTHERN REGIONRoom 21, Lakehead Labour Centre929 Fort William RoadThunder Bay P7B 3A6 807-346-4227Toll free 1-800-465-6932Fax 807-346-4055 DirectorShawn HaggertyUnion RepresentativeColby Flank

SOUTH WEST REGION124 Sydney Street SouthKitchener N2G 3V2519-744-5231Toll free 1-800-265-6345Fax 519-744-8357DirectorTeresa MageeUnion RepresentativesWendy Absolom, Kevin Dowling, Angus Locke, Julie Marentette, Rick Wauhkonen

PROVINCIAL OFFICES 2200 Argentia RoadMississauga L5N 2K7 905-821-8329Toll free 1-800-565-8329Fax 905-821-7144 Communications RepresentativeCheryl MumfordOrganizing RepresentativesMona Bailey, Michael Duden, Kevin Shimmin

Training & Education CoordinatorVictor CarrozzinoTraining RepresentativesSerge Castonguay, Kelly Provost, Dave White

Labour Day: A time to give thanks for the Canadian way

THE first Monday in September is the day we set aside, in both Canada and the U.S., to

celebrate the achievements of working people. This year, on September 1, many UFCW members convened, with other organized labour, for parades, picnics and other festivities. Our local unions had large numbers participating in the parades in Hamilton and Toronto, and smaller delegations in Ottawa, Cornwall, Sarnia, Kingston and other cities and towns throughout Ontario.

Canada is unique in North America in having the highest rate of unionization and what is truly the highest standard of living for the majority of its citizens. And we must never, ever forget the link between these two. Strong labour laws, that protect every worker’s right to join a union, give the average worker a high standard of living with good wages and benefits. Fair labour laws enable large numbers of workers (30.5% of Canadian employees) to join unions. The above-average income they earn allows money to flow back into the community where they purchase goods and services and fund health, education and social programs through their tax dollars. If you have any doubt about the positive economic impact that unions have on communities, please refer to Secretary-Treasurer Jim Andress’ column on page 4.

The average income in Ontario may not appear to be as high as in some U.S. states. But when you factor in the quality of public education, health care and other social programs, I believe the majority of Canadians do enjoy a better standard of living. Our citizens benefit from government-mandated pension programs and most unionized workers have additional pensions funded by their employers, as well as supplementary health, dental and vision care plans.

Historically our education and health care systems have provided high-quality services and been accessible to all. We are fortunate indeed to live in Canada. Let’s ensure that

we continue to protect our right to unionize and the high standard of living that we enjoy as a result. Remember too that all of us benefit when more of us are unionized. Please help us communicate this message, especially to new immigrants, youth, and members of diverse communities who may not have a family tradition that includes – and knows the benefits of – union membership.

WAYNE HANLEY

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CHECKOUT is an official publication of UFCW Canada (the United Food & Commercial Workers) Locals 175 & 633.Web site: www.ufcw175.com

CANADA IS UNIQUE IN NORTH AMERICA IN HAVING THE HIGHEST RATE OF UNIONIZATION AND WHAT IS TRULY THE HIGHEST STANDARD OF LIVING FOR THE MAJORITY OF ITS CITIZENS.

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IN both Canada and the U.S. there are individuals who, through malice or ignorance, regularly proclaim unions to be irrelevant and unnecessary. They are wrong. You

only have to look to the U.S. (where labour laws tend to produce either “strong” or “weak” union states) to see that unions are both relevant and necessary – if you believe that all working people deserve to earn a living wage and to be able to provide a comfortable standard of living for their families.

In all provinces in Canada, if a majority of workers in a workplace want to belong to a union, they choose a union to represent them. They pay union dues, which allows the union to negotiate and enforce good collective agreements and these in turn guarantee good pay and benefits for everyone in the workplace’s bargaining unit.

In the U.S., some states demand that unions represent all workers in a unionized workplace, but require only those workers who wish to pay union dues to become members and pay dues. This system works as well as our communities would, if paying taxes were optional. Some people get a free ride and those who choose to pay get less, because they’re subsidizing those who refuse to pay. Hence there is a difference in standards between strong union states and weak union states.

The statistics clearly illustrate that where more people are union members, there are higher wages, better benefits and better schools. These figures, with source references, were published by the AFL-CIO Public Affairs Department in the August 2003 issue of America@work and are also available on their Web site at www.aflcio.org.

Secretary-Treasurer’s Message

JIM ANDRESS

Where would you rather live and work – in a strong union community or a weak one? We need only to look south of the border to realize the advantages of working in a strong union jurisdiction. Please help us to maintain and increase our unionized workforce in Ontario and the rest of Canada.

Ten strongest union states compared with ten weakest

10 States where 10 States where Unions are Unions are Strongest Weakest

Average hourly earnings, 2002 $15.61 $12.49

Average household income, 2000 $46,378 $38,854

Percent of population with no medical insurance, 1999-2000 11.8% 15.1%

Public education spending per pupil 2000-2001 $8,265 $5,774

Crimes per 100,000 people 4,114 4,694

Percent of population in poverty, 1999 10.6% 13.3%

Maximum weekly Employment Insurance benefit $379 $296

Maximum weekly Workers’ Compensation benefit $675 $486

Workplace fatality rate in 2000 (per 100,000 workers) 4.6% 6.3%

Income equality and standard of living are highest where unions are strongest

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FALL 2003

Mona Bailey recently joined the UFCW Locals 175 & 633 organizing team. Mona was a Pharmacy Technician in Lindsay for 14 years and became part of UFCW Local 175 when the drugstore where she worked became a Pharma Plus in early 1997.

Since this introduction to unionized labour, Mona has been “an unbelievable steward and chairperson of the four stores in Lindsay,” says Union Rep Ray Bromley. She was elected to the UFCW Executive Board in the most recent term in a nearly unanimous vote. As a Special Project Union Representative (SPUR), she worked for a year with Local 175 and also assisted Local 206.

As part of a negotiating committee representing Pharma Plus stores across Ontario, Mona participated in two collective agreement negotiations on behalf of the Lindsay stores. She is extremely active in the Leukemia Research Fund of Canada (LRFC) fundraising activities and the Lindsay and District Labour Council.

“You couldn’t get a better steward or chairperson than Mona. She is a courageous and dedicated trade union-ist. She isn’t afraid to stand up for what she believes in and is always on the side of the workers,” says Ray.

The most recent addition to the Locals 175 & 633 staff is lawyer Tami Waters. Tami has an extensive education that began with a Bachelor of Commerce and a Master of Science in Education. She taught high school in Stouffville and proved to be an active member of the Ontario Secondary School Teacher’s Federation, holding various positions including Professional Development Representative and Status of Women Representative. After teaching for seven years, she became frustrated with the labour situation in the education system. This frustration developed into a desire to exact change in labour relations and law provided an outlet to do so.

Labour law allows Tami to work one-on-one with people on their behalf. “I enjoy working with people and my past experience in the labour movement is useful,” says Tami. “Law seemed the best way to contribute in a posi-tive manner.”

Through law school, Tami focused on labour courses and Charter and Human Rights courses. She also spent time studying alternative dispute resolution within a legal framework.

“We are lucky to have another dedicated person on our legal team,” says President Wayne Hanley. “The mem-bers benefit from having an arbitration representative that truly believes in progress in Canadian labour rela-tions.”

NEW STAFF

In June of this year, Tami became a part of the legal department representing members through the arbitration process.

Mona Bailey (right) with daughter Kristy and dog Jessi display the candle operation that raised more than $3,000 for leukemia research.

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HEALTH & SAFETY

The UFCW Locals 175 & 633 Benefits Office will assist any mem-bers injured on the job. Below is information on actual appeal deci-sions awarded to injured workers by the Workplace Safety & Insurance Board (WSIB) or the Workplace Safety and Insurance Appeals Tribunal (WSIAT) after the Benefits Office represented the injured work-ers in their appeal.

Generally, because of changes in the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, workers injured on the job after January 1, 1990 do not receive set-tlements that are as significant as formerly. Also Future Economic Loss (FEL) payments are only paid if the worker is deemed to have sustained an injury that will result in a wage loss.

A full-time worker re-injured her back in 1991. Her initial entitlement, health care costs and a Non-economic loss (NEL) assessment were allowed by WSIB. The worker’s condition dete-riorated, however, and she was placed in a Labour Market Re-entry plan (LMRP). But she was unable to con-tinue with the LMRP and the WSIB denied her claim for 100% FEL and supplementary benefits. The Benefits Office represented this worker before the WSIAT, which awarded her a 100% FEL benefit from 1998 until

she reaches the age of 65. The worker also received supplementary benefits for one year. Estimated claim value: approximately $305,000.

A part-time meat wrapper developed osteoarthritis in both wrists and hands. The WSIB initially allowed the claim but later reversed its deci-sion. The Benefits Office appealed and as a result benefits were rein-stated for this worker and the Appeals Resolution Officer (ARO) also deter-mined that the worker has a perma-nent impairment, which resulted in a NEL award, as well as an allowance for surgery.

A cafeteria worker sustained a re-occurrence injury to her shoulder. The WSIB denied compensation for the accident and any Loss of Earnings (LOE) resulting from that injury. The ARO upheld that decision. The Benefits Office appealed the Board’s decision, to the WSIAT. An oral hear-ing was conducted and the Tribunal allowed the re-occurrence of the shoulder injury, partial LOE benefits for 4 ½ years and entitlement to NEL and FEL assessments. Estimated claim value: approximately $55,000 plus NEL and FEL awards.

In another case, a member claimed workplace exposures caused or aggra-vated his respiratory condition. The worker had not been diagnosed with asthma previous to working in this environment but experienced difficul-ties due to exhaust and welding fumes. This claim too, was denied. At a hearing, the local unions’ Benefits Office described, in detail, both the conditions of the workplace and the worker’s medical history. An ARO

found the condition to have been sig-nificantly and permanently aggravated by the excessive exposures to respira-tory irritants in the workplace. The worker’s condition worsened even fur-ther by working in a freezer at a large warehousing facility. At the hearing, the worker received an award granting entitlement for the injury as well as health and welfare benefits. In addi-tion the worker was granted a NEL assessment.

Please be aware of your rights when it comes to injuries on the job. If the WSIB denies your claim for benefits, the Benefits Office will represent you in appealing for the benefits to which you may be entitled. This service is free for all members of UFCW Locals 175 & 633.

For assistance, contact the UFCW Locals 175 & 633 Benefits Office in Hamilton at 905-545-8354 or 1-800-567-2125. Due to the large number of claims in backlog created by the WSIB, the claims and appeals process can take time. The WSIB imposes time limits on your claim and appeal. If you need help it is important to call the Benefits Office. Additional brochures, available through your Union Rep, explain the claims & appeals process as well as the FEL and NEL benefits.

WORKERS COMPENSATION

Help is available for injured workers

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UFCW Locals 175 & 633 is particularly proud of its members’ contributions, in time and money, to a wide range of charitable activities. This year past endeavours included a successful cookbook and toque selling charity drives.

Eighty workers at A & P in Pembroke combined 150 of their favourite personal recipes into a 58-page cookbook that they then sold for $10 each. Workers donated this money, along with donations from the store manager and UFCW, to the Canadian Cancer Society. “This shows great initiative and genuine care for the community on the part of these workers,” says President Wayne Hanley.

The Raise the Roof campaign was another successful fundraiser. Money raised through the selling of toques, appropriately held in February through March, helps build low-income housing. Workers at Scanlon’s Pharmacy in Trenton, now owned by Pharma Plus, gave a thoughtful twist to this fundraiser last year. Store manager Susan Reddom-Ryckman, staff and 62 community members donated the purchased toques to the Salvation Army Trenton and also raised $700 for the Canadian Raise the Roof Foundation.

“Giving back to local communities is important to the staff of UFCW and every member,” says Wayne. “I’m proud to be associated with such a dedicated and generous group of people.”

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Raising awareness and funds for worthwhile causes

Jan Arnold, who works at Zehrs, St. Clair Beach, accepts a joint fundraising award, from the United Way, on behalf of the union, while District Manager, Curtis Warren (far right) accepts for Zehrs.

Players from Food Basics and Local 175 are just two of the 20 teams that participated in this year’s tournament.

HOCKEY TOURNAMENT SCORES BIG IN FIGHT AGAINST LEUKEMIAThis year’s annual hockey tournament, at IceSports Oakville, raised almost $16,000 to support the Leukemia Research Fund of Canada (LRFC). Twenty teams from various UFCW Locals and many companies the union represents participated in the “wild card” game. While the game was full of action, breakaways and goals, the real winners of the tournament are families affect-ed by leukemia, which is the foremost killer of children under 19. In fact, the most common age for children to develop leukemia is three years old. The LRFC raises funds to eliminate leukemia and related blood diseases by fund-ing Canadian research and promoting public understanding of the disease.

“The response to this year’s hockey tournament was astoun ding,” says Central West Regional Director, Harry Sutton. “We hope to have even more participation for next year’s tournament, which is scheduled for April 30-May 1, 2004.”

The UFCW’s annual hockey tournament is just one of the many events held throughout the year to benefit the LRFC. UFCW Local 175 would like to thank all participants and supporters of these fundraisers whose donations of money and time make these events more successful every year.

FALL 2003

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FUNDRAISING

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At the barbecue following the walk, everyone enjoyed the volunteers’ grilling talents.

…and posing for photographs with Sparky the Fire Dog Mascot who is part of a fire prevention and education program.

Walking for a good causeThe annual Durham Region Leukemia Walk, held on June 8, 2003, was a great success this year. Participants raised an astounding $33,500 by walking for a cure for leukemia. The weather was a little overcast but it could not dampen the spirits of everyone who came out to help raise funds for the LRFC. Participants welcomed the support and fundraising efforts of Durham Region firefighters as well.

Special thanks go to Wally Lumsden, Mike Brennan, Judith Burch, Matt Davenport, Gail Forbes, Kristina Szabo and retired Local 633 mem-ber Bernice Dow.

THE ANNUAL LONDON WALK AT SATURN PARK RAISED

Darralynn Marson, a former steward at Loeb’s and long-time supporter, walks with son Taylor…

Supporters included members who work at A&P, Cuddy Foods, Loeb’s, Sun Valley Foods and Zehrs.

The children had a great time on their bikes and hikes…

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…as Nick Palmer and Bob Magee prepare dinner.

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Participants from the Havelock Walk included Lynn Jillings of Westons Bakery with daughter Ashley, a friend and Spike, aka, Nathan Bromley.

$11,100.

FALL 2003

The lack of sun didn’t dampen anyone’s spirits at the Durham Walk but anyone in the way of this firefighter-in-training would certainly get a little wet.

The Havelock Walk, organized by Michele Ellis and Sharon Haines of the Havelock IGA, raised more than $13,000.

The Eastern Region recently raffled off prizes to raise money for leukemia, including a framed autographed Ottawa Senator’s hockey jersey. The raffle raised $3,942 – congratulations to our ticket sellers for a job well done. Above, Jean Suavé (right), a member from Loeb Elmvale Acres in Ottawa, receives a television from Regional Director Dan Lacroix.

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FUNDRAISING

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In Belle River, Steward Sherry Zabitz who works at Valu Mart coordinated a fundraising effort that netted $1,060 on July 26, 2003. First, she and her union rep printed and distributed 1,500 flyers announcing the special Krispy Kreme Donut Day Sale to raise money for leukemia. Then they drove to Windsor and purchased 200 dozen Krispy Kreme donuts to resell to cus-tomers at a profit of $4 per dozen. The customers, who were lined up at the store before it opened and waiting for their hot Krispy Kremes, snapped up all 200 dozen – in just over five hours. Much of the event’s success was due to store manager Peter Murray who donated and hung a huge promotional sign for a week prior to the sale and also Krispy Kreme who approved the application to buy the donuts at a special fundraising price.

Ted Dawes, who is shown on the right of Mona Bailey, raised more than $7,500 through his efforts. He was assisted by (from left) Paul Hardwick, Chairperson of Minute Maid, Nathan Bromley, Ray Bromley, Dave Morello, Mona Bailey, and the children of Ted and Paul. The money came from donations and merchandise sales, which included 350 dozen Krispy Kreme donuts.

Ted Dawes (left), who works at Minute Maid in Peterborough, spent the weekend of May 17-19 on the roof of Morello’s YIG. Local firefighters assisted in his climb up and down. Participants prepare their boats.

The annual Jim Hobbs’ Leukemia Canoe-for-a-Cure event was held Sunday July 13, 2003, in Walkerton. It was a beautiful day and everyone had a great time while doing their part to raise $1,700 to help fight leukemia.

Special thanks go to Bruce Dosman, an elected member of the executive board from P&H Foods in Hanover, who spearheaded this event. He was assisted by Union Rep Larry Bain.

CANOE-FOR-A-CURE IN WALKERTON

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The 5th annual Lindsay Barbeque, on June 21, raised more than $1,800. Volunteers included Ken and Bernice Ruttan (shown with Mona Bailey) as well as Marilyn Lang, Pat Newell and Marilyn Luther.

LOCALS 175 & 633 CONTRIBUTION TOTALS $215,000 FOR 2003Thanks to the fantastic efforts of all the Local’s members, staff, volunteers and contributors, President Wayne Hanley was able to donate a cheque for $215,000 to the LRFC. The donation, which was the largest made by any UFCW Canada Local, was presented at this year’s volunteer recognition gala in Toronto on June 13. The total UFCW Canada donation for 2003 was more than $665,000.

Canadian Waste is a regular tournament supporter, sending the team (from left to right) of Kirk Carey, Ed Tremblay, Ray Tremblay and Norm MacKinnon.

The South-Western region 4th annual Leukemia Golf Tournament, which was held on August 16 at the Dominion Golf Course in Windsor, raised a record $3,900. Eighty-four golfers participated in the tourna-ment. Many terrific prizes were donated by Zehrs, A&P, Cardinal Health, Holiday Inn Select, Sun Parlour Co-op, Zellers #338, #339 and other UFCW units.

President Wayne Hanley (second from left, back row) together with LRFC Director Rudy Putns, LRFC President Wally Lumsden and radio celebrity Joe Bowen, applaud young leukemia survivor, Philippe Letendre, as he unveils Local 500R’s donation amount.

The Holiday Inn Select sent this team, and its enthusiastic support, to the tournament.

Neil Hotchkiss (shown second from right with his foursome) worked with Dan Bondy and Julie Marentette to organize the tournament for 84 golfers.

FALL 2003

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CONFERENCES

Once every five years, UFCW members elect delegates to attend the UFCW International

Convention, which is held in vari-ous cities in Canada and the USA. The most recent convention took place at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, California from July 28-August 1, 2003.

At the convention, delegates attend-ed educational sessions, debated, and voted on issues and policies. They also elected the officers who are responsible for establishing and administering the day-to-day opera-tions of the union to ensure that these policies are implemented.

International President Doug Dority, along with Secretary-Treasurer Joe Hansen, were re-elected for another term of office by the 1,400 plus delegates at the convention who represented the 1.4-million UFCW members in North America.

A delegation from the Canada Safeway stores in Thunder Bay, who won a new contract earlier this year

after 504 days on the picket line, was honoured and applauded during the convention program.

The theme for the international con-vention, Changing Faces • Rising Voices • A Growing Union, was reflected by the various speakers who urged delegates to reach out and organize diverse communities and to work together to raise the standard of living for all working families.

Former UFCW member and self-described “ice cream scooper” Loretta Sanchez, who is now a congresswoman fighting to ensure workplace safety, the eight-hour day, overtime pay and affordable health care, exemplifies the wisdom of electing working people to speak up for working families.

The Reverend Jessie Jackson urged workers to unite to combat the oppressive ideology favoured by so many governments and corporations, like Wal-Mart, which is “anti-worker, anti-humane, anti-civil rights and anti-living-wage.” He urged workers

to “take back the labour movement” and to ensure the right of all workers to join a union, to earn a living wage and to have access to education and health care. “As we fight the Wal-Martization of America,” he said, “we fight for workers everywhere.”

Canadian speakers at the convention included Director Michael Fraser, who praised the Safeway workers and described Canadian initiatives for organizing Wal-Mart and farm workers and involving youth in their union.

Manitoba Premier Gary Doer won the approval of delegates for his govern-ment’s protection and enhancement of the public health care system and pro-labour legislative initiatives.

Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) President, Ken Georgetti and Québec Federation of Labour (QFL) President, Henri Masse detailed the programs that Canadian labour is spearheading to improve wages, pen-sions, safety, income security and the health care system.

Local 175 Eastern Regional Director, Dan Lacroix, who co-chaired the Legislative Action Committee, stressed the need for labour law

Changing Faces • Rising Voices •

The UFCW International Executive Board with the Executive Committee, who are, front row, from left: Mike Leonard, Executive VP and Director of the Strategic Programs Department; Sarah Palmer Amos, Executive VP and Director of the Collective Bargaining Department; President Doug Dority; Secretary-Treasurer Joe Hansen; Marc Perrone, Executive VP and Director of the Organizing Department.

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• A Growing Union

reform to enable working families to earn a living wage. “Regardless of what country you live in,” he said, “negotiating health benefits are cru-cial and it’s costing more just to main-tain the current level of benefits.”

The Collective Bargaining Committee, co-chaired by Local 175 Executive Assistant John Fuller, recommended the adoption of 15 resolutions, which were approved by the convention. These included several dealing with new collective bargaining strategies, such as earlier preparation, bet-

ter organizing contract provisions and more co-ordination nationally and internationally to protect and enhance good contracts.

Numerous other resolutions called for greater health & safety protections (especially critical as employers try to slash their costs), particularly stress-ing programs to reduce work-related musculoskeletal disorders and all forms of workplace violence. Because the UFCW represents large numbers of members in meatpacking, poultry, food processing, retail, distillery, gar-

ment, textile and other manufacturing industries (where the workers’ ability to use the bathroom is restricted) the convention passed a resolution to ensure the right to bathroom breaks is protected.

Additionally, because almost one-half of the UFCW’s membership is

Loretta Sanchez speaks up for

working people.

Jessie Jackson says we must work together to stop the

Wal-Martization of North America.

Manitoba’s Premier Gary Doer is a

tremendous fighter for working people.

. . . and QFL President Henri Massi improve

the standard of living for working people throughout Canada.

Dan Lacroix

John Fuller

CLC President Ken Georgetti . . .

UFCW Locals 175 & 633, which is the UFCW’s largest local union with more than 50,000 members, was entitled, by the UFCW’s constitution, to send a delegation of 32 members. They sat together, (wearing white golf shirts) in the Canadian section of the 2,000-person hall, at tables designated for our locals.

The Canadian Vice-Presidents elected to the UFCW’s International Executive Board are from left: President Wayne Hanley, Local 175, Ontario; President François Lauzon, Local 500R, Québec; National Director Michael Fraser; President Doug O’Halloran, Local 401, Alberta; and President Brooke Sundin, Local 1518, B.C. These officers are also members of the UFCW Canada National Executive Board, which works with the UFCW Canada National Council to recommend and administer policies specific to Canada.

Erin Brockovich

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CONFERENCES

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now under 30, Local 175 joined a number of other Locals in requiring more youth inclusion and contract provisions – such as tuition and train-ing assistance – that benefit young workers. The convention delegates also passed a resolution seeking safer workplaces for young workers. “Any work-related death is tragic,” says John. “But cutting a young life short merits special attention and concern, and that is why the delegates chose to add this resolution.”

Hilary Rodham Clinton, the former U.S. first lady, who now represents the people of New York state in the Senate, sent a videotaped message to the convention. She congratu-lated the UFCW for its successes in defending the rights of working peo-ple and urged delegates to continue the fight to provide equal access to good, affordable health care and education for all.

Maintaining the health and safety of working families was an impor-tant theme at the convention. Erin Brockovich, who is now Director of Research at the legal firm of Masry

and Vititoe, extolled the “power of one individual” to right a wrong. As a law clerk she and Ed Masry spear-headed a direct action lawsuit that eventually required the Pacific Gas and Electric Company to pay $333 million in damages to 600 residents of Hinkley, California. The electric company’s compressor station had leaked Chromium-6, a rust inhibi-tor, into the groundwater surrounding the area around the station, which severely compromised the health of the local residents. “We must work with corporations to make them take responsibility for their actions,” Erin said. “Lives must not be lost through corporate deceit; you can’t put a dol-lar figure on a human life and health must come before profits.”

Erin’s successful campaign against the giant utility (“it’s not the size of the dog in the fight, it’s the fight in the dog that counts,” she said) was made into a successful movie, star-ring Julia Roberts, which was about 95-98% true to the real life story, according to Erin.

The Union Network International

(UNI), which is the global union for skills and services, with 1,000 affiliates and 15-million members, campaigns for global justice for all workers. Philip Jennings, the General Secretary of UNI, spoke of the need for global unions to balance global companies in a global economy. He noted that the retail sector is “domi-nated by a few global giants, open for business everywhere, sourcing profits anywhere. Global companies with global profits are built too often on the global exploitation of people,” he said. He noted that Wal-Mart work-ers are already organized in unions in Brazil, Argentina, Japan, Germany and Great Britain and applauded the UFCW’s continuing efforts to organize Wal-Mart workers in North America. UNI, Philip said, will not allow Wal-Mart to export its “cheap, low-benefit sham of a policy around the world.”

Safeway workers point to Thunder Bay map location.

The Locals 175 & 633 delegation, including President Wayne Hanley, stand in front of the “Great White North” exhibit. With them are former Canadian heavyweight boxing champion and honourary UFCW member George Chuvalo; UFCW Canada National Director, Michael Fraser; and UFCW national representative Michel Robert (in toque). Michel, along with Local 175 rep Archie Duckworth and retired rep Dave MacMillan, were responsible for staffing the UFCW Canada exhibit.

Canadian delegates Karen Vaughan and Janice Klenot (seated beside unidentified American delegate) attended an early morning education session entitled Tools and Techniques for Identifying Workplace Safety and Health Hazards.

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The job of a Local 175 union rep – which requires trav-elling between various workplaces, arbitration hear-ings, negotiations and other meetings as well as fitting in an average of about 30 daily phone requests for help and information – is a demanding one.

“We recognize that there are significant challenges in meeting the performance standards that our members require,” says President Wayne Hanley. “That is why part of our commitment to our representative staff is to provide skills training and the necessary tools to do the job.”

Reps complete time management assignments …

Later they assemble, with course facilitators and notebooks, for a group photo.

June 2003 staff conference

…and watch as course facilitator Michael Healey urges Local 175 legal counsel Georgina Watts to push an arrow tip into his neck. He was demonstrating the power of thought in overcoming fear and preconceived notions.

Accordingly, the union reps participated in an Effective Time Management course designed to increase their self-awareness and knowledge so that they’re better able to manage their workloads. “I definitely felt I ben-efited from this course,” says Union Rep Linval Dixon. “It’s helped me to work more effectively and efficiently in discussions with members.”

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TRAINING & EDUCATION

If you were able to improve your education and training for free, would you? That opportunity is one of the benefits of belonging to our local unions. Free courses are offered, all year around, in many locations across the province. Some of the upcoming courses are listed below. To find out about more or inquire about the most recently scheduled course additions, log on to www.ufcw175.com or call the training centre at 905-564-2500 or 1-800-728-8902.

The Locals 175 & 633 Training and Education Centre is a pioneer because it is always leading the way in implementing new programs for the benefit of members. It has two programs that enable members to obtain a Grade 12 diploma, or the equivalent, which are often required

Training schedule:

E-mail Basics Thursdays Nov. 20 - Dec.18 2003 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.Microsoft Excel Sundays Nov. 2 - Nov.16 2003 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.Internet 101 Saturdays Nov. 15 - Nov.29 2003 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.Desktop Publishing Sundays Nov. 23 - Dec. 7 2003 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.Web Design Tuesdays Nov. 18 - Dec.16 2003 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Mobile Lab schedule:

Scarborough ABCs Course Nov. 3 - Nov. 6 2003Smith Falls ABCs Course Nov. 10 - Nov. 132003Cornwall ABCs Course Nov. 10 - Nov. 132003(Richilieu Hosiery Closure)Welland ABCs Course Nov. 24 - Nov. 27 2003Oshawa ABCs Course Dec. 1 - Dec. 4 2003 Peterborough ABCs Course Dec. 1 - Dec. 4 2003

First Aid Courses schedule

London Trauma Nov. 1 2003 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.London Infant Nov. 2 2003 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.Hamilton Trauma Nov. 22 2003 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.Mississauga Trauma Nov. 23 2003 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Training and Education Worksby an employer or for admission to a college, university or other profes-sional training institution.

One program offers training for the General Education Development (GED) test. The Ontario Ministry of Training, Universities and Colleges, and most employers, recognize a successful score on this test as high school equivalency.

A second program operates in conjunction with local boards of education to provide Grade 12 courses in various Ontario com-munities, where there is sufficient interest from members. It has been running for the last four years in Hanover and two years in Kitchener. This program works in partnership with the Bluewater District School Board in Hanover, the Waterloo

Catholic District School Board and St. Louis Continuing, Community & Alternative Education in Kitchener. Subjects now include English, Math, Canadian Law and several levels of computers.

“Members and their families tell us they’re very appreciative of these courses,” says Locals 175 & 633 Training & Education Coordinator, Victor Carrozzino. “Because we’ve been successful in scheduling them at night and on the week-ends, at no cost to members, they are acces-sible to those who might not other-wise be able to attend.” He says some of the mature students, who already have a Grade 12 diploma, have also benefited from using the courses to refresh their knowledge or learn computer skills that were not being taught at the time they received their original diplomas.

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Students who completed the grade 11 and 12 English class at the union hall in Kitchener are, in alphabetical order: Lyse Rivard Bernard, Linda Bingeman, Carole Cote, Wendy Dixon, Jadwiga Flight, John Garton,

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EMPLOYEES AT LOEB SUPERMARKET JOIN LOCAL 175On May 23, 2003, a vast majority of workers at the Loeb Supermarket in Hearst voted in favour of joining Local 175. Hearst is located about 500 kilometres east of Thunder Bay.

Local 175 already represents members in a number of other Loeb stores with strong collective agreements that include good wages and benefits for both part-time and full-time employees. Workers at the Hearst store con-tacted the Local’s Organizing Department to find out more about the advan-tages of joining our local union. In a quick and enthusiastic campaign, Local 175 assisted employees in successfully unionizing their store.

“The people in Hearst were tired of pleading for the wage increases they knew they deserved,” says UFCW Canada Local 175 Organizing Representative, Kevin Shimmin. “They simply wanted respect for the hard work they do and they knew that only a collective agreement and union protection would bring that respect.”

Wal-Mart Workers organizing campaign Wal-Mart workers – or others wanting to get connected to a better life – should visit www.walmartworkerscanada.com to learn more about unions and Wal-Mart or call 1-877-24-UNITE (1-877-248-6483).

Did you know? More than 2,600 members attended UFCW Locals 175 & 633 training courses in 2002. We expect to surpass 3,000 for 2003.

Web site Update: For all the latest news, visit our new and improved Web site at www.ufcw175.com.

If you’re moving, please let us know so we can continue to send your Locals 175 & 633 Publications. Send your new address to UFCW Canada Locals 175 & 633, 2200 Argentia Road, Mississauga, Ontario L5N 2K7 or e-mail: membership@ufcw175.com.

Or phone us at 905-821-8329 or 1-800-565-8329.

J Mr. Wayne Hanley,President, UFCW Canada

Local 175

Dear Mr. Hanley:

For the second year now, I have collabo-rated on a successful fundraiser for leuke-mia research with the UFCW. It is amazing to be involved in such an endeavour. This past weekend was the second annual “Ted on the Roof” event. Through the combined efforts of Ray Bromley, and his group, $7,500 was raised for the Leukemia Research Fund of Canada (LRFC). I felt it is appropriate to make you aware of how Ray and his team performed. Their commitment to this project and the efforts they collectively exhibited were second to none.I am looking forward to next year’s event.

Sincerely,Dave MorelloMorello’s Your Independent Grocer

J Mr. Wayne Hanley,President, UFCW Canada

Local 175

Dear Mr. Hanley:

I would like to thank you for giving me the opportunity to gain computer skills in Microsoft Word and Excel though the Training and Education Centre. I learned a lot of useful information and would be very interested in any other courses offered in the future.

Sincerely,Laurie LeBlanc

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Linda Giddens, Janice Klenot, Debbie Leblanc, Valerie Lovell, Lillian Mercier, Jocelyn Richer, Laurie Sabourin, Elizabeth Santos, Wendy Schut, Shirley Stinson, and Margaret Weber. Instructor: Sheila Rhind.

ORGA

NIZI

NG

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NEGOTIATIONS

New contract guarantees number of full-time positions On July 16, 2003, members at Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo ratified a con-tract that secures, among other improvements, wage increases and a guaranteed minimum number of full-time jobs. Workers in this bargaining unit are food service employees at the university.

The three-year agreement took effect on August 1, 2003, and the wage increase at that time was 3 per cent. On August 1, 2004, workers receive another 3 per cent raise and 3 per cent more on August 1, 2005. In addition, the agreement establishes a part-time wage classification grid. The Executive Chef and Production Cook receive a shift pre-mium of 50 cents per hour and the Grill Cook receives a premium of 25 cents per hour.

Also included in this contract is a guarantee that there will be 45 full-time positions throughout the term of the contract. This ensures that full-time employees receive full shifts of work and do not lose hours to temporary or part-time workers. The university also agrees to an increased guarantee of three hours, up from two hours, for callbacks.

Workers now receive Heritage Day as a paid holiday and there is general improvement to the statutory holiday language. Job posting language also improves and there is new language regarding cash shortages. This new clause states that employees can-not be held responsible for shortages if they do not have 100 per cent control over the cash drawer in use. Bereavement leave for spouses, parents or children increases to five paid holidays, up from three.

Union Negotiating Committee: Linda Atkins, Marg Barfoot, Judy Derry and Union Rep Richard Wauhkonen.

Pay Equity obligations resolved for nursing home workers

Workers at Hallmark Housekeeping ratify new collective agreement Workers at Hallmark Housekeeping Services Inc. at the Mississauga-based Sussex Centre ratified a new collective agreement on July 10, 2003. The contract provides across-the-board wage gains and improvements to the dental care plan.

Effective upon ratification, workers receive across-the-board wage gains of 25 cents per hour. Subsequent increases are 25 cents per hour effective April 1, 2004 and 25 cents on April 1, 2005. Increased contributions to the United Food and Commercial Workers Trusteed Dental Plan Ontario ensure up-to-date benefits are maintained. In addition, members also receive a signing bonus of $100.

The contract covers all bargaining unit members at the Sussex Centre location including day and night shift workers on light duty and heavy duty.

Union Negotiator: Union Rep Joe DeMelo.

“On May 21, 2003, members at Community Nursing Home in Warkworth, ratified a new collective agreement following an intensive bargaining session between Lafontaine Lodge Limited and the Local’s negotiating committee,” says Eastern Regional Director, Dan Lacroix. “Members were quite pleased to see the resolution of remaining Pay Equity obligations.”

The Negotiating Committee also achieved across-the-board increases for members. Gains include an 11 per cent increase in hourly rates for Registered Nurses and increases up to 8 per cent for workers falling under the general wage grid.

In addition, the committee negotiated a new letter of understanding citing zero-tolerance for violence or abuse. “This

clause will help ensure our members are treated with dignity and respect in the workplace,” says Dan.

There is also a new clause covering short-handed shifts. “In addition to ensuring that members work in environments free from harassment and discrimination, negotia-tors strive for amendments that recognize the serious nature of health and safety,” says Dan.

The contract covers all bargaining unit members at Community Nursing Home including Registered Nurses (RNs), Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs), health care aides, personal support work-ers, cooks and maintenance workers.

Union Negotiator Committee: Linda Bird, Ruth Orr and Union Rep Ray Bromley.

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Ratification for Canada’s largest janitorial services companyLocal 175 members at Omni Facility Services Canada ratified an improved contract on May 9, 2003. The deal covers bargaining unit members in the maintenance department at Canada’s largest janitorial services company in two Metropolitan Toronto locations. The renewal agreement includes significant improvements to compensation for sick days and increased vacation time.

The new agreement provides across-the-board wage increases up to 30 cents per hour over the life of the contract. The contract also provides an increase in paid sick days, up to three days for employees who have passed their probationary period.

New clauses regarding seniority include an increase in vacation time to four weeks for employees with ten years of seniority. Employees with this level of seniority are entitled to receive vacation pay up to 8 per cent of their total earnings. Vacation pay is calculated based on years of service.

In addition, the company will issue two complete uniforms to each employee at no cost to the worker, including a winter jacket for employees who work outdoors.

Improved wages and benefits for GCIU-CPI workers On July 10, 2003, workers at the GCIU-CPI Benefits Administration Corporation in Mississauga renewed their collective agreement. Members at this company administer benefits for the Graphic Communications International Union (GCIU) and the Council of Printing Industries of Canada (CPI).

The negotiating committee achieved wage increases for workers in all job classifications. Across-the-board wage gains include a 3 per cent increase on July 1, 2003, a 3 per cent increase on July 1, 2004 and a 3 per cent increase on July 1, 2005. In addition to wage gains, members receive improved benefits to their vision care plan. The maximum benefit increases 20 per cent from $250 to $300 per employee. The maximum benefit for eligible dependents increas-es 50 per cent from $100 to $150. Employees and their eligible dependents are entitled to vision care benefits in any consecutive 24-month period.

As of August 2003, the company’s contri-butions to the Graphic Communications Pension Trust Fund increased to $42 per week per employee.

There is also a new item covering paid vacation for workers with more than 24 years of service. Senior employees are now entitled to 30 working days at the current rate of pay.

The renewed agreement covers all bargaining unit members at GCIU-CPI including part-time employees, junior, intermediate and senior clerks, interme-diate and senior secretaries, typists and receptionists.

Union Negotiating Committee: Omatee Dayal and Union Rep Paul Jokhu.

Raises and vacation pay among improvements at retirement residence On April 30, 2003, members at New Edinburgh Square, a retirement resi-dence in the Ottawa area, endorsed a new collective agreement. The con-tract covers bargaining unit members including RNs, RPNs, cooks, assistant cooks, attendants and attendant health care workers. There are comprehensive improvements to vacation pay, statu-tory holiday pay and language covering leaves of absence for bereavement.

The agreement provides 50-cent-per-hour increases for RNs and RPNs at all steps of the wage grid. The contract also pro-vides hourly wage increases of up to 40 cents per hour over the life of the agree-ment for attendants, attendant health care workers, cooks and assistant cooks.

Employees working statutory holidays receive pay 1 ½ times their regular rate. The 50 per cent hourly increase covers nine statutory holidays over the course of each calendar year, per employee. Workers

are also entitled to vacation pay equal to the total wages and vacation pay payable to that employee in the four weeks prior to the week in which the holiday occurs, divided by 20.

In addition workers are eligible to take a floating day in lieu of scheduling time off on statutory holidays. Employees can take a floating day anytime within the two months following the statutory holiday. An employ-ee’s pay for the holiday is equal to their regular wages under the current pay grid.

The negotiating committee also achieved new amendments covering the language for leaves of absence and bereavement, to include common-law and same-sex spouses. This new clause follows the inclusion of previous ground-breaking items like anti-harassment and discrimi-nation articles.

Union Negotiating Committee: Darlene Gregory, Shirley Parks and Union Rep Luc Lacelle.

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Raises for retail food workers Members at the IGA in Newcastle, ratified a new collective agreement on August 10, 2003. The contract covers 73 bar-gaining unit members including meat cutters, clerks, cashiers, decorators and wrappers.

Contract highlights include retroactive and future raises for both full and part-time workers. Part-time workers with senior-ity receive a raise of 30 cents per hour retroactive to June 4, 2003. Increases in the first year of the contract will match the progression rate. The top rate on the part-time progression grid increases by 30 cents per hour in both the second and third year of the deal. Negotiations also established a new classifi-cation for part-time meat cutters.

Top rates on the full-time progression grid increase by 55 cents per hour retroactive to June 4, 2003. Similar to the part-time progression grid, the full-time top rates increase by 30 cents per hour in both the second and third year. Any member performing cash office duties receives a 20-cent per hour pre-mium. Workers closing the store receive a premium of 35 cents per hour for each hour worked after closing. This is up from a previous premium of 25 cents per hour.

There are several language improvements throughout the con-tract. Negotiators added an especially important new clause ensuring a harassment-free workplace.

Union Negotiating Committee: John Hinton, Charlene Williams and Union Rep Ray Bromley.

The A & P Negotiating Committee met in June, July, August and September to hammer out a new agreement with the company. The union’s committee, which represents all Ontario UFCW-represented stores under the banners of A&P, Dominion and Ultra Food and Drug, includes, seated, from left front: Colleen Cox, May Chalmers, Sharon Gall, Ray LaForge, Janice York, Jennifer Miller, Dave Fox. Standing: Steve Taylor, Dale Stuart, Brad Wigle, Carolyn Martin, Anne Quigley, Mary Sue Meehan, Andrea Phillips, Roy Reed, Tim Kelly, Mary Lou Mallett, Kevin Dowling, Julie Marentette, Matt Davenport, Sylvia Groom, John DiNardo. Absent from photo: Rick Alagierski, Reg Baughan, and Judith Burch. On October 5, 2003, members voted 80% in favour of a new three-year contract which provides wage increases, past-service pension enhancements and numerous other improvements.

Weetabix workers receive improved pension benefitsIn a vote held on August 16, 2003, members at Weetabix of Canada in Cobourg ratified a new agreement with wage and pension improvements.

The company’s contributions to the Canadian Commercial Workers Industry Pension Plan (CCWIPP) increase to provide a benefit of $47.50 per month per full year of credited future service in the first year. This benefit increases to $52.50 in the second and $60 in the final year of the contract.

Significant wage increases total $1.80 per hour, for all rates and classifications, during the three-year contract period. Plus, packaging machine operators using Hayssen/Bosch equipment receive an additional increase of 25 cents per hour in both the first and second year of the agreement and 31 cents per hour in the third year. Langen Operators receive an additional 15 cents per hour in each year. In addition there are wage gains and new job classification schedules for Packaging Relief Operators, Blending Operators, Trainee Shipper Receivers and D Shift Fork Lift Operators. Workers scheduled on shifts between 3 p.m. and 11 p.m., or 4:30 p.m. and 12:30 a.m., now receive an improved shift premium of 67 cents per hour on top of their regular wage.

Over the life of the contract, the company’s contributions to the Standard Vision Benefit plan increase to provide improved coverage. The amount increases from $250 to $275 by the expi-ration of the collective agreement.

Union Negotiating Committee: Ken Barlow, Kevin Brown and Union Rep Ray Bromley.

NEGOTIATIONS

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New agreement achieves wage gains and changes to sick leave On June 20, 2003, members at Ottawa-based Goldstein Freshmart voted in favour of a new two-year agreement which provides wage increases, changes to sick leave and new letters of agreement.

The negotiating committee achieved wage gains for all full-time workers. Wages increase 50 cents per hour for workers at the top rate. Additional amendments include an increase in time off for an employee whose wife has given birth to a child. Eligible employees are now entitled to three days leave, up from one-day leave. The most senior part-time employees are now entitled to three sick days per year over the life of the agreement.

The contract covers 29 bargaining unit members at Goldstein Freshmart includ-ing cashiers, clerks, meat cutters, deli and produce managers and workers in service, produce and grocery depart-ments.

Union Negotiating Committee: Mary Hogan and Union Rep Simon Baker.

Fruit grower company joins CCWIPPMembers at Norfolk Fruit Growers in Simcoe ratified a new two-year agree-ment on August 7, 2003. Improvements include the introduction of the CCWIPP as an option for the employees’ pension fund.

During the first year of the agreement, the employer contributions to the CCWIPP equal a member benefit of $20.92 per month per full year of credited future service. In the second year, this amount increases to $25.23. Wages increase by 15 cents per hour across-the-board in year two. Workers on shift as a Roda Packing Operator receive a shift premium of 25 cents per hour, an increase over the previous premium of 20 cents per hour.

In addition, workers receive an increased annual boot allowance of $85, up from $80. Optical coverage increases to a ben-efit of $160 per year. There is improved language regarding shift and vacation schedule postings as well as other clarify-ing and progressive language changes.

Union Negotiating Committee: Albert Helmer, Nancy Holliday, Daryl Marinuk and Union Rep Chris Fuller.

Raises and bonuses for golf and country club workers On August 8, 2003, members at Fort William Golf and Country Club in Thunder Bay ratified a three-year collective agree-ment. Workers benefit from several improve-ments including raises and bonuses.

Students, Greens Keepers and Mechanics gain 30 cents per hour in the first year and a subsequent increase of 25 cents per hour in the second year of the con-tract. All seasonal and part-time employ-ees receive a lump sum payment of $200 on the date of ratification and in each of the following two years of the contract.

The company will reimburse workers up to 50 per cent, to a maximum of $100, for the cost of safety equipment includ-ing work boots and shoes, eye goggles, hard hats, safari hats and bump caps. The latter are light weight, high-density safety helmets. Those who purchase rain suits also receive reimbursement up to 50 per cent of the purchase price, to a maximum of $80. There are also improvements to bereavement leave for workers in the bargaining unit.

Union Negotiating Committee: Susan Nedgial, Terry Oldale and North West Regional Director, Shawn Haggerty.

Wage gains and improved benefits for members at Park’N FlyMembers at Park’N Fly in Mississauga ratified a new collective agreement on July 18, 2003. Improvements include wage increases and increased health and welfare benefits.

Hourly wage increments are 30 cents per hour in the first year of the contract, effective upon ratification, 30 cents per hour in the second year, and 30 cents per hour again in the third year. In addition to wage increases, workers received a sign-ing bonus of $300.

The vision care benefit increases 15 per cent from $100 to $115 over a 24-month period. Negotiating committee members also achieved an increase in dental care benefits to match the Ontario Dental Association (ODA) fee guide. In addition to improved benefits, bus drivers and jockeys achieved an 11 per cent increase in the safety shoe allowance from $70 to $80.

The contract contains improved lan-guage as well. Workers now receive an increase in paid sick time from seven

to eight days. Both sides also agreed to an amendment improving language that covers sexual harassment. The clause now reads sexual/workplace harassment, which in turn better protects members from all kinds of improper behaviour. The collective agreement covers all bargain-ing unit members including workers on counter duty, drivers and jockeys.

Union Negotiating Committee: Maria Cabral, Llewellyn Greenwood, Martin Wesley and Union Rep Dan Serbin.

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In the event of short-term layoffs like this, the collective agree-ment provides seniority-holding workers the right to bump a junior employee on the same shift if they are able to perform the work of that employee. While the company claimed that consistent past practice existed for treating a short workday followed by a one day layoff as a greater than one day layoff, it failed to produce any evidence to support its claims. The arbi-trator sided with the union and granted the grievance to the worker. The sanitation worker received monetary compensation equivalent to the number of lost work hours.

“It’s important that this type of grievance is supported,” says South West Regional Director, Teresa Magee. “Companies have to know that the terms of collective agreements are not open to just any interpretation.”

in defining ‘work in progress’ for Coca-Cola workers

In May 2003, an arbitration decision came back in favour of the union’s position stating that overtime work should be offered to workers based on seniority. The grievance concerns members at Hamilton’s Coca-Cola Bottling Ltd.

The issue is the differentiation of overtime and ‘work in prog-ress’ as it relates to the allocation of overtime to seniority-holding members. Specifically, the employer asserted that ‘work in progress’ refers to the work assignment for the day or a continuation of deliveries in process in the scheduled shift. The company treated overtime work as a continuation of a shift and therefore was not giving first opportunity to seniority-holding members. The union argued that ‘work in progress’ refers to a delivery started prior to the end of the work day, as is outlined in the members’ current collective agreement.

The decision to uphold the union’s interpretation of the collec-tive agreement means that the company must now offer these shifts to workers in order of seniority.

“Seniority is earned by members through hard work and dedi-cation,” says Union Rep Chris Fuller. “And one of the privileges that come with that hard work is having the opportunity to per-form overtime work before other less seniors workers.”

This type of privilege is one of the benefits of belonging to a union and one of the main reasons that seniority is such an important part of job and income security.

A R B I T R A T I O N SA R B I T R A T I O N SA R B I T R A T I O N S

vacancy in arbitrator’s decision

On July 25, 2003, a member at Better Beef Limited in Guelphsucceeded in his grievance filed earlier in the year regarding job filling. The worker has been with the company since 1984 and as such has seniority over many other workers.

In January, the company posted a vacancy for a job. The worker has five years experience performing the type of work required in this position. He applied, along with 25 fellow co-workers, but was denied the position. The company gave the position to another worker with considerably less seniority and experience.

The company used a past disciplinary action against the work-er, despite the sunset clause in the collective agreement stat-ing a worker’s record is wiped clean one year after the incident occurred. The union argued that the company did not properly apply the policies set out in the contract. Also, the union stresses that not only does the worker have the most senior-ity of the applicants, he also has the skill set. The arbitrator agreed and awarded the worker the position and compensation for lost wages.

“It is essential that companies recognize seniority as a very important part of a collective agreement,” says Union Rep Angus Locke. “When seniority is not respected, every employee loses out, down the road if not sooner.”

Short-day and one-day layoffs are a hazard of working in an industry with high and low periods, such as Cuddy Foods in London. This type of layoff is accepted practice. The process by which workers are sent home is explicitly outlined in their col-lective agreement to provide seniority workers with first chance at available work.

In this grievance, a sanitation worker claims he was unfairly bumped from his night shift, for which he is the only worker. During a one-day layoff preceded by a short-day layoff, a more senior employee from the day shift bumped the grievor from the night shift because the company treated it as though it were a layoff greater than one day.

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ARBITRATIONS

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FALL 2003 ��

YOUT

H NE

WS

YouthNEWSwww.ufcw175.com - e-mail: youth@ufcw175.com

Locals 175 & 633 youth came together at the Training and Education Centre for the Youth Arts Project, a two-weekend workshop that included activities to expose the youth to the arts, and in particular to popular theatre. The goal of the workshop was to give youth a creative outlet for solving common problems at work. With the help of popular theatre artists, the workshop culminated with participants performing skits centred around ‘youth at work with their union’. A recurring theme of the skits was that unionized workers have benefits and rights that most did not enjoy in previous non-union

jobs. Issues included seniority, wages, overtime, harassment, bad bosses and various other challenges facing young workers.

The second part of the project will bring these theatre pieces to a wider audience in the hopes of educating everyone about the issues facing youth in unions today.

If you are interested in participating in this or any other youth project, please contact the UFCW Locals 175 & 633 Youth Committee at youth@ufcw175.com. You can also speak with your union steward or call 1-800-565-8329 to be put in con-tact with a Youth Representative.

Youth Arts Project participants Tony

Cercic (left) & Danielle Gendron role play a skit.

Youth Arts Project participants Erin Oke, Morgan Jones Phillips, and Joe Zuvic perform a listening skit.

Participants in the weekend workshops included, from left: Back Row: Tim Deelstra – Youth Committee member, Tony Cercic from Cargil Foods, Morgan Jones Phillips – Theatre Director, Front Row: Erin Oke – Popular Theatre Artist, Danielle Gendron from A&P in London, Darren Mullin from Fortinos in Ancaster, Joe Zuvic from Port Colborne Poultry and Giacomo Mandarano from Fortino’s in Brampton

Youth meet the Arts in the Youth Arts Project

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Return postage will be paid by:

UNITED FOOD AND COMMERCIAL WORKERSLocals 175 & 6332200 Argentia RoadMississauga, OntarioL5N 2K7

Canada Post Corporation Publication Agreement No. 40064671

UFCW Canada is committed to Youth InitiativesIn today’s economic era, we are seeing a drastic change in the labour market. The vast majority of jobs created in the Canadian economy are in the retail and service sector; with that comes new workers enter-ing new positions. Young people play a major role in sustaining this sector of the labour market. They are a vital part of the workforce, and the union move-ment must recognize this contribution. This is why it is important to create a forum where young UFCW

members can interact, learn, and communicate within our union.

Accordingly, UFCW Canada has undertaken several initiatives, over the past four years, to involve more youth. At the national level, the UFCW has created a youth committee, a youth internship program, and, together with the local unions, has facilitated the par-ticipation of youth in conventions and on executive committees.

In the last three years, 42 young members have participated in the National Youth Internship Program (YIP). The program covers a broad spectrum of union knowledge and skills and includes a job-shadowing component to better understand the work of a union representa-tive. As a result of this experience, most of the interns become more active in their local unions, helping to raise the issues and profile of youth in their own communities.

The YIP will run again, as a four-week learning experience, in 2004. Any rank-and-file UFCW Canada member in good stand-ing, between the ages of 19-28, is eligible to apply. Interested candidates should send President Wayne Hanley a brief biographical summary including age, years of membership, place of employment, and any other relevant information, such as experience as a UFCW steward, enrolment or comple-

tion of post secondary-education, other languages spoken, and a reason why the candidate should be selected for the program. All costs, including lost wages, per diem, travel and accommodation, are paid by the union.

For more information on UFCW national youth programs, visit www.ufcw.ca/ufcw_youth.cgi.

Delegates at UFCW’s international convention were inspired by the speech of the Reverend Markel Hutchins, the 26 year-old President of the National Youth Connection, who urged young leadership and new ideas for positive social change. “The result of this lack of young leadership has been a generation of young people being led by gangsters, athletes, entertainers and the like who become leaders of our generation by default or merely by their celebrity status,” he said.

The YIP deadline is November 14, 2003

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