VOLUME XVIINO. 3AUGUST 2008

The Changing Faceof our Local Unions

....Page 3

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

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Rowanwood tragedy averted, thanks to dedication of Local 175members.............................................................................................Staff changes announced....................................................................

President’s Message.............................................................................Secretary-Treasurer’s Message................................................................ LOCAL 175

PresidentShawn Haggerty

Secretary-TreasurerTeresa Magee

RecorderBetty Pardy

Executive AssistantsJim HastingsHarry Sutton

UFCW Local 633President

Dan BondySecretary-Treasurer

Marylou MallettRecorder

Neil Hotchkiss

Provincial Office2200 Argentia Road

Mississauga L5N 2K7905-821-8329 Toll free 1-800-565-8329

Fax 905-821-7144Benefits Representatives

Sherree Backus,Joanne Ford, Victoria Shen

Benefits Intake RepresentativeOrsola Augurusa

Communications RepresentativesCheryl Mumford, Jennifer Tunney

Servicing RepresentativeLien Huynh

Health & Safety RepresentativeJanice KlenotLegal Counsel

Marcia Barry, Michael Hancock,Rebecca Woodrow, Natalie Wiley

Legal RepresentativeFernando Reis

Organizing RepresentativesRick Hogue, Steve Robinson

CENTRAL EAST REGIONDirector

Luc LacelleUnion Representatives

JehanAhamed, Mona Bailey, John DiFalco,Anthony DiMaio, John DiNardo,

Emmanuelle Lopez, Angela Mattioli,Rob Nicholas, Dave White

SOUTH CENTRAL REGIONDirector

Sylvia GroomUnion Representative

Judith BurchServicing Representatives

Brenda Simmons, Roy Etling,Mark Stockton, Mario Tardelli

TRAINING & EDUCATION CENTRECoordinator of Education

Kelly Nicholas

People & Events

Workplace News

Maple Leaf Members dedicate themselves to producing consistentlygreat tasting and wholesome foods .................................................... 6

5

CONTENTS

2

CENTRA412 RenHamilton905-545Toll freeFax 905DirectorPaul JokUnion RMatt DavJoe DeMDan SerServicingSam Ca

EASTER20 HamiOttawa K613-725Toll freeFax 613DirectorDan LacUnion RSimon BPaul HaDaniel MServicingJacques

SOUTH124 SydKitchene519-744Toll freeFax 519DirectorRay BroUnion RWendy AJulie JoRick WaRepreseMike Du

NORTHLakehea21-929 FThunder807-346Toll freeFax 807DirectorHarry SuUnion RColby F

PublishISSN nCHECKof LocaUnitedWeb sitE-mail:

cep Local 571

EducatioGeorginDean M

18Negotiations

13Youth

16

3

4

Community

20Special Events

9Training + Member Education Program

17Conferences

Youth Wanted!!!To participate in the Member Education Program

Fundraising 14

16

8Health & Safety

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A main purpose of our Local Union is to fight forfairness, equality and social justice – and to ensuredignity, respect and safety for all workers.

To achieve that purpose we must be an inclusiveUnion, which maintains solidarity, while negotiatingand enforcing superior collective agreements, forthe benefit of all members.

Being inclusive means that we honour Canada’shistory and traditions of welcoming new immigrantsto our country, and to our Union. The federal Dominion of Canada was formed on July1, 1867 from the provinces, colonies and territories of British North America, but the firstCanadian citizen wasn’t born until January 1, 1947. That was the year that the CanadianCitizenship Act came into force.

Prior to 1947, people called themselves Canadian citizens, but in reality they were desig-nated as British subjects. There was no such thing as a Canadian citizen, nor any specialrights or privileges that came with that.

World War II provided a catalyst. With the returningsoldiers came national bonding and a very strong viewthat Canada had to change. A Canadian politicianwho travelled to the cemetery at Dieppe in France in1945 said he saw: “Row after row of Canadian sur-names of all ethnic backgrounds, names from the far-thest reaches of the world who had come to Canadato live and had given their all, but for whom thedescription of ‘British subject’ was not applicable –they were Canadians who had died for their country.”

After the new citizenship Act was passed, at a special ceremony in 1947, Prime MinisterMackenzie King took his oath of allegiance and became the first to say: “I speak as a citi-zen of Canada.” Immigrants sworn in at that same ceremony came from Armenia,Russia, Poland, Romania and Palestine . . . together they underlined the multiculturalcountry that Canada had become and would remain today.

More than 60 years later, Canada continues to welcome immigrants from all over theworld. According to Statistics Canada, the country is now made up of 223 different ethnicorigins, and I’m sure our diverse Local Unions have representatives from most if not all ofthese groups.

Our members stand together, united through diversity for the benefit of all. We can beproud to be part of the strong, multicultural and unique community of ethnicities that formour nation.

CAL 175Presidentaggertyreasurera MageeRecordery Pardyssistantsastingsy Sutton

ocal 633Presidentn BondyreasurerMallett

Recorderotchkiss

al Officetia RoadL5N 2K765-832921-7144entativesBackus,ia ShensentativeugurusaentativesTunneysentativen Huynhsentativee KlenotCounselancock,ie Wileysentativedo Reisentativesobinson

REGIONDirectorLacelle

entativesDiFalco,

DiNardo,Mattioli,e White

REGIONDirectorGroom

sentativeh Burchentativesy Etling,Tardelli

CENTREducationNicholas

CENTRAL WEST REGION412 Rennie StreetHamilton L8H 3P5905-545-8354Toll free 1-800-567-2125Fax 905-545-8355DirectorPaul JokhuUnion RepresentativesMatt Davenport, Tim Deelstra,Joe DeMelo, Linval Dixon,Dan Serbin, Kelly TosatoServicing RepresentativeSam Caetano

EASTERN REGION20 Hamilton Avenue NorthOttawa K1Y 1B6613-725-2154Toll free 1-800-267-5295Fax 613-725-2328DirectorDan LacroixUnion RepresentativesSimon Baker, Chris Fuller,Paul Hardwick, Marilyn Lang,Daniel MercierServicing RepresentativeJacques Niquet

SOUTH WEST REGION124 Sydney Street SouthKitchener N2G 3V2519-744-5231Toll free 1-800-265-6345Fax 519-744-8357DirectorRay BromleyUnion RepresentativesWendy Absolom, Kevin Dowling,Julie Johnston, Angus Locke, Roy Reed,Rick WauhkonenRepresentativeMike Duden

NORTH WEST REGIONLakehead Labour Centre21-929 Fort William RoadThunder Bay P7B 3A6807-346-4227Toll free 1-800-465-6932Fax 807-346-4055DirectorHarry SuttonUnion RepresentativesColby Flank, David Noonan

Published six times yearly.ISSN no. 1703-3926CHECKOUT is an official publicationof Locals 175 & 633 of theUnited Food & Commercial Workers.Web site: www.ufcw175.comE-mail: membership@ufcw175.com

Education RepresentativesGeorgina Broeckel, Derek Jokhu,Dean McLaren, Ashleigh Vink

3AUGUST 2008

Canada is a diversenation – and so isits workforce

. . . continues on next page

Pres

iden

t’sMes

sage

SHAWN HAGGERTY

BEING INCLUSIVE MEANS

THAT WE HONOUR

CANADA’S HISTORY AND

TRADITIONS OF WELCOM-ING NEW IMMIGRANTS TO

OUR COUNTRY, AND TO

OUR UNION.

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4

Local 175 is a diverseLocal Union.

Your Local representsworkers in retail groceryand drugstores, retirementand nursing homes, funer-al service facilities, indus-trial warehouses, packag-ing plants, productionfacilities, distribution ware-houses, and the hospitalityindustry, as well as in day

care and community service centres.

Local 633 represents meat department employess workingin retail stores and meat cutters in non-retail establishments. Your Local Unionsare also extremely diverse in terms of her-itages, cultures, customs and ethnicities.

Your Union’s organizing initiatives are animportant part of the organization. Theorganizing department strives to helpunionize workers through educating non-unionized workers on their rights in theworkplace and showing them how the presence of a Unioncan increase their wages, improve their benefits and protecttheir jobs and quality of life. Organizing is literally thelifeblood of the Union that keeps our Local strong andenables us to negotiate good collective agreements for allmembers.

To better reach out to potential new members, Local 175

Local 175 seeks inclusion and equityto benefit all workers

participates in numerous community activities andevents, such as the Workers of Colour/AboriginalWorkers Conference on May 3, 2008. This mostrecent conference focused on developing advocacymethods specifically for communities of racializedand ethnic workers.

Conference participants attended workshops to ana-lyze the impact of the global economy and changingworker demographics on jobs, society, labour andsocial movements.

Canada is losing too many good, unionized manu-facturing jobs. Workers are forced into low-paying,temporary, non-union jobs because our good jobsare being exported to low-wage countries. At the

same time, unorganized workers inChina are working long hours for afraction of the wages we make, andare subjected to dangerous, oppres-sive working conditions. It is a truly alose/lose situation that needs tochange.

If we are going to strengthen ourUnion, we need to continue to reach

out to these immigrant communities, using theirmedia and the languages they understand. Word ofmouth is important as well. If you have family orfriends struggling in low-wage workplaces, pleaserefer them to the Local 175 Web site, or ask them tocall the Local Union. Complete confidentiality isassured.

President’s message . . . continued from previous page

Secretary-Treasurer’sMessage

TERESA MAGEE

I encourage all of you to welcome newcomers to yourworkplaces and communities and to join family, friends andco-workers at some of the many Local 175 family eventsduring the year. Many areas of the province will haveLabour Day celebrations and festivities on Monday,September 1st. Check out the Locals’ Web site or call yourregional office to find out locations and times, as well asinformation for other events during the year.

TO READ MORE ABOUT CANADA’SIMMIGRATION HISTORY AND CHANGING

DEMOGRAPHICS VISIT:WWW.UFCW175CAN.CA/INFO

IF YOU HAVE FAMILY OR

FRIENDS STRUGGLING IN LOW-WAGE WORKPLACES, PLEASE

REFER THEM TO THE LOCAL

175 WEB SITE , OR ASK THEM

TO CALL THE LOCAL UNION.

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COMMUN

ITY

AUGUST 2008 5

Faces of our UnionBy Kamaljit Gill: Chief Plant Steward

I am a worker and chief steward at a GTA-area poultry plant, unionizedand represented by UFCW Canada Local 175. I very much appreciate theadvantages of belonging to Local 175, which help ensure financial securityfor me and my family. This is made possible by the Union’s collective bar-gaining for fair wages, good benefits and job security.

I was born in Malaysia and my ancestry is of Indian and Chinese descent.For most of my life, I have been able to speak and understand one ofCanada’s official languages as I was schooled in English. When I first metand fell in love with my husband,he lived half the world away in thiscountry called Canada.

So in 1998, I parted with my fami-ly and friends and made the per-manent move to live here. I feltlike so many other immigrantswho came before and after me.Missing loved ones, as well asfamiliar scents and sounds, causedme much frustration and manytears. In the same year I arrived, Igave birth to my first son. A fewyears later, our second childfollowed.

As our family grew, so did the demands on our budget. My husband hadsecured employment, but I still felt that I needed to find work. About 15years ago, through the referral of a neighbor, I was able to find full-timeemployment at the poultry plant. In my entire life, I had never seen somany chickens in a single day! In order to cope with my new job duties, Ibought bags of chicken and began to practice skinning and deboning in mykitchen sink. I’m sure you can easily guess what my husband and childrenate for breakfast, lunch and dinner during my first “poultry slaying” days.

My co-workers, who came from many different ethnic and cultural back-grounds, also assisted with my training so I could pass my probation at thefactory. They were a constant reminder of how human kindness for oneanother can transcend culture, ethnicity, frigid temperatures and a poultry-scented workplace.

I became involved with the Union after witnessing how my co-workers, whowere mostly immigrants with difficulty communicating in English, weretreated by their supervisors. The frequently-disdainful attitude of these

supervisors troubled me. I feltthat these workers needed some-one to speak up on their behalf,and it might as well be me.

Before I was elected chief stew-ard, I served the membership asa steward for seven years. I knowthat the strength of the Unionstems from our willingness andability – as stewards, members, and Union representatives – to advocateand to safeguard workers’ rights and interests. Hence, I have dedicatedmuch of my own time to refining my skills and understanding the nutsand bolts of the grievance procedure.

It is a humbling experience to serve workers who were accomplished, for-mally-trained professionals in various scientific and medical fields in theirhomeland. Yet here they work on the production line because their cre-dentials and experience are not recognized by Canadian employers andprofessional associations.

Union stewardship is an exhausting and emotionally draining task. It hasmany ups and downs. I’ve had good days when I received hugs andsmiles from my co-workers fordefending their interests. Andthen there are days when I amdetested for my unpopular standagainst those who seek favorabletreatment for themselves at thecost of the greater good. The col-lective agreement sees no faces,no colour, no gender, no ethnicityand it is intended to provide fair-ness for all members at all times.I shall continue to enforce the col-lective agreement as such.

Besides my Union activism and work, I am also part of a team of womenwho organize annual Sikh vegetarian lunches at work. The Sikh religionbelieves that it is a blessing to serve food to nourish others. In someways, this tradition extends to my role in the Union. I hope that themembers in my workplace view my service and dedication to them as ablessing that will benefit them in both the present and future, for manyyears to come.

“THE COLLECTIVE

AGREEMENT SEES NO

FACES, NO COLOUR, NO

GENDER, NO ETHNICITY

AND IT IS INTENDED TO

PROVIDE FAIRNESS FOR

ALL MEMBERS AT ALL

TIMES.”

y

a-ng

d-a

h

f

to

“I VERY MUCH APPRECIATE

THE ADVANTAGES OF

BELONGING TO LOCAL

175, WHICH HELP ENSURE

FINANCIAL SECURITY FOR

ME AND MY FAMILY. THIS

IS MADE POSSIBLE BY THE

UNION’S COLLECTIVE

BARGAINING FOR FAIR

WAGES, GOOD BENEFITS

AND JOB SECURITY. ”

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6

WORKPLACE

NEWS

Maple Lea f member s ded i ca te thcons i s t en t l y g rea t ta s t i ng and w

An “extreme passion for food” is a MapleLeaf corporate value, which is shared byits workers who dedicate their energy andskill to producing excellent edibles.

More than 300 Local 175 members workat the processing facility on Bartor Roadin Toronto. These workers are involved inthe many plant operations that transformlarge cuts of fresh and frozen meats andpoultry into convenient portions for theconsumer. They receive the unprocessedfood, package it and ship it back out toretail and wholesale customers. Inbetween, they work by hand or withmachines to trim, cut, chop, slice, diceand grind various cuts of meat and poul-try. They also add spices and utilize theircooking skills to produce consistentlygreat tasting, wholesome foods.

In addition to poultry cuts, the BartorRoad facility produces a range ofsausages such as Regular, Bavarian,Golden Fry, All Beef, Pure Pork and BBQBrats, which can be fresh, frozen or fullycooked. They also process numerous delimeats including Bologna, Salami, RoastBeet, Mock Chicken, and Ham as well asMacaroni & Cheese Loaf. They are mar-keted under the brand names of MapleLeaf and Schneiders as well as variousprivate labels.

To review recipes and nutrition informa-tion for various foods, visit Maple Leafconsumer products at: www.mapleleaf.com.

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WOR

KPLA

CENE

WS

AUGUST 2008 7

t e themse l ve s to p roduc ingnd who le some foodsMapled byand

workoaded inormandhesedt to

cepoul-heir

BQullydeliastll asar-pleus

ma-afcom.

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Members on the Cargill/Sun Valley Joint Health & Safety Committee(JHSC) are committed to listening to the members, educating them and doingeverything possible to ensure a safe work environment.

They meet monthly and do regular inspections. Issues of particular concerninclude the repetitiveness of line work, CO2 levels, heat & cold stress, humidi-ty and noise levels. This innovative committee recently awarded dinner and amovie for two to each of three winners in its plant safety quiz. They also pro-moted safety by conducting colouring and poster contests for the children ofmembers.

8

HEALTH&SAFETY

Local Unions mark Day of MourningOn April 28, 2008, members participated in the annualDay of Mourning ceremonies at several locations acrossthe province. They gathered to remember and recognizeinjured workers, and to commit to working towards asafer and healthier work environment.

Joining in the Hamilton event were (front row, from left) OFL ProgramsCoordinator Duncan MacDonald; UFCW Local 175 Central West Director, PaulJokhu; Servicing Representative, Brenda Simmons. In the back row are John Suter,member from Goodwill Hamilton; President Shawn Haggerty, and ExecutiveAssistant, Harry Sutton.

On Sunday, June 1, 2008, members rallied togeth-er in front of the Queen’s Park Ontario Legis-lative Building to send a message to the govern-ment that injured workers need and deserve moresupport. Sherree Backus, Local 175 BenefitsDepartment representative, stood in front of theinjured worker mascot to address the rally. She said:“This year is the 25th Anniversary of InjuredWorkers Day, yet workers are still being injured anddying on the job. The WSIB must do a better job ofeducating and policing employers.”

Members support Injured Workers

Workplace accident results inincreased surveillance program

Local 175 is actively promoting safer workplace initiatives after alongterm retail food store employee suffered a disabling injury inthe workplace.

The member was feeding balls of dough into a machine to flatten itinto pizza crusts when the fingers of her glove caught in themachine and pulled her hand into the rollers. The employer wasfined more than $75,000 after pleading guilty to failing to providean appropriate safety guard. Although all employers are legallyrequired to ensure safe workplaces, important safety guards aresometimes overlooked or absent due to negligence or ignorance.

As a result of the accident, Locals 175 & 633 is reinforcing the needfor Joint Health & Safety Committees (JHSC) to do monitoringrelated to this issue. Health & Safety Representative Janice Klenotsays: “CSA standards have specific measurements related to safetyguards, which are determined by the location of the hazard. Theemployer is responsible for meeting these standards.”

Members of the Sun Valley-Cargill JHSC Committee on the left, are:Front Row: Betty Pardy, Carlo Dall'Armi, Im Kheang, Vicki Kelly, JHSCLabour Co-Chair. Back Row: Mark Ennett, Brian Clancy, Mike Tielemans,Chris Thom.

FrIrStBr

INNOVATIVE COMMITTEE IS COMMITTED TO BUILDING

THE SAFEST POSSIBLE WORKPLACE

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TRAINING

AUGUST 2008 9

Apply now, online – or in the mail – for the fallMembers’ and Stewards’ Education ProgramsTwice a year, in the spring and fall, Locals 175 & 633offer free week-long courses for members and stewards,as part of the Member Education Program.

The stewards course helps ensure that Locals 175 &633 stewards are the most informed and best-educatedrepresentatives on the front line in the workplace. Atotal of 68 steward awards are made each year. Theseare allocated over two courses in the fall and two in thespring. These courses provide information about Unionhistory and activities as well as detailed informationabout the Workplace Safety & Insurance Board.

There are 34 members’ course awards. These provide

an introduction and overview of Unions, includinglabour history, the role of the steward, collectivebargaining, health & safety and other importantprograms.

The Local Union covers the cost for all courses,which are held at the Locals 175 & 633 Missis-sauga Provincial Office Training & Education Centre.The award includes course materials and instructionas well as lost wages, per diems, transportationcosts and accommodations.

To find out more, turn to pages 11 & 12 or contactyour Union Steward or Union Representative.

Front Row, front left: David Lee, A&P store #767; Denise Cachia, Holiday Inn; Cynthia Pilon, Picton Manor Nursing Home; Tracy Sheffer, A&P store #240; LucasIredale, Maple Leaf. Back Row: Jim Wilson, A&P store #424; Bruce Venedam, Maple Leaf; Holly Diaczuk, A&P store #424; Martin O'Connor, Prince Foods; AndrewStephenson, Pepsi; Rosa Vidal, A&P store #83; Christopher Lee: Food Basics store #958, Barbara Prowse: Rosebridge Manor, Nathan Fowler: Pinty's, GeorginaBroeckel: Instructor.

2008 Spring Course Participants: Members’ Program May 5-9, 2008

Are you moving? If you are moving or planning to move, please let us know so we can continue tosend you Locals 175 & 633 publications, such as Checkout, as well as important documents related toyour Union membership. Please mail your new address to us at Locals 175 & 633 UFCW Canada,2200 Argentia Road, Mississauga ON L5N 2K7, or call us at 905-821-8329 or 1-800-565-8329.

If you prefer, e-mail membership@ufcw175.com

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Front Row, from left: Georgina Broeckel, Local 175 Instructor; Rick Martin, Maple Leaf; Rachelle Straus, Radisson Sudbury; Bowena Hodder, Western Waffles; Kathy Martin,Zehrs; Yonis Jama, Avis Garage; Brad Wigle, A&P store #139. Second Row: Sherree Backus, Local 175 Instructor; Rebecca Missal, Hagi's Independent Living; KrystalRaymond, Food Basics; Michelle Jackson, Food Basics store #886; Andy Lavigne, Dresden Industrial; Kevin Furlotte, Valhalla Inn; Tim Robertson, Maple Leaf; Patrick Shea,Loblaws store #1082. Back Row: Matt Slade, PXL Cross Linked Foam;, Chris Sauve, Prince Foods, Sherwin Flight; Liberte Natural Foods; Mike Arsenault, Dominion store#461.

Front Row, from Left: Barbara Cule, Westin Hotel; Victoria Shen, Local 175 Instructor; Terry Archer, Fortino's; James Anthony Pathmaraja, Hertz; Emerson Baque, LiberteNatural Foods; Georgina Broeckel, Local 175 Instructor. Back Row: Carolyn Martin, A&P store #198; Kathleen Greenley, A&P store #125; Debbie Carriere, Food Basicsstore #896, Betty Benoit, Omni Facility Services; Graham Cunningham, Food Basics store #682, Carlo Dall'Armi, Sun Valley Foods; John McCarthy, Cadbury Adams; LisaMurdick, Best Western; Chris Sherk, Pepsi; Donna Pupeza, Aeroguard; Jason Drew, Sobey's store #682; Brian Lewis, Food Basics store#907; Mary Ann Sheremet, MapleLeaf.

10

TRAINING

2008 Spring Course Participants: Stewards awards, May 26-30, 2008

2008 Spring Course Participants: Stewards awards, June 2-6, 2008

AP

STE

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Martin,lk Shea,tore

rteasicsisa

Maple

TRAINING

AUGUST 2008 11

8 APPLY NOW – ONLINE OR BY MAIL – FOR THE FALL MEMBER OR

STEWARD WEEK-LONG PROGRAM

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12

TRAINING

REMEMB E R TO A P P L Y – OR NOM IN AT E A CO -WORK E R – FOR TH E LO C A L S 175 &633 OUT S TAND I NG

ACH I E V EM EN T AWARD S FO R 2008 . E A CH O F T H E FOUR BUR S A R I E S P ROV I D E S $500 TO TH E M EMB E R S

S E L E C T E D. P L E A S E V I S I T WWW.U F CW175 . COM OR R E F E R TO JUN E CH E C KOU T FO R MOR E I N FO RMAT I ON.TH E D E AD L I N E F O R TH I S AWARD I S AUGU S T 31 , 2008 .

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YOUT

H

AUGUST 2008 13

YOUTH WANTED!!!To participate in the Locals 175 & 633 Member Education Program.

Apply now – online or by mail.See the info on pages 11 & 12 or talk to your Union Steward

or Rep for more information.

Local 175 member awarded $8,000 scholarshipSeventeen-year old Kaitlyn McDonald was very surprised – it was “awesome” she said, to learn that shehad won an $8,000 UFCW International scholarship.

As an aspiring physician, Kaitlyn knew she’d need financing and had checked out her parents workplacesfor scholarships, to no avail. Fortunately, a co-worker in the lunch room had read about the UFCW scholar-ships. Kaitlyn found the information on the Web and applied. She was chosen as one of several winnerswho demonstrated excellence in both academics and service to the community.

In addition to working part-time at A&P store # 125 in Whitby and maintaining grades mostly in the90s, Kaitlyn volunteers her time for numerous community initiatives. As President of the student council atMonsignor Paul Dwyer High School, she was the liaison between students, principles and parents,assuring the approvals and success of special events like the Terry Fox Run and the multi-cultural themedSpirit Week. She also raised money to help build a school in the Republic of Sierra Leone in West Africa.

Kaitlyn was also a member of the Social Justice Committee, the Mental Health Committee, Me to We,Chaplaincy, Peer Ministry, Prefects, School Senators, and she was a tutor for students who required extrahelp with their studies in music, math and science. Throughout her four years of high school, she was therecipient of several academic and extracurricular awards.

Kaitlyn has enrolled inmedical sciences at theUniversity of WesternOntario. She hopes tobecome a family practi-tioner and join DoctorsWithout Borders.

Learn more about UFCWscholarships for members

& their families at:www.ufcw175.com.

Youth Committee acts to make our community greenerThe UFCW Locals 175 & 633 Youth Committee wanted to make a difference to help the environment. So forthe first time this year they implemented a fundraising initiative to collect donations for EcoSource Mississauga.

EcoSource is an innovative environmental educational organization serving youth, adults and families. It focuses onhow each of us can change daily habits to become better environmental citizens. In partnership with theMulticultural Interagency Group of Peel (MIAG), EcoSource uses donations to support and expand theCommunity Gardens and School Learning Gardens program. The Youth Committee raised $325 to purchase tools,seeds and bulbs and help educate students. More at www.ecosource.ca.

In the photo (right) Staff Rep & Youth Committee member Derek Jokhu presents equipment to Carolyn Bailey, who isCommunity Gardens Coordinator for EcoSource.

Above: Youth Committee member Derek Jokhupresents a certificate of appreciation and a UFCWLocals 175 & 633 prize pack to Fallyn Hyder,daughter of member Larry Hyder from A&P Store#422 in Thunder Bay. Fallyn designed the newYouth logo, as seen on the upper left top of thispage.

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• TH

17 -windsin forceraisedand hithan $

LeukemEvent CFundrai

• SC

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Momsthe opParticipbookswere epants lsniff” csponsoand BBing supprizes.especia

• TH

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$13,

14

FUNDRAISING

Locals 175 & 633 Raise $350,000 inONCE AGAIN THIS YEAR, THANKS IN PART TO THE HARD

WORK AND DEDICATION OF LOCALS 175 & 633 MEMBERS,THE LEUKEMIA & LYMPHOMA SOCIETY OF CANADA (LLSC)RECEIVED A DONATION OF $1.4-MILLION TO FUND

CANADIAN RESEARCH TO FIND A CURE FOR LEUKEMIA .

In 2008, Locals 175 & 633 members contributed an astounding$350,000. Executive Assistant Harry Sutton presented the Local Union’sdonation on behalf of the members at the annual fundraising gala.He praised the members for their year-round fundraising efforts, saying:“Locals 175 & 633 members again excelled in raising money to fundleukemia research.

On behalf of the Officers, Directors, Members, Staff and all the Employ-ers who achieved such outstanding results, I am very proud to presentthis donation. Although we sometimes have differences with the employ-ers, it’s obvious that when we work together we can make a real differ-ence in helping find a cure for leukemia . . . and it’s wonderful to knowthat so many children and adults will be helped because of our efforts.”

SOME OF THE RECENT FUNDRAISING EVENTS WHICH

CONTRIBUTED TO THE TOTAL INCLUDED:

• THE GRANDVIEW LODGE BBQ ON MAY 7 IN

DUNNVILLE . Members and other employees at the Lodge organized thisevent which raised $166.28. Vicky Cowlin, who is a Health Care Aide, was a keyevent organizer again this year. She wasassisted by Jim Flemming, ChiefSteward of the Maintenance Departmentand Steve Schwoob who is theSupervisor of Environmental Services.

President Shawn Haggerty and CentralWest Region Director Paul Jokhustopped by for burgers. They wereimpressed by the generosity of the mem-bers in this bargaining unit of just 113people. This is only the second year forthe BBQ, which is expected to become anannual event.From left: Jim, Vicky and Steve ran theGrandview Lodge BBQ.

• THE CENTRAL WEST REGION GOLF TOURNAMENT ON

MAY 24. This popular annual event moved locations this year, to the RoyalOntario Golf Club in Hornby, Ontario. For the first time it featured a shotgunstart, which allowed all participants to begin and finish – more or less – at thesame time. This “sold out” event was originally planned to accommodate 120golfers. The new location in Hornby proved to be so appealing, however, thatevent organizers had to scramble to increase the capacity to 144 golfers.

It was an enjoyable day, with positive comments from everyone. Those who cameout to golf, along with others who volunteered their time, succeeded in raising$13,000 for leukemia research. Hornby is located near Derry Road and Highway407, just outside the boundaries of Mississauga and Oakville.

Central West RegionalDirector Paul Jokhu andPresident Shawn Haggerty(seated) congratulated thetournament’s winningteam of Dan Osborne,Food Basics Hurontario;Rob Mayer, A&P 76;‘Cousin It’ Clement,Dresden Industrial; andPaul Corcoran (Teamphoto not available).

Secretary-TreasurerTeresa Magee speakswith Executive Boardmember JimMontgomery and hiswife at the annualGala.

Jim is a bus driver atLaidlaw Transit.

Above: Executive Assistant Harry Sutton presented the Locals 175 & 633 dona-tion at the Leukemia Gala.

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• THE 3RD ANNUAL STAFF CONFERENCE POKER

TOURNAMENT. Staff members from the Central East and South WestRegions pooled their talents to organize a poker tournament for allOntario Local 175 representatives attending the annual conference. Theyraised $3,200 thanks to the participation of staff from all regions anddepartments, plus matching contributions from Local 175 and the Unionwho represents them.

• THE CARGILL BBQ ON JUNE 12. Members raised$1,588 for leukemia research at this annual, well-attended event.

THE ANNUAL THUNDER BAY LEUKEMIA WALK ON

JUNE 8 RAISED $2,000.

IN ADDITION TO THE LEUKEMIA

FUNDRAISING, MEMBERS DONATED

TO OTHER IMPORTANT COMMUNITY

INITIATIVES. THESE INCLUDED A

$1,000 DONATION TO NELLIE’S,WHICH IS A NON-PROFIT WOMEN’SORGANIZATION HELPING WOMEN AND

CHILDREN IN CRISIS LOCATE SAFE

AFFORDABLE HOUSING, SUPPORT

SERVICES AND A BRIDGE TO A BETTER

FUTURE.

• THE 7TH ANNUAL TED ON THE ROOF EVENT, FROM MAY

17 - 19 IN PETERBOROUGH. Despite highwinds and cold temperatures, the community came outin force to support this fundraising initiative whichraised another $15,400. Ted Dawes of Minute Maidand his incredible team of volunteers have raised morethan $72,000 in the last seven years.

Leukemia mascot “Spike” joins Ted Dawes andEvent Co-ordinator, Sue Amsbury at the Ted on the RoofFundraiser.

• SCRAPBOOKING EVENT AT THE MISSISSAUGA OFFICE ON

MAY 31. A joint effort by staff of the Health & Safety and BenefitsDepartments generated $725 from just 23 participants at this first-ever fundrais-ing event.

Moms and others enjoyed a quiet day on their own, away from the family, andthe opportunity to organize their photo collections into memorable works of art.Participants learned various scrapbooking techniques and embellishments forbooks and cards. “Make & Takes”were especially popular, with partici-pants leaning how to make “scratch &sniff” cards to take home. Numeroussponsors donated juice, pop, waterand BBQ items, as well as scrapbook-ing supplies which were distributed asprizes. The ice cream sundaes wereespecially appreciated.

• THE 19TH ANNUAL WALK FOR A CURE IN LONDON ON

JUNE 8. MEMBERS AND STAFF IN THE SOUTH-WEST

REGION RALLIED TOGETHER AGAIN THIS YEAR TO RAISE

$13,000.

Union rep JohnDiNardo (left)assisted membersPat DeMarco,Darrell Able,Randy Van Sickle,and AdebayoMufutau at theCargill BBQ.

FUND

RAISING

AUGUST 2008 15

00 in 2008 for Leukemia Research

Central East Union RepMona Bailey (above right)presents a cheque for$1,000 to Wendy Sung-Aad, Manager ofDevelopment for Nellie’sShelter

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Gail Carrozzino, who began working at theLocal 175 Training & Education Centre (TEC) inNovember 2004, has moved to the UFCWCanada National Office as a NationalRepresentative in the Education Department.

She will continue to coordinate labour adjust-ment programs, for both Locals 175 & 633 members, as well as forthose in other UFCW Local Unions in Canada.

Dean McLaren has joined the staff of the TEC, work-ing out of the Mississauga office.

He first became a Local 175 member in 1989 whileworking at Ball Packaging in Whitby, later becoming asteward and Union vice-chair for his plant, which num-bered approximately 150 members at the time. He hastaken numerous courses through the TEC and also worked with Local 175 asa volunteer organizer.

16

On April 13, 2008, the unthinkable happened.

A fire broke out in a Huntsville retirement home, forc-ing 56 senior residents to scramble for their lives.Fortunately, there were lots of heroes nearby to assistthem. Thanks to everyone’s prompt and calm response,no lives were lost and what couldhave been a terrible tragedy wasaverted.

The fire was believed to havestarted on the roof above thekitchen/ dining area, shortlybefore 11 p.m. on a Sundaynight. Although a layer of drywallinitially protected the residentsfrom the flames, the blazeknocked out the phone system andwith it the easy access to 911. Butfast action by a staff member with a cell phone quicklysummoned emergency assistance.

Soon there were numerous police officers and firefight-ers helping the on-duty staff to safely evacuate all resi-dents, and even some pets. Off-duty staff who livednearby and heard sirens or saw flames also rushed overto offer help. So did many others who heard the newsreports. They worked for several hours into the night toassist wherever they could. Some were on the job fornearly 48 hours. Many were involved with counsellingand comforting residents who had lost their cherishedphotos and other memorabilia to the fire.

Over the next three weeks, members continued to work

Rowanwood tragedy averted, thanks to dedicationof Local 175 members

PEOPLE&EVENTS

hard to ensure that the residents were as comfort-able as possible at their temporary home in theHoliday Inn at Hidden Valley Resort, just outsideof Huntsville. The members worked with hotel staffto assist the residents and were involved in specialprojects, such as helping to coordinate a clothing

bank provided by a localcommunity group. Manymembers also visited formerresidents during their off-dutyhours, assisting them withtheir relocation to otherhomes. It was this personalbond with the residents thatmade these members theheroes of the night, and theweeks that followed.

By the end of the three weeks,all the residents had been relocated to new homesand the members were permanently laid off. TheLocal Union set to work immediately after the fireto negotiate an enhanced severance package foraffected members.

Local 175 also assisted the members in accessingEI and other programs to find new employment.Local 175, Rowanwood and the Ministry ofTraining, Colleges & Universities are workingtogether and have established an Action Centre,which workers can visit to receive assistance infinding work, information on retraining, or simplyto enjoy coffee and conversation with a formerco-worker.

Staff changes announced

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costs. The major increases, however, are due to thedevelopment of more expensive drugs and “intensity”or a trend to combine several drugs to better treat asingle condition. As a result, the average annual drugcost per employee has gone from $44 in 2000 to$665 in 2007, while the number of prescriptions peremployee per year has jumped from point four toeleven point four.

Fortunately, having a large number of people in aplan, as is the case with many of the plans the Unionnegotiates, enables even employers with a smallnumber of employees to continue to afford a prescrip-tion drug plan, even when employees may requirevery expensive life-sustaining drugs for themselves ortheir dependants.

AUGUST 2008 17

CONF

EREN

CES

Annual staff conference highlights educationIn late June, the Officers, Directors and staff ofLocal 175 convened for the annual staff conference.

The focus was on finding better ways to serve themembership, and as such there was a significant edu-cational component. The Local 175 LegalDepartment conducted several sessions related tomembers’ rights in the workplace. These included:severance notices; mandatory overtime, job postings& leaves, loss prevention, successor rights, humanrights, plus other issues related to harassment andLabour Market Re-entry (LMR).

Lisa Watt, a benefits consultant with the firm ofManion, Wilkens & Associates explained some ofthe factors affecting the costing of employee benefitprograms. She said inflation and an aging workforceare responsible for a small percentage of increased

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18

NEGOTIATIONS

Flour mill workersratifyMembers working at Southampton FlourMilling met on June 16, 2008 to vote on the newthree-year contract. Highlights of the new dealinclude:• Wages increase across-the-board by 45 cents

per hour in the first year, 40 cents in the sec-ond and 40 cents in the third year.

• Shift premiums increase to 45 cents per hourfor hours worked after 3 p.m., and the nightshift premium, for hours worked between 11p.m. and 7 a.m., is $1 per hour.

• The Supervisor Relief premium increases to 95cents per hour, up from 85 cents.

• Company contributions to the workers’ dentalplan increase by a total of three cents per hour.

• Vision care coverage increases to $225 per 24-month period effective August 1, 2008, andthen $250 on August 1, 2010. In addition, thecoverage for eye exams increases to $100.

• Drug Plan coverage increases to a maximumof $550 per year effective August 1, 2008,$600 per year as of August 3, 2009 and $650per year effective August 2, 2010.

• Company contributions toward the CanadianCommercial Workers Industry Pension Plan(CCWIPP) increase by a total of 3 cents perhour over the duration of the deal. In addi-tion, the company agrees to put 3 cents perhour worked toward the CCWIPP StabilizationFund on behalf of each worker for the yearcovered by the contract term.

• Workers receive a newly combined safety shoeand clothing allowance of $250 per year.

• Improved language covers health & safety andworkplace injuries and the addition of statu-tory holidays declared by the Federal government.

Union Negotiating Committee: Lloyd Ens andUnion Rep Roy Reed.

Pharma Plus workers across the province havenew three-year dealFollowing a number of negotiation and conciliation meetings, more than 2,000 Pharma Plus workersacross the province had the opportunity to vote on a new three-year contract, which was agreed uponbetween the Union and the company. The collective agreement, ratified on June 16, 2008 and covering144 Ontario stores, includes the following highlights:• All full and part-time employees receive a minimum increase of 30 cents per hour retroactive for

hours worked to January 5, 2008. Subsequent increases are 30 cents per hour effective January 5,2009 and another 30 cents per hour as of January 5, 2010.

• The top rate for Certified Pharmacy Technicians and Pharmacy Technicians increases by 50 cents perhour retroactive to January 5, 2008.

• The shift premium for a worker assigned as ‘In Charge’ in the absence of a store manager, increasesto $2.50 per hour, up from $2, when that worker fills the position for a day or more.

• A worker assigned as ‘In Charge’ for store closing receives a premium of $1.50 per hour, up from $1,for four hours. Those scheduled to open as ‘In Charge’ receive the same premium for three hours.

• Vision care coverage increases to $300 every two years, up from $250.• Company contributions to the UFCW Trusteed Dental Plan increase to 31 cents per hour effective

February 6, 2008.• The company will contribute to the CCWIPP Stabilization Fund on behalf of the members in the

amount of 5 cents per hour effective ratification, 10 cents per hour as of January 1, 2009, and 20cents per hour January 1, 2010.

• Language improvements address: protection for bargaining unit members from losing hours as aresult of increased assistant store managers; severance pay; and a guarantee of the number of storesthat will continue to operate during the life of this collective agreement.

• The new contract recognizes Family Day as a statutory holiday.

President Shawn Haggerty says: “This contract is especially important to ensure the security of PharmaPlus members in light of the company’s failure to recognize the Union as the bargaining representativefor employees of new stores. The Union is proceeding to the Ontario Labour Relations Board in an effortto resolve this matter.”

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For all the most recent UFCW news, including more up-to-date and detail

Pharma Plus Negotiating Committee included, from front left: Central West Regional Director Paul Jokhu,Servicing Representative Sam Caetano, President Shawn Haggerty, Union Representative Emmanuelle Lopez,Shelley Ortepi, store #0034 in North Bay; Susan Schouten, store #1750 in Paris; Brenda Stokes store #1891in Wallaceburg; Kathy Wyatt, store #0646 in Petawawa; Gail Richter store #1073 in London; ExecutiveAssistant to the Local 175 President, Harry Sutton, and Servicing Representative Jacques Niquet. Absent fromphoto: Alison O’Brien, store #1370 in Barrie, Karen Heffemman, store #2216 in Picton, and Central EastRegional Director Luc Lacelle.

©CALM Graphics

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Cargill workers ratifyOn May 17, 2008, the more than 700 members ofthe bargaining unit at Cargill-Better Beef inGuelph secured a new four-year contract.Highlights of the new deal include:• Wages increase across-the-board by 35 cents

per hour retroactive to January 1, 2008, withsubsequent increases of 35 cents per hour onJanuary 5, 2009 and January 4, 2010 as wellas 45 cents per hour on January 3, 2011.

• Company contributions to the pension planincrease to $25.50 per week in 2008, $26.50per week in 2009, $27.50 per week in 2010and $28.50 per week in the final year.

• Health & Welfare benefits improve to provideLong Term Disability coverage of $1,550 permonth, an extension of benefits coverage upto one month after layoff, massage therapycoverage of $325 per year, Weekly Indemnityof $450 per month, and lifetime orthodonticcoverage of $1,500, up from $1,000.

• Numerous job classification improvements,from lower pay scales to higher pay scales.

• The employer will provide freezer suits forworkers required to do specific jobs.

• The tool allowance increases to $450 per year,and the employer will pay for the renewal oflicenses for certified Tradesmen.

• The company will contribute $1,500 per year,up from $1,000, toward the Locals 175 & 633Training & Education Fund.

• Language improvements cover deemed termi-nation, layoffs, recall, sunset clause, Uniontime allowed for the Chief Steward, stewardrepresentation, grievance procedures andarbitration time limits.

• In addition, previous language has beendeleted saying that time limits are mandatoryand that grievances can be deemed abandoned.

• New language addresses pay equity, pay for anine person negotiating committee, andimportant provisions restricting managementfrom performing bargaining unit work.

Union Negotiating Committee: Peter Camilleri,Rick Daudlin, Sharon Daudlin, BryanDennis, Bogdan Giergiel, Rudy Gwinner,Shawn Jones, Bob Munro, Chris Watson,Union Reps Mike Duden and Richard Wauh-konen and South West Director Ray Bromley.

e and detailed information on negotiations, visit our Web site: www.ufcw175.com

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Food Basics workers secure new contractThe more than 6,000 members working at Food Basics locations across the province secured a newcollective agreement that will be in effect until March 31, 2012. Members voted on the negotiated settle-ment at meetings held Sunday, June 8, 2008. Contract highlights include:• The full-time end rate increases as follows:

- 40¢ per hour effective the date of ratification- 20¢ per hour effective March 31, 2009- 25¢ per hour effective March 31, 2010- 25¢ per hour effective March 31, 2011

• Part-time workers at the end rate receive the following wage increases:- 35¢ per hour effective the date of ratification- 15¢ per hour effective March 31, 2009- 20¢ per hour effective March 31, 2010- 20¢ per hour effective March 31, 2011

• Workers receive retroactive pay of 25 cents per hour for hours worked between June 24, 2007 andthe date of ratification and there are also increases to the progression rates.

• Night-shift premium increases from 55 cents per hour to 75 cents per hour for both part-time andfull-time.

• Shift premium for Department Head Relief increases to $2 per hour, up from $1. For part-time work-ers, this premium increases to $1 per hour, up from 50 cents.

• Part-time workers assigned the responsibilities of office duties, in the absence of the bookkeeper, willbe paid a premium of 50 cents for all hours worked.

• Vision care coverage increases to $175 per 2-year period, up from $125, for both full-time and part-time.

• The company will contribute toward the CCWIPP Stabilization Fund in the amounts of 5 cents perhour in the first year, 10 cents per hour in the second year, 15 cents per hour in the third year and20 cents per hour in the last year of the contract term.

• Family Day is now recognized as a statutory holiday.• Employer contributions to the workers’ dental plan increase by 2 cents per hour, at the call of the

trustees.

The Food Basics Negotiating Committee were from left, front row: Bill Harrison, store #939 in Owen Sound;Brian Lewis, store #907 in Ottawa; Chris Tsotsos, store #576 in Thornhill; Shelley Dowrie, store #885 inSimcoe; Chris Sheridan, store #927 in Ajax;. Back row Richard Ambrusch, store #610 in Sudbury; South CentralRegional Director Sylvia Groom, President Shawn Haggerty, Leslie Litwiller, store #690 in Kitchener; DavidRebelo, store #627 in Hurontario; Jeff Little, store #893 in Dunnville, and Executive Assistant to the President,Jim Hastings.

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1

Return postage will be paid by:

United Food & Commercial WorkersLocals 175 & 6332200 Argentia RoadMississauga ON L5N 2K7

Canada Post Corporation Publication Agreement No. 40064671

Plan to attend the2009 Cricket FestivalUFCW Local 175 was a major sponsor again for the 2008 CanadaDay Sri Lankan Cricket Festival, which was held at King City on July1, 2008. The Local Union donated entertainment by the Skylines and foodfor the tournament’s players. Kids were entertained by a clown with facepainting and a magic show, also compliments of our Local Union.

Eight cricket matches were played in four cricket grounds, running from 9a.m. to 7 p.m. . Families and friends gathered at the event to watch, eat,drink and socialize together. At least one group planned their familyreunion around the day, with visiting relatives travelling from Sri Lanka,Germany and California to join them for the festivities. Numerous SriLankan cricket fans came from the USA for what has now become anannual trip. A perfect summer day with warm sun and fresh breezesencouraged a large turnout of approximately 2,000 spectators.

A highlight for cricket enthusiasts was the Canadian National team’s winover Bermuda. The score was Canada 278/9 defeating Bermuda 199/7by 77 runs. More cricket information at: www.canadiancricket.org.

This event is open to the public and admission is free. If you have notattended in the past, you should mark this day in your calendar for nextyear’s Canada Day – and don’t forget to bring your family and friends. In2009, the organizing committee hopes to attract even more UFCW Locals175 & 633 members to make the event the best ever cricket festival!

JOIN US FOR LABOUR DAY CELEBRATIONS AND

FESTIVITIES ON MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 1ST. CHECK

OUT THE LOCALS’ WEB SITE OR CALL YOUR REGIONAL

OFFICE TO FIND OUT LOCATIONS AND TIMES.

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