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

VOLUME XVINO. 1

FEBRUARY2007

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Grocery industry changes mean tougher negotiations

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Secretary-Treasurer Clifford Retires

President’s Message –

Long and tough negotiations now the norm in grocery industry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ��

WORKPLACE NEWSA&P members vote OVERWHELMINGLY in favour of new contract . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ��

NEGOTIATIONSA&P workers achieve good new agreement with job guarantees for full-time workers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ��

Other Negotiations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ��

Winner of Day of Mourning art contest announced. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ����

PEOPLESecretary-Treasurer Clifford Retires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ����

Shawn Haggerty elected Secretary-Treasurer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ��

Marcia Barry joins Benefits staff. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ��

Mark Stockton becomes Servicing Rep . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ��

Local 175 CAN helps out again. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ��

FUNDRAISINGLocals 175 & 633 raise $265,000 at Light the Night Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ��

CONFERENCESStrength through diversity is the theme for this year’s stewards’ seminars . . . . . . . . . . . ����

LETTERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ����

SCHOLARSHIPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . � �

HEALTH & SAFETYLocal 175 is fighting for safer workplaces . . . . . . . . . . . . ����

LOCAL 175President

Wayne HanleySecretary-Treasurer

Shawn HaggertyRecorder

Betty PardyExecutive Assistants

Jim Hastings, Teresa Magee

LOCAL 633President

Dan BondySecretary-Treasurer

Marylou MallettRecorder

Neil Hotchkiss

PROVINCIAL OFFICE2200 Argentia Road

Mississauga L5N 2K7 905-821-8329 or 1-800-565-8329

Fax 905-821-7144

Benefits Legal CounselMarcia Barry

Benefits RepresentativesSherree Backus,

Emmanuelle Lopez-TambascoBenefits Intake Representative

Lesley Flores

Communications RepresentativesCheryl Mumford, Jennifer Tunney

Servicing RepresentativeLien Huynh

Health & Safety RepresentativeJanice Klenot

Senior Legal CounselNaveen MehtaLegal Counsel

Michael Hancock, Rebecca WoodrowLegal Representative

Fernando Reis

Organizing Coordinator & Pay EquityMichael Duden

Organizing RepresentativesSteve Robinson, Kevin Shimmin

CENTRAL EAST REGIONDirector

Luc LacelleUnion Representatives

Jehan Ahamed, Mona Bailey, Judith Burch, Tim Deelstra, John DiFalco,

Anthony DiMaio, John DiNardo, Paul Jokhu, Rob Nicholas

SOUTH CENTRAL REGIONUnion Representatives

Sylvia GroomServicing Representatives

Angela Mattioli, Brenda Simmons, Mark Stockton, Mario Tardelli

TRAINING & EDUCATION CENTRE (TEC)2200 Argentia Road

Mississauga L5N 2K7 905-821-8329 or 1-800-565-8329

Fax 905-821-7144

� Graphic design by ARTiFACT

CONTENTS

cep Local 571

CENTRAL WEST REGION412 Rennie StreetHamilton L8H 3P5905-545-8354 or 1-800-567-2125Fax: 905-545-8355

DirectorHarry SuttonUnion RepresentativesMatt Davenport, Joe DeMelo, Linval Dixon, Rick Hogue, Fernando Reis, Dan Serbin, Kelly TosatoServicing RepresentativeSam Caetano

EASTERN REGION20 Hamilton Avenue NorthOttawa K1Y 1B6613-725-2154 or 1-800-267-5295Fax 613-725-2328

DirectorDan LacroixUnion RepresentativesSimon Baker, Chris Fuller, Paul Hardwick, Marilyn Lang, Daniel MercierServicing RepresentativeJacques Niquet

SOUTH WEST REGION124 Sydney Street SouthKitchener N2G 3V2519-744-5231 or 1-800-265-6345Fax 519-744-8357

DirectorRay BromleyUnion RepresentativesWendy Absolom, Kevin Dowling, Julie Johnston, Angus Locke, Roy Reed, Rick Wauhkonen

NORTH WEST REGIONRoom 21, Lakehead Labour Centre929 Fort William RoadThunder Bay P7B 3A6 807-346-4227 or 1-800-465-6932Fax 807-346-4055

DirectorShawn HaggertyUnion RepresentativesColby Flank, David Noonan

TRAINING & EDUCATION CENTRE (TEC)Director of EducationVictor CarrozzinoEducation RepresentativesGeorgina Broeckel, Gail Carrozzino,Kelly Provost-Nicholas, Ashleigh Vink, Dave White

WAYNE HANLEY

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Published six times yearly. ISSN no. 1703-3926

CHECKOUT is an official publication of Locals 175 & 633 of the United Food & Commercial Workers.

Web site: www.ufcw175.comE-mail: membership@ufcw175.com

FEBRUARY 2007

Long and tough negotiations now the norm in grocery industryIn this issue of Checkout, you can read about the most

recent contract affecting approximately 10,000 members

working in A&P, Ultra Food & Drug and Dominionstores across Ontario.

It was ratified in December 2006 by more than

85 per cent of members at meetings around the

province, a strong indicator of the excellent work by

the negotiating committee. The committee met with

company negotiators for many days over a period of

several months before they were successful in reaching

this agreement. Members had given the negotiating

committee a strike mandate of 98 per cent at province-

wide membership meetings in October 2006.

Given the many changes in the grocery industry, long and tough negotiations have

become the norm for virtually every contract renewal. Locals 175 & 633 work to maintain

and improve the good wages, benefits and working conditions in their collective

agreements. It took a long 18 months to negotiate the current Loblaws contract. This

recent province-wide A&P agreement, individual Sobeys or IGA contracts, as well as

others, have also been achieved only after hours and hours of hard negotiations over

weeks and months of effort. We are doing everything possible to secure your future.

You can help by shopping only at Unionized stores.

Grocery industry changes mean tougher negotiations

The retail grocery industry in Canada has undergone dramatic change in the last

several decades, and it continues to evolve.

The industry knows it must adapt to retain existing customers and attract new ones.

“Store Conversions” have become common practice, describing the extensive changes

that occur when one store format gives way to another in the quest for more customers.

Conversions and new store openings mean more competition. Retailers react by trying

to cut labour costs. They demand more and seek to pay less. Negotiations in each new

round of bargaining are a constant push and pull between the Union and the employer.

The Union negotiating committee pushes to improve wages, benefits and working condi-

tions. The employer attempts to pull back wherever it can. It is because of these changes

and competitive pressures that negotiations for new contracts become longer and harder.

Canadian retail food historyAbout 50 years ago, grocery chains had started to build large, full-service

supermarkets, enabling them to capture the majority of sales and cutting into the

market previously dominated by independent grocers. Newer grocery chains, such as

IGA, Dominion Stores and Canada Safeway as well as Steinbergs, Miracle Mart, Metro, Valdi and Overwaitea, joined the established chains of A&P and Loblaws.

Young men and women were returning to Canada after World War II. Those who

went to work in retail stores felt they deserved good pay and working conditions after

risking their lives overseas for a better world. Thanks to E CONTINUES ON NEXT PAGE

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the hard work of Unions, with Local 175 leading the way,

substantial improvements were made. Progressively more

workers became Union members, which resulted in good

collective agreements and progressive labour legislation.

By the 1970s, Local 175’s membership was growing rap-

idly. In 1971, Local 175 A&P members ratified their very

first province-wide collective agreement after a 19-day

strike. As well as substantial wage increases and better

working conditions, the Union was also successful in

negotiating pension plans, dental, health & welfare ben-

efits and increased job security. Local 175 also achieved a

37.5 hour workweek for full-time A&P members.

In the last two decades of the 20th century, both new

and established chains continued to purchase and open

new types of store formats, such as The Barn, Fortinos, Food Basics and No Frills. Wal-Mart was beginning

to open supercentres in the U.S.A. and entered the

Canadian market, for the first time, with the purchase

of 122 Woolco stores. The “Beast of Bentonville” as its

detractors refer to the mammoth chain, immediately

and permanently laid off all workers in the nine Woolco

stores that were unionized, while continuing to operate

those stores that were not. The latter part of the century

also saw the establishment of food departments in

other large discount warehouse stores, such as Costco.Other retailers, such as pharmacies, gas stations and

department stores, added grocery and deli departments.

At the same time, workers were being negatively affected

by free trade and globalization. Fortunately, the merger

between the Retail Clerks and The Amalgamated Meatcutters created a new large powerful Union, TheUnited Food & Commercial Workers, which was

able to stand up to big, multinational corporations.

These powerful food conglomerates and retailers were

demanding numerous concessions, including wage

rollbacks and cuts in benefit programs. In 1993-94 alone,

thousands of Locals 175 & 633 members courageously

walked picket lines and stood tough against Zehrs,Miracle Food Mart and Canada Safeway to fight for

good contracts. And again in 2003, after a long and hard

16-month strike and the closure of the three Canada

Safeway stores in Thunder Bay, members voted in

favour of a new contract and returned to their jobs.

The futureIn the first decade of the 21st century, grocery giants

continue to battle for dominance of the Ontario market.

While Woolco stores had just 15 per cent of the Canadian

department store market in 1994, Wal-Mart now controls

more than 50 per cent. Can it repeat this success in the

grocery industry?

Many Canadian chains such as Valdi and KnobHill Farms have closed their stores. Others, such as

Steinbergs, Miracle Mart, Dominion stores and A&Phave changed ownership. The “Big Three” players left in

the Ontario grocery retailing market – Loblaws, Metro-

controlled stores such as A&P and Dominion, along with

Sobeys – are preparing their own “fight back” strategy as

Wal-Mart brings supercentres to Canada. Three Wal-Mart

Supercentres already opened in Ontario in 2006, with

another five to 12 projected to open in 2007. It is probably

not a coincidence that Wal-Mart is targeting Ontario,

with its relatively weak Union organizing laws, for its

initial expansion. One industry analyst predicts Wal-

Mart will establish 105 of these supercentres throughout

Canada by 2010, giving Wal-Mart a $6.2 BILLION share

of the grocery market and increase its already substantial

buying power over suppliers.

By any measure, Wal-Mart is expected to have a

significant impact on the Canadian grocery market.

Among Canadian retailers, Loblaws has been the most

proactive in meeting Wal-Mart head on. It established its

own chain of supercentres, called the Real Canadian Superstores. It leads the way in Canadian retailers who

are prepared to compete with Wal-Mart, using general

merchandise to draw shoppers to its stores. Traditional

Loblaws stores and Zehrs too have grown larger in the

last decade as they added photo shops, dry cleaners, floral

departments, wine outlets and other services, such as

full-service meat, deli, seafood and bakery departments.

Other Canadian grocery retailers are also preparing to

combat the considerable threat that Wal-Mart represents.

No one can be sure what the eventual outcome will be.

But it’s clear that it is now even more important to support

Unionized grocery stores.

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President’s Message

FEBRUARY 2007 �

Mike St. Jean says he was happy that “the new contract is a step up from the company’s original offer and provides a little more money.” As a part-time student he’s especially glad to keep the existing flexible scheduling policy, which enables him to fit

his job around his personal commitments. “I know I can get time off when I need it,” he says. “I am SO glad the company was not successful in making us lock in to a schedule for an entire six-month period.”

A&P members vote OVERWHELMINGLY in favour of new contractOn December 17 and 18, 2006, members working at 78 Local 175-represented A&P, Ultra Food & Drug and Dominion stores across the province participated in ratification meetings. They voted overwhelmingly – by a margin of more than 85 per cent – in favour of the new contract.

Here’s what members had to say about the new contract:Wendy Weaver says she’s satisfied with the new contract given that it’s basically the first with the new owners. She appreciates the tough spot the negotiating committee was in and says the committee deserves a lot of credit for reaching the agreement it did. “The

increases weren’t a lot, but it’s way better than losing pay and benefits,” she says. “Once the company sees it’s mak-ing money, I would look for better improvements in the next contract, in three years – not the six the company wanted!”

Members from A&P meetings across the province reviewed the proposed contract . . .

. . . asked questions, and then voted to accept or reject the memorandum of settlement.W

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Linda Stewart is a “single mortgage payer” who says she’s very glad not to have had to go out on strike to main-tain their good wages, benefits and working conditions. “A raise is always nice,” she says. “But for me, it wasn’t about the money. The job security and options for buy outs and buy downs are important for me.”

Brad Willmore says he thinks the new contract is pretty fair, given the current environment in the industry. He likes having yearly raises and a full-time job guarantee. “Of course, it would be nice to see the wages go up more,” he says. “We REALLY need to organize Wal-Mart.”

Marlene Neely says she’s very happy to keep the 9-hour days. “I have a husband who’s not well,” she says. “The extra days off allow me time to take him to the doctor, and still have a day off for myself.” Overall she says she is pleased not to have to go on strike to keep the benefits or to get an increase in pay.

Sherry Casagrande, who has served on negotiating commit-tees in the past, says she very much appreciates all the work the committee did. “It’s absolutely important to hang on to what we have,” she says. “The $13.3-million contribution for protection of the pension is significant – it’s our future!”

Tim Paterson feels the contract is good, “especially given where we were when we started,” he says. He’s very enthusiastic about being able to retain the four-day workweek. “Keeping all the benefits was important,” he says. “There are a lot of

things we worked for over the years and I’m glad we didn’t have to give them up. When you’ve worked for a non-union employer, as I have, you appreciate how important it is to have these benefits paid for by the company.”

Julie MacCrae says she thinks the final con-tract was pretty good from her standpoint. As a single parent of a six-year-old, she’s very glad to have the job guarantee for the life of the new contract. The first offer was just “crazy” she says. “I think the commit-

tee definitely did the best they could for everyone within the structure of Metro, given that it just purchased these stores. You can’t always get everything you want.”

Mary Hurley says: “As a young part-timer who has another full-time job, I was really happy to see the company drop its demand for us to lock in our scheduling availability six months in advance. I’m happy with the quarter increase per year too – I think it’s on a par with others in the indus-try. It was obviously a difficult set of negotiations and I think the committee did a great job.”

Larry Feudo describes the new contract as “not too bad.” He says keeping the four nine-hour work days was very important and commends the negotiating committee for the good job they did. He likes knowing that he and his dependants will continue

to receive benefit coverage, if he elects early retirement after age 55.

After the discussion, members lined up to receive their ballots . . .

. . . and then cast their votes, either “in favour” or “not in favour.”

WORKPLACE NEW

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Approximately 10,000 workers at the 78 Ontario A&P, Ultra Food & Drug, and Dominion stores represented by UFCW Locals 175 & 633 have a new three-year collective agreement.

“The contract is the culmination of months of diffi cult meetings and hard bargaining between the 24-member Union negotiating committee and the employer,” says President Wayne Hanley. “Members, for the most part, were appreciative of the hard work done by their committee and the good results that they ultimately achieved. The members ratifi ed the new agreement by more than 85 per cent in voting conducted at 68 meetings throughout the province on December 17 and 18.”

The new agreement contains signifi cant gains, building on benefi ts that members have negotiated in past contracts. The employer will improve the vision care plan and make substantial additional contributions to the employee’s dental, pension and Health & Welfare plans. The latter, which is fully-funded by the company, provides eligible employees with Group Life, Major Medical, Weekly Indemnity, Long Term Disability and Prescription Drug coverage. Those full-time workers who elect early retirement after age 55 will continue to receive vision, medical, and drug benefi ts for themselves and their dependents to age 65. Full-time workers are provided with a job guarantee for the life of the collective agreement. The company also committed

to maintaining its innovative four-day, 36-hour workweek for full-time workers who elect this option.

The new contract gives each bargaining unit member an immediate minimum 25-cent-per-hour increase, retroactive to the expiry date of the previous contract. Workers receive an additional 50 cents per hour over the life of the contract. For more information visit: www.ufcw175.com.

Since early December, after the members gave their negotiating committee a strike mandate, the two parties met continuously with a provincially-appointed conciliation offi cer. They reached the fi nal memorandum of settlement very early in the morning of December 16.

The Locals 175 & 633 members on the A&P Negotiating Committee were, from front left, seated: Pam Burnet, Store # 102, Dundas; Al Lindo, Store # 401, Downsview; Marylou Mallett, Local 633 Secretary-Treasurer, Store # 196, Georgetown; Pat Cepin, Store # 63,Toronto; Anne Quigley, Store # 479, Orillia; Pat Newell, Store # 143, Port Hope. Back row: Brian Kozlowski, Store # 424, Thunder Bay; Rick Alagierski, Store # 73, Mississauga; Cindy Garr, Store # 102, Dundas; Dale Stuart, Store # 204, Peterborough; Al Miller, Store # 118, London; Jim Hastings, Executive Assistant to the Local 175 President; Jerry Clifford, Secretary-Treasurer, Local 175; Sylvia Groom,Union Rep; Rob Mayer, Store # 767, Aurora; Colleen Cox, Store # 106, Whitby; Geraldine Dickson, Store # 159, Gananoque; Ray LaForge,Store # 456, Oshawa; Tim Kelly, Store # 118, London; Dan Bondy, Local 633 President, Store # 141, Windsor; May Chalmers, Store # 197, St. Catharines; and Carolyn Martin, Store # 198, Leamington. Absent from photo: Tony Morello, Store # 178, Collingwood; and Renzo Nobile, Store # 106, Whitby.

A&P workers achieve good new agreement with job guarantees for full-time workers

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

Mary McLeod, who is the longest-serving member from Northstar Centre Inn, gives a big “thumbs up” to their new collective agreement.

Hospitality workers in Hornepayne approve new dealOn October 11, 2006, the approximately 30 members at the Northstar Centre Inn in Hornepayne secured a new agreement that includes:

• Wage increases of 30 cents per hour to the top rate in each year.

• In the fi nal year, workers with 10 years of service receive an additional increase of 50 cents per hour.

• Workers beginning their fi fth and fi fteenth year of continuous service prior to October 7, 2000 receive an additional payment of 20 cents per hour.

• Shift differentials increase to $1 per hour in the fi rst year. • Front desk lead hand base rate increases by 50 cents per hour in year one.• Lead hands receive an additional 50 cents per hour over and above their wage rate. This

amount increases to 75 cents per hour in year two and $1 per hour in the third year.• The company will establish a Health & Welfare bank to which it will credit each worker

with $100 in each year of the agreement to total $400 per worker. Accumulated money can be used toward health related expenses.

• Bereavement leave entitlement improves.

Union Negotiating Committee: Amanda Malloy, Beth Malloy, Roger Parker, Union Rep Colby Flank and Secretary-Treasurer Shawn Haggerty.

Rowanwood retirement care workers support improved contractThe approximately 30-member bargaining unit at Rowanwood Retirement Lodge in Utterson, about halfway between Bracebridge and Huntsville, secured a new two-year agreement. The contract, ratifi ed at a meeting held November 9, 2006, brings the following improvements:

• Wages increase for all rates and classifi cations by 2.5 per cent retroactive to August 1, 2006. Subsequent increases are ½ per cent on January 1, 2007, 2.5 per cent August 1, 2007, ½ per cent January 1, 2008, and another 3 per cent on August 1, 2008.

• Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs) receive an additional annual wage adjustment totalling $3.75 per hour.

• Unregulated Care Provider (UCP) classifi cation receives an additional $3 per hour wage adjustment.

• Shift premiums for work completed between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. increase to 45 cents per hour.

• All hours worked between 3 p.m. and 11 p.m. receive an hourly shift premium that increases to 30 cents per hour.

• Company contributions to the Canadian Commercial Workers Industry Pension Plan (CCWIPP) increase to 25 cents per hour retroactive to August 1, 2006, 28 cents in the second year and 31 cents in the third year.

• The company will now pay 65 per cent of the dental plan premiums for workers who have completed their probationary period.

• Various language improvements include seniority and scheduling.

Union Negotiating Committee: ChristinaHamilton, Shirley Kennedy and Union Reps Tim Deelstra and Rob Nicholas.

JH McNairn strike resolved: Members ratify new contractFollowing a seven-day strike, the 128 members at JH McNairn in Whitby ratifi ed a new contract at a meeting held Sunday, November 5, 2006. The new four-year contract includes:

• Wage improvements ranging between 2.7 per cent and 3.8 per cent as well as the correction of wage inequities and increased shift premiums.

• Workers receive an improved safety boot allowance and maintenance members receive an increased tool allowance.

• Contributions to the dental plan increase as do employer contributions to the RRSP.

• The Short-Term Disability waiting period is reduced to seven days from 14 and bereavement leave entitlement improves.

• New language prevents non-bargaining unit workers from performing bargaining unit work.

• Other new language covers ‘no discrimination’ policy, grievance procedure, rights and duties of stewards, additional stewards and backups, additional negotiating committee members, job posting, and health and safety.

• Improvements include plant holiday language and expanded vacation canvassing and allocation language.

The workers began their strike on October 29, 2006 after voting 86 percent in favour of rejecting what the company termed to be its fi nal offer. These members manufacture paper and packaging products used by Tim Hortons, Burger King, Mr. Sub, Taco Bell, Subway and Quiznos as well as by various bakeries and supermarkets.

Union Negotiating Committee: Colin Cathcart, Darren Miller, Doug Wilson and Union Rep Anthony DiMaio.

NEGOTIATIONS

FEBRUARY 2007

Members at GS Dunn in Hamilton, who produce dry mustard products, will receive:

• A wage increase of 70 cents per hour retroactive to October 3, 2006.

• A subsequent increase of 35 cents per hour in the second year and 40 cents in the third year.

• Vision care coverage now includes dependants and improves to $200 per 24-month period.

Members at GS Dunn approved a new contract on November 12, 2006.

GS Dunn workers ratify three-year contract Valhalla Inn hotel workers ratifyThunder Bay Valhalla Inn workers approved a new three-year contract term on November 4, 2006. The 125-member bargaining unit secures:

• A wage increase of 2.5 per cent in each year with the fi rst raise retroactive to June 17, 2006.

• Company contributions to CCWIPP increase by a total of 11 cents per hour.

• Workers receive vision care coverage of $125 per 24-month period.

• Part-time workers are now eligible for bereavement leave.

• Improved language concerning health & welfare, the grievance procedure and trial periods for job filling.

Union Negotiating Committee: Louise Perrier, Joe Sgambelluri, Lucille Woppner and Union Rep David Noonan.

Jadee Meats members secure improved contractOn November 18, 2006, workers at the Jadee Meats pork processing facility in Beamsville voted in favour of a new three-year agreement. The 30-member bargaining unit secures the following:

• Schedule ‘A’ wages increase for all classifi cations by 40 cents per hour retroactive to October 9, 2006.

• Subsequent increases for Schedule ‘A’ workers include 40 cents per hour in both the second and third year.

• Schedule ‘B’ workers receive an initial increase of 55 cents per hour retroactive to October 9, 2006, with subsequent increases of 55 cents per hour in each of the following two years.

• Improved language addresses union representative visits, health and safety in the workplace and the establishment of a joint health & safety committee, its role and responsibilities.

• Company contributions to CCWIPP increase to total 75 cents per hour.

• Vision care coverage increases to $200 per 24-month period and the safety boot allowance increases to $120 per year.

Union Negotiating Committee: Ken Boyer, Diane Brown and Union Rep Kelly Tosato.

• New language outlines policy for maintaining a safe and healthy workplace including the role and responsibilities of the joint health & safety committee.

Union Negotiating Committee: Jason Beauchamp, Oscar Simoes and Union Rep Kelly Tosato. New contract for workers

at North American LumberOn November 2, 2006, members working at the Fort Frances branch ratifi ed a new three-year collective agreement, which includes:

• Wage increases for Truck Drivers ‘A’ & ‘B’ of 8 per cent in the fi rst year, and 1 per cent in both the second and third year.

• All other classifi cations receive a 2 per cent wage increase in year one, 1.5 per cent in year two and 1 per cent in the fi nal year.

• Vision care coverage is $150 per worker, per 24-month period.

• Company contributions to the UFCW Trusteed Dental Plan increase by one cent per hour in each year.

• Employer contributions to CCWIPP increase by 3 cents per hour in each year.

• Safety boot allowance is $75.• Improved bereavement leave entitlement.

Union Negotiating Committee: Dale Gill, Rick Peters and Union Rep David Noonan.

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

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Settlement provides Friendly Manor health care workers with improvementsFollowing a recent Hospital Labour Disputes Arbitration Act (HLDAA) decision, members at the Friendly Manor Nursing Home in Deseronto, east of Belleville, will receive improved compensation and contract language. The three-year agreement includes:

• Wage increases totalling 7 ¼ per cent for all rates and classifi cations with the initial raise retroactive to January 1, 2005.

• Contributions to the dental and pension plan increase by 2 cents per hour each.

• Workers are now entitled to six weeks of vacation at 12 per cent pay after 25 years of service.

• Improved language covers bereavement leave and part-time hours worked.

• New language establishes policy on ‘No Harassment and No Violence/Abuse,’ as well as long shift call-ins for those already working a short shift.

Union Negotiating Committee: Lucy Bedore, Cathy Prevost and Union Rep Marilyn Lang.

Winner of Day of Mourning art contest announcedPresident Wayne Hanley has announced the winner of the Day of Mourning art contest. He said: “After assessing each piece and taking into consideration the criteria, the committee chose a piece created by Jeff Stockton.

Jeff is an injured worker who has suffered through the pain of injury and the impact of that injury, not only financially but on his family and well-being too. His artwork depicts the results of workplace injury, the role of the government and the helping hands of the Union. The finished artwork will be unveiled for the Day of Mourning on April 28, 2007.

I appreciate the time and effort that went into creating each submission. The committee and I were happy to see the talent and promise in each artist’s work. On behalf of the staff at Locals 175 & 633, I want to thank all the artists who submitted pieces for our Day of Mourning art contest. Each of the submissions we received were superb.”

Members at Horizon Plastics ratifyOn October 30, 2006, members at Horizon Plastics in Cobourg ratifi ed a new agreement. Over the course of the agreement, the 280-member bargaining unit gains:

• Wage increases of 3 per cent in each year, plus a special adjustment of $1 per hour for maintenance workers.

• Allowances increase to $160 for safety boots and $350 for tools.

• The company doubles its annual contribution to the Training & Education Fund to $1,200.

• Improved vacation entitlement, bereavement leave and health & safety language as well as better notice of plant shutdowns, a training registry and temporary full-time positions will now be posted after 45 days.

Union Negotiating Committee: Thomas Bell, Donald Carmen, Jamie Hickman, Mike Hie and Union Rep Chris Fuller.

Port Colborne Poultry workers achieve three-year dealOn November 18, 2006, the 120-member bargaining unit at Port Colborne Poultry approved a new agreement. The contract includes:

• Wage increases of 40 cents per hour retroactive to September 17, 2006.

• Subsequent hourly increases of 40 cents in both the second and third year.

• Massage therapy coverage increases to $400 per year effective January 1, 2007.

• Improved tool allowances provide Cer-tifi ed Mechanics with $350 per year and both Preventative Maintenance and Maintenance Helper classifi cations with $150 per year each.

• New language covers job filling by seniority, separate shifts and policy for an additional worker to be trained as an alternate certified Health & Safety representative.

Union Negotiating Committee: Debbie Fisher, Debbie TenDen, Shelly Virag and Union Rep Kelly Tosato.

For all the most recent UFCW news, visit www.ufcw175.com.

NEGOTIATIONS

FEBRUARY 2007

JERRY CLIFFORD

Former Secretary-Treasurer’s MessageIt was with more than a little sadness

that I prepared my final column, just

prior to my retirement late last year.

After 40 plus years as a UFCW member

– the first 25 as a worker at A&P and

the last 17 as a staff member and officer

– it will seem strange to be no longer

formally affiliated with UFCW Locals

175 & 633. I will certainly miss going to

work everyday, although not my regular

drive down Highway 400 from my home

near Orillia.

Over these many years, I can honestly say that I’ve enjoyed any task

that came my way. When I worked at A&P it was always my pleasure

to assist my co-workers and later to serve the membership as a

member of the Union staff. I would certainly like to thank everyone

for all their support over the years, especially the officers and staff of

the Local Unions. This is the finest organization with which anyone

could ever ask to be associated. And given the leadership of the

Locals, I see nothing but a continued bright future.

On a personal note, I am very much looking forward to spending

more time with my wife Linda and enjoying the family. I have

four grandchildren ranging between three and 13 years of age. I

will be working hard to improve my golf game, and those of my

grandchildren. But of course I will always be available if the Local

Unions need me . . . just not quite so often as in the past!

Secretary-Treasurer Clifford RetiresOn November 14, 2006, President Wayne Hanley released a statement to all staff saying: “It is with complete sadness and mixed emotions that I advise you that Secretary-Treasurer Jerry Clifford has announced his retirement. Jerry has been not only a co-worker and friend but also my “right hand” on whom I have relied for the past 17 years, and more. You could always count on not just a smile but also a good laugh when seeing and speaking with Jerry. We will certainly feel the lack of his wit and charm around the office. I personally will miss the strength, dedication, devo-tion and support, which he provided me on a continuous basis, without question and without hesitation.”

Prior to coming on staff, Jerry spent 25 years as a meat cutter, and later meat manager, with A&P stores in Orillia, Midland and Barrie. During that time he was an elected steward, executive board vice-president and also partici-pated in five sets of province-wide A&P negotiations.

He joined the staff of Local 175 as a Union Representative in 1989, later becoming Central East Regional Director and then Secretary-Treasurer. President Hanley and all the staff wish Jerry and his wife Linda a long, happy and well-deserved retirement.

If you are a health care sector steward who would like to attend, please advise your Union Representative.

April 30 and May 1, 2007Locals 175 & 633Training & Education Centre2200 Argentia Road, Mississauga ON L5N 2K7

5TH ANNUAL

Health Care Steward Conference

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PEOPLE

Marcia Barry joins Benefits staffOn November 13, 2006, MarciaBarry began working for the Locals 175 & 633 Benefits Department.She will assist members with Work-place Safety Insurance Board (WSIB), Canada Pension Plan (CPP) Disability, and Employment Insur-ance (EI) claims appeals, as well as other matters.

STAFF CHANGESShawn Haggerty elected Secretary-Treasurer

Local 175 CAN helps out again

Thanks to the support of the UFCW Local 175 Community Action Network, the Working Women Community Centre was able to provide pre-apprenticeship training for new immigrants seeking a career as a Baker/Patissier. The graduation ceremony, on December 1, 2006, celebrated the achievements of the graduates, some of whom have already secured positions at local bakeries.

Mark Stockton becomes Servicing RepEffective January 2, 2007, Mark Stockton has joined Local 175 as a Servicing Rep in the South Central Region. He is a member, from Food Basics #927 in Ajax, who has assist-ed the region as a Special Union Project Representative (SPUR) for the past several months.

After the retirement of Secretary-Treasurer Jerry Clifford, the Local 175 Executive Board unanimously elected Executive Assistant Shawn Haggerty to the position.

Shawn joined Local 175 in 2000 after a merger with UFCW 617P. He has more than a dozen years of experience in assisting members and negotiating good contracts. He became a member of UFCW Local 416P while working in the maintenance department of Robin Hood Multi-Foods in Port Colborne. He was later elected president of his Local,

and after a merger became Secretary-Treasurer of UFCW Local 617P. Robin Hood is now Horizon Milling.

In his seven years on staff with Local 175 he has served as a Union Rep in the Central West region, the North West Regional Director, and for the last two years, also Executive Assistant to President Wayne Hanley. “Shawn is an extreme-ly capable and caring individual who is dedicated to serving the members,” says President Hanley. “He pitches in and provides assistance whenever and wherever it’s needed.”

In addition to his many day-to-day responsibilities, Shawn has also spear-headed major projects for the Local Union, which have included overseeing the design and construction of the new offices and training centre in Mississauga and managing the internal records and information systems.

Locals 175 & 633 raise $265,000 at 2006 Light the Night Events

Locals 175 & 633 were the official “Local Presenting Sponsor” for both the September 9 walk in Peterborough and the October 5 event in Toronto.

Many members participat-ed in the two walks, which together raised pledged dona-tions of more than $265,000. Approximately 150 people took part in the Peterborough walk at Del Crary Park. The Toronto walk attracted more than 900 participants. It started north of the Queen’s Park legislative buildings, continued down University Avenue and then detoured east to Elizabeth Street to travel past the east side of Sick Kids Hospital.

Event organizers urged walk participants to look up to salute the many children who watched from the hallway on the top floor. The young patients waved small lights to thank and encourage the walkers below, and they in turn waved back. “It was a poignant and memorable moment, watching the children and walkers signal-ling to each other,” says Local 175 Secretary-Treasurer Jerry Clifford.

Check the Locals 175 & 633 Web site for 2007 leukemia fundraising events.

Light the Night is the LLSC’s

nationwide evening walk to

celebrate and commemorate

people whose lives have been

touched by cancer

FUND

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Nearly 500 stewards from the Eastern and Central West Regions participated in the annual seminars in 2006

More than 200 stewards partici-pated in the Eastern Region semi-nar, in Kingston on November 4-5. Another 230 attended the Central West Region seminar in Niagara Falls from November 25-26. At both semi-nars the leadership spoke to the del-egates about the value and strength inherent in the diversity within our Union and the greater community. “I am proud of the work done by the Local 175 Community Action Network,” said President Wayne

Strength through diversity is the theme for this year’s stewards’ seminars

Hanley. “Disharmony within and among unions cannot and will not make us stronger. We cannot ask oth-ers to join us in solidarity if we have yet to fully recognize the potential strength that comes from having the diverse membership that we do.”

Laura Morton, who works at A&P inGeorgetown, presented a summary of the Youth Committee’s activities and goals at the Eastern Region seminar. She asked for the continued support of the members in involving youth in

their workplace. Nathan Monson ofFood Basics in Brampton spoke on behalf of the Youth Committee at the Central West seminar.

At both seminars, stewards and staff worked hard to raise in excess of $42,000 for leukemia research. Their fundraising efforts were augmented by donations of $6,000 from mem-bers at Maple Leaf Pork in Burlingtonand $2,400 from Maple Lodge Farmsin Brampton.

CONFERENCES

FEBRUARY 2007 ��

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J Dear Editor:

This past year I experienced some kind of knee problems resulting in surgery. While helpful, it did not totally clear up the problems and then the other knee began to cause problems as well. On the advice of my family doctor and an orthope-dic surgeon I went on modified work.

That’s when I found out how difficult it is to deal with the insurance company and my employer’s benefit department. Fortunately, thanks to the expert advice and assistance of our Union Rep Roy Reed, I was reim-bursed for a good portion of the lost wages, which I had been denied.

I sometimes hear people question the dues paid and benefits of being in the Union. This is just one example of the benefits of Union membership.

Yours truly,Bill Bowes, A&P #179 in Owen Sound

J Dear Mr. Mercier:

On behalf of the members of Belfast Fruit Inc. we would like to take this opportunity to say thank you for the work and support you gave us during the recent bargaining sessions. All the employees are grateful for the results we received as mem-bers of Local 175. We are happy to have this new contract in place. It was because of your hard work and determination, plus the assistance you gave us, that we were suc-cessful. We say thank you once again, and hope to work with you in the future.

In solidarity,

Julio Jiron, Union Steward, Belfast Fruit in Ottawa

J Dear Mr. Wayne E. Hanley & UFCW Locals 175 & 633

I would like to take this opportunity and formally thank you for selecting me as the recipient of the Mckay/Thompson/Hoebink/Gibson Scholarship. It enabled me to pay for my tuition, fees and books.

Currently I am attending the University of Windsor and I am majoring in General Science. And it is because of your gracious consideration and award that I am able to attend classes as a full-time student. Thus once again, I thank you very much as a stu-dent and also as a fellow Union member.

Sincerely,

Pawel Borkulak & Family, A&P #341 in Windsor

J Dear Locals 175 & 633 UFCW Canada

I would like to take this time to thank you for allowing me to receive the Mckay/Thompson/Hoebink/Gibson scholarship money. Getting into university itself can be a difficult task but we all have to pay for it. The cost of tuition, residence and books is extremely expensive. Any sum of money helps in big ways. I am pleased to be accepting this scholarship. It takes hard work from both ends for this reward and I greatly appreciate your generosity. There should be more founda-tions and unions like yours, which help stu-dents as they enter post-secondary studies.

Once again, I want you to know how greatly appreciative I am of this award and your Union.

Sincerely,

Matt Storm, Son of Debbie Storm, IGA in Fort Erie

J Dear Mr. Hanley,

I would like to provide my thanks for being a recipient of the Mckay/Thompson/Hoebink/Gibson scholarship. It has helped cut the costs of my tuition by a tremendous amount and for that I am very grateful.

My mother is an A&P cashier and she would also like to provide her thanks.

Sincerely,

Mary EdgarDaughter of Lilie Ying, A&P #173 in Parry Sound

J Dear Shawn Haggerty:

I would like to take this oppor-tunity to thank UFCW Union Local 175 for the scholarship award. It will undoubtedly be put towards good use in the very near future. I accept this investment in my edu-cation with great appreciation. It will assist in my drive to achieve my dreams.

Sincerely,

Crystal Esau,Daughter of Normande Esau, Aeroguard Eastern in Thunder Bay

J To Whom It May Concern:

I received a letter in the mail stating that I am a recipient of the Mckay/Thompson/Hoebink/Gibson scholarship. I wish to thank you very much for awarding me this much needed scholarship. I am deeply thankful as it will definitely help to pay for school.

Sincerely,

Jeannette Alblas,Formerly of Cangro/Kraft in Exeter

LETTERS

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2006 ScholarshipsOnce again last year, Locals 175 & 633 awarded 56 scholarships to members

and their children who are pursuing post-secondary education. They are called

the Mckay, Thompson, Hoebink and Gibson Scholarships and are valued at

$1,000 each. Everyone has an equal opportunity to be chosen because the

winners are selected by random draw. Applications are available from your Union

representative, regional office or on the Web site. The deadline to apply for this

year’s scholarships is August 1, 2007.

More than $362,000 has been awarded in the eight years that President Hanley

has been the president of Local 175.

SCHO

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The names of the 2006 scholarship winners follow.

Central West Region Central East Region

Jason Birch, whose mother Trudy Birch works at PharmaPlus #0034in North Bay, with Union Rep Mona Bailey.

Cynthia Cye-Nga Chan who works at PharmaPlus #919 in Agincourtwith Union Rep Mona Bailey.

Ariell Choy whose father DennisChoy works at Ready Bake Foods Inc. in Mississauga.

Grace Chua whose father Chin-Seng Chua works at Cargill Food in Rexdale.

Ashley DaCosta who works at A&P#193 in Huntsville.

Mary Edgar whose mother LilieYing works at A&P #173 in ParrySound.

Lao Kiet Lam who works at GalcoFood Products in Brampton with Union Rep Mona Bailey.

Victor Mwila who works at DollarThrifty #75500 in Mississauga.

Blair Robitaille who works at Zellers #211 in Barrie.

Rafael Sherratt whose father Thomas Sherratt works at Remembrance Services in Toronto.

Quinn de Vries whose mother Lind de Vries works at Laidlaw in Welland.

Victor Espinoza whose mother Susana Espinoza works at Hallmark Housekeeping in Toronto.

Poly Hughes who works at Pharma Plus #2100 in Mississauga, with Servicing Rep Sam Caetano.

Lina Wei Ip whose father WayneIp works at Quality Meat Packers in Toronto.

Daniel Leveille, whose mother Lynn Climenhaga works at Pharma Plus #1651 in Fort Erie, with former Secretary-Treasurer, Jerry Clifford.

Trevor Lutes whose mother Lynn Ann Lutes works at Western Waffl es in Brantford.

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SCHOLARSHIPS

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Central West Region

Renee Cote who works at BestWestern Hotel in Dryden.

Crystal Marie Esau whose father Normande Esau works at AeroguardEastern Ltd. in Thunder Bay.

Julie Denise Guertin who works at Landriault’s YIG in Kapuskasing.

Kirkland Petrin who works at CanadaSafeway #674 in Fort Frances.

Shannen Pudas whose mother CindyPudas works at Renco Foods in Thunder Bay.

Michael Tenhave whose mother Judy McGuire works at A&P #422 in Thunder Bay.

North West Region

Central West Regional Director, Harry Sutton with Jenna Pettit and mother Janice Pettit who works at PharmaPlus #1560 in Stoney Creek.

Central West Regional Director, Harry Sutton with Crystal Quist andfather Wisdom Quist who works at Pepsi in Hamilton.

Central West Regional Director, Harry Sutton with Joseph Saliba,whose mother Georgette Saliba works at Price Choppers #7837 in Burlington.

Matthew Storm, whose mother Debbie Storm works at IGA in Fort Erie, with Union Rep Sam Caetano.

Eastern Region

Kyle Buchanan, whose father Tom Buchanan works at A&P #404 in Belleville, with former Secretary-Treasurer, Jerry Clifford.

Stephen Burgin who works at Food Basics #892 in Lindsay.

Joshua Clayton who works at A&P#143 in Port Hope, with former Secretary-Treasurer, Jerry Clifford.

Erin Mosier, whose mother DonnaMosier works at RosebridgeManor in Jasper, with former Secretary-Treasurer, Jerry Clifford.

Maureen Vanessa Reyes Corea, whose father Jose Nelson Reyes Corea works at Westin Hotel in Ottawa, with Union Rep Simon Baker.

Ellen Rodgerson who works at A&P #152 in Kingston with Union Rep Paul Hardwick.

Cindy Tanguay who works at Trenton Military Family Resource Centre.

Leigha Tregunna, whose father Paul Tregunna works at A&P #159in Gananoque, with Union Steward Geraldine Dickson.

Jannette Nicole White, whose father Lewis Craig White works at Minute Maid in Peterborough,with former Secretary-Treasurer, Jerry Clifford.

Sandra Zeigler whose mother Joan Valdstyn works at Jonnson’s YIG in Kemptville.

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South Central Region

Scholarship winners and staff who attended the North West Region Region conference included from left:Michael Tenhave, Union Rep David Noonan, Crystal Marie Esau, North West Region Director and Secretary-Treasurer, Shawn Haggerty, Shannen Pudas, Renee Cote and Union Rep Colby Flank.

South West RegionJeannette Alblas who works at Cangro/Kraft in Exeter.

Yussra Atta with father FarragAtta who works at Sun Valley Foods in London.

Pawel Borkulak who works at A&P#341 in Windsor.

Cassie Matheson who works at Zehrs #506 in Sarnia with Union Rep Kevin Dowling.

Imaan Mohamoud who works at Zellers #339 in Windsor.

Cangun Kanmaz, whose father Haves Kanmaz works at A&P #109 in Oshawa, with Servicing Rep Mark Stockton.

Steven Kirwan, who works at FoodBasics #871 in Mississauga, withServicing Rep Mario Tardelli.

Amanda Otte whose mother Cathy Otte works at A&P #137 in St.Thomas.

Michelle Palmer whose father Fred Palmer works at FoodBasics #633 in Cambridge.

Scott Wharram whose father KentWharram works at A&P #124 in Tillsonburg.

Huang Xiaotong who works at A&P #62 in Toronto, with Union Steward Brad Willmore and Union Rep Angela Mattioli.

Anthony Purr who works at R.C.S.S. #566 in Leamington.

Korie Sheffer, whose mother Tracey Sheffer works at A&P #240 in Sarnia,with Union Rep Kevin Dowling.

Maciej Szydlowski, whose father Marian Szydlowski works at Cuddy Foods in London, withUnion Rep Kevin Dowling.

Matthew Thomas who works at Zehrs #573 in St. Clair Beach.

Bo Xu whose father Dianshen Xu works at Better Beef in Guelph.

Adam Capoferri who works at Food Basics #906 in Hamilton.

Alan Firmani whose mother KellyFirmani works at Food Basics #616 in Grimsby.

Thomas Gallagher who works at Fortino’s #56 in Burlington.

Maxwell Infanti who works at Fortino’s #40 in Stoney Creek.

Return postage will be paid by:

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

Canada Post Corporation Publication Agreement No. 40064671

On November 16, 2006, UFCW Canada Local 175 members, along with those from other unions, trav-elled to the Ontario legislature at Queen’s Park for the second reading of Bill 30. This proposed legisla-tion, known as “An Act to reduce the incidence of needlestick injuries” is a private members bill introduced by NDP Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) Shelley Martel. If passed, it would make the use of safety needles mandatory in all workplaces where workers are exposed to blood-borne pathogens. There are currently at least 33 known blood-borne patho-gens, such as HIV, that can be con-tracted from a used syringe. These pathogens can contribute to the onset of life-threatening diseases, such as AIDS, as well as Hepatitis B and C.

This Bill, if passed into law, would prevent 33,000 injuries per year and save Ontario taxpayers, liter-ally, millions of dollars. Ontario cur-rently spends some $66 million every year on workers who have suffered needlestick injuries. This doesn’t include WSIB costs associated with lost-time claims or the emotional cost of months of testing that workers and their families must endure.

Ms. Martel said: “Needles pose a danger to everyone who comes into contact with the instruments until they are safely destroyed or bur-ied. That includes all hospital staff,

Local 175 is fighting for safer workplaces

UFCW Local 175 members sat in the visitor’s galley to hear discussion on Bill 30.

NDP leader Howard Hampton listens as MPP Shelly Martel (Nickel Belt) urges a swift passage of Bill 30.NDP MPP Cheri DiNovo (Parkdale-High

Park) said children in playgrounds are affected by the lack of legislation. She said they should not have to endure blood tests, anti-viral medication and a long-six-month wait to find out if they’ve been infected from the poke of a dirty syringe.

refuse collection personnel and even members of the public. She said 20 months have passed, with no action by the government, despite the Toronto Star report that said: “This one is a no-brainer: Replace conven-tional needles with safe versions, the sooner the better.”

The Bill successfully passed the sec-ond reading and will now go to a com-mittee of the legislature to determine

if a new law will be enacted.

Read more about this important issue, including the complete Hansard report of the discussion in the legislature, at: www.safern-eedles.ca

Be sure to revisit the Locals 175 & 633 Web site – www.ufcw175.com for the latest information and updates on current health care issues.

If you have issues or concerns regarding your safety in the work-place, speak to your Union Rep or the Local 175 Health & Safe Representative, Janice Klenot.