Checkout October 2006

P ��

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

Working families celebrate Labour Day

VOLUME XVNO. 5

OCTOBER2006

P �

45795 Oct Checkout.indd 145795 Oct Checkout.indd 1 9/27/06 7:53:27 AM9/27/06 7:53:27 AM

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

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

PEOPLELocal 175 member saves drowning children. . . . . �

Canada Day winners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . �

UNION NEWSLocals 175 & 633 win communications awards. . . . . . . . . . . . . . �

Click to win. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . �

GRIEVANCE & ARBITRATION NEWSEmployer must respect member’s right to choose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Member gets job back. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Arbitrator denies Coke ability to force overtime on drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Arbitrator reduces gum-chewing discipline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

LABOUR DAYWorking families celebrate Labour Day . . . . . . . . �

FUNDRAISINGSummer events raise even more money for leukemia research . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ��

Mississauga Ride for a Cure raises $10,088 for LLSC . . . . . . �

WORKPLACE NEWSMembers at Goderich Elevator help feed global appetites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ��

NEGOTIATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ��

HEALTH & SAFETYWhat You Don’t Know Can Hurt You . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . �

COMMUNITYUFCW Local 175 CAN sponsors Sri Lankan Cricket Festival . . . . . . . . . . . . . �

Local 175 assists immigrant women . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

CAN reaches out to Asian community . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

LOCAL 175President

Wayne HanleySecretary-Treasurer

Jerry CliffordRecorder

Betty PardyExecutive Assistants

Shawn Haggerty, 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 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, Tim Deelstra, John DiFalco,

Anthony DiMaio, John DiNardo, Paul Jokhu, Rob Nicholas

SOUTH CENTRAL REGIONUnion Representatives

Judith Burch, Sylvia GroomServicing Representatives

Angela Mattioli, Brenda Simmons, 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

AndyBrooks.ca


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

Pres

iden

t’s M

essa

ge

�

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: [email protected]

OCTOBER 2006

Canada and the labour movement: why we need the contributions of immigrantsCanada is a nation of immigrants.

At confederation, in 1867, it had a population of

approximately 3.5 million. Today, it has grown almost

10 times, to reach more than 32 million. With the

exception of First Nations peoples, everyone living

in Canada today is either an immigrant, or the

descendant of immigrants.

Throughout Canada’s history, our country’s strength

and prosperity have been linked to immigration.

The earliest immigrants, who arrived prior to

confederation, struggled to clear the land, establish

law and order and set up commercial enterprises and

transportation networks. In the 19th century and

earlier, the cost of immigrating was high. Large numbers of people perished during

the dangerous crossing of the North Atlantic by ship, while others fell prey to the

harsh living conditions of the new world.

Our country’s strength and prosperity is inextricably linked to diversity and to

immigration. It has always taken courage, hard work and determination to prosper.

In every decade of Canadian history, immigrants have faced – and overcome – new

challenges and have helped build a strong and prosperous nation. Some achieved

fi nancial security through business ownership. For others, it was solidarity with co-

workers and good union jobs that enabled them to achieve an excellent standard of

living for themselves and their families.

Maintaining this standard of living for working families today requires us to remain

united. Our Local Union membership mirrors the Canadian workplace, with great

diversity of ethnicity, religions, languages, priorities, skills, types of jobs and locations.

And there are also many shared interests. We have new members, youth, older members,

women, men, members of the same cultural groups, people who speak the same

languages, share the same beliefs and many others who share similar obstacles they must

overcome. In addition, many new immigrants may be new to the trade-union culture.

It is our job to provide information to these new citizens and to inform them of the

benefi ts of belonging to a unionized workplace. We need to let them know that they

have basic worker rights guaranteed under the Ontario Employment Standards Act.

The role of a union is to ensure the fair treatment of each worker through a

collective agreement. A written contract sets out policies to combat harassment and

discrimination, standards for health & safety in the E CONTINUES ON NEXT PAGE

Solidarity can be described as:

• The unifying principle that defi nes the labour movement;

• A bond of unity between individuals, united around a common goal or against a common enemy;

• Unity or agreement of feeling or action, especially among individuals with a common interest.


��

Secretary-Treasurer’s Message

JERRY CLIFFORD

Local continues to increase savings opportunitiesSaving money – and receiving value for our hard-earned dollars – is important for

everyone, but especially for working families.

That’s why Locals 175 & 633 are pleased to offer the Services & Discounts program for

the benefi t of members and their families.

workplace, pay equity clauses and language to protect members’ jobs. Each member also has needs that extend beyond

the basic – regardless of their age, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, language, religion or physical challenges. It

is our responsibility, always, to represent all our members, to the best of our ability. That’s what we do and we will

continue to do so.

At the beginning of this year the Community Action Network (CAN) had its fi rst meeting to address the changing needs of

our increasingly diverse membership. Using existing links and creating new ones, CAN will help bring the social justice,

equity and respect we strive for in the workplace – into the greater community. We are already making progress.

The purpose of the Community Action Network is to strengthen our Union’s solidarity, inclusiveness and community

links. CAN will reach out to members and their families through involvement in community activities. It will sponsor

educational and cultural endeavours and encourage members to be more involved in their union. It is their union.

And it is your union. We are here to make it work for you and those who join our fi ght for workers’ rights.

You can read more about CAN initiatives in Checkout or on our Web site. In this issue, you will fi nd a report starting

on page 22. It highlights Local 175’s involvement in the Sri Lankan Schools Cricket Festival, the Health & Safety Chinese Community Outreach Initiative and special projects at the Working Women’s Centre. We know that an inclusive union is a

strong union, which will benefi t all the members.

E CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

President’s Message

Some of the UFCW Locals 175 & 633 Services & Discounts include:

• Haber Blain Insurance Brokers, for all your auto, house and life insurance needs. 1-800-611-4411.

• CAA (North, East & South Central divisions) call them to arrange a discount on a new membership. Toronto – 1-800-341-2226 or Ottawa –1-800-267-8713, extension 394.

• Full Throttle Racing ATV Parts & Accessories gives 10 per cent off the lowest price quoted before taxes. 905-344-7579 (located in Castleton, about 130 kilometres east of Toronto, 15 minutes north-east of Cobourg).

• Mark’s WorkWearhouse, 10 per cent discount on selected items at most stores.

We are continually looking for new listings

from companies who are prepared to provide

specials for members. It could be annual

sales, such as those arranged in October and

November at the Heinz plant in Leamington, or other specials that apply all year-round.

Some of the newer merchants offering

discounts to members are listed in the box on

the right.

Remember you may need your UFCW membership card to qualify for these discounts.

We anticipate printing an updated Services

& Discounts listing in the next issue of

Checkout. To view the complete, current listing

in the meantime, visit our Web site, under

Membership: Discounts & Services or www.ufcw175.com/Membership/DiscServ/index.shtml

If you know other retail or service companies

that would like to be added to our listing,

please ask them to contact me at the

Mississauga offi ce.


AUGUST 2006 ��OCTOBER 2006

On July 10, 2006, Joe Barbosa, a steward at Maple Lodge Farms pulled two children from the rain-swollen waters of the Etobicoke Creek in Brampton.

Joe had worked the early shift at the nearby poultry-processing plant. He turned down an overtime request because he had errands to do. Fortunately for the two children, Joe was walking by the creek on his way to the Avondale Plaza when he spot-ted them struggling in the fast-mov-ing water. As he ran to assist them, he heard their cries for help.

From the bank of the creek, Joe was able to grab the young girl first. The current was so strong, it almost pulled him in, but he was able to hang on and pull the 9-year-old girl to safety. Then he ran along the bank to rescue her brother. Fortunately he was able to pick up a sturdy tree branch lying on the ground. Joe held onto a tree with one hand and reached the branch towards her 12-year-old brother with his other hand. The boy was able to grab the branch and hang on as Joe pulled him ashore as well.

Tragically, the children’s cousin, Simba Jowa, had already been swept away and perished in the stream. Neither his two cousins, who had jumped in to save him, nor an earlier passerby were able to rescue the 8-year-old boy.

The community pulled together to raise funds to assist Simba’s fam-ily. Joe helped out at the weekend fundraising BBQ and was also respon-sible for soliciting cash donations from Local 175 and his employer,

Maple Lodge Farms. Maple Lodge, along with a number of other com-panies, donated food, drinks, money and other services for the cause. Co-workers at Maple Lodge donated an additional $385. As of August 1, the combined donations totalled more than $16,000.

Joe, who has a 5-year-old daughter of his own says: “We’re doing this to help the family, but also to raise awareness about the dangers of high waters.”

Local 175 member saves drowning children

On July 1, members at Zellers #006 in Cornwall won a store-wide Canada Day contest for their patriotic red and white attire and rendition of “O Canada.” The prize was a meal at the Zellers restaurant for the entire group. Additionally, Diane Campeau won an Olympic sweatshirt and Joan MacDonald an Olympic scarf.

Left to right: Diane Dechamps, Valerie McCormick, Jackie Cella, Tina Clement, Josee Longchamps, Joan MacDonald, Andree Lefebvre, Diane Campeau and Isabel Murray.

PEOP

LECanada Day winners

Joe Barbosa (right) presents the Local 175 donation to Jay Brass of Jay’s Entertainment, who organized a fundraising drive for the family of Simba Jowa.


Click to Win

Just visit www.ufcw175.comJust visit www.ufcw175.com

For contest rules please visit www.ufcw175.com

Once again this year, our Local was recognized for excellence in member-ship communications.

The International Labor Communi-cations Association, which is the professional organization of labor communicators in North America, bestowed several of its annual awards to our Union. From approxi-mately 1,000 media contest entries, representing several hundred mem-ber-produced publications, our Local was chosen to receive:

Locals 175 & 633 win communications awards

Joint Health & Safety Committee (JHSC)/RepresentativeEmployers shall ensure that all hazardous materials in the workplace are

identified through the use of supplier labels, workplace labels and MSDSs.The employer must consult with the JHSC/Representative on:* Whether supplier labels, workplace labels and MSDSs provide enough

information.

* Development and implementation of the worker education program* Reviews and revisions of the worker education program.* Bringing workers' WHMIS concerns to the employer's attention. * Recommendations to resolve any safety and/or health concerns associated with WHMIS.

It is a worker's 'Right to Know' about hazardous materials used in the workplace. WHMIS provides practical

information on these products through worker training, supplier and workplace labels and Material Safety Data

Sheets (MSDS), which accompany each product. For more WHMIS information refer to the Occupational Health

& Safety Act, section 33.

I T I S Y O U R R I G H T T O K N O W !

Supplier LabelsThese easily identifiable labels havedashed borders. Every controlled prod-uct entering the workplace must have asupplier label on its container. These labels are a worker's firstdefence in protecting their health andsafety. The labels contain directions onhow to handle and store the product,first aid treatment, expected hazardsand relevant hazard symbols.

These labels must be in both Englishand French.

Workplace LabelsWhen a hazardous material is decant-ed into another container a workplacelabel must be placed on the new con-tainer.

The workplace label must contain theproduct name, directions on safe han-dling and a statement that an MSDS isavailable.

Labels must be kept in an easily read-able state and replaced as necessary.

TrainingEvery worker must be WHMIS trained and have asound understanding of labels, MSDSs and haz-ardous material precautions. Workers must beable to apply the training on the job and keep theirtraining up to date. Workers must receive trainingon new chemicals in the workplace and be madeaware of any hazards associated with them.

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)An MSDS contains nine sections of information:

MSDSs require updating every three years or as infor-mation changes and must be readily available to eachworker.

Workplace Hazardous Mater ia ls Information System

Locals 175 & 633 United Food & Commercial Workers CanadaPhone: 905-821-8329 Toll Free: 1-800-565-8329 Fax: 905-821-7144

2200 Argentia RoadMississauga, ONL5N 2K7

Wayne HanleyPresident

Betty PardyRecorder

* Product Information* Hazardous Ingredients* Physical Data* Fire or Explosion Hazard* Reactivity Data* Toxicological Properties* Preventative Measures* First Aid Measures* Preparation Information

Class A

Compressed Gases

Class B

Flammable &Combustible Materials

Class C

Oxidizing Materials

Class D1Materials CausingImmediate & ToxicEffects

Class D2Materials Causing Other

Toxic Effects

Class D3Biohazardous Infectious

Materials

Class ECorrosive Materials

Class FDangerously Reactive

Materials

Web site: www.ufcw175.comCEP571

• THIRD AWARD for Non-Periodical BEST USE OF GRAPHICS (Local Unions) – Organize for the Future (Spanish poster)

• SECOND AWARD for Non-Periodical BEST USE OF GRAPHICS (Local Unions) We are here to stay (Booklet)

• THIRD AWARD for Special Performance BEST GRAPHICS Magazines (Local Unions) WHMIS

• SECOND AWARD for Special Performance BEST GRAPHIC Magazines (Local Unions) April 28, International Day of Mourning

• HONORABLE MENTION for Special Performance BEST PHOTOGRAPH (Local Unions) Two Ladies

UNION NEWS


OCTOBER 2006

Employer must respect member’s right to choose

An arbitrator upheld a member’s right to choose her preferred shift after Local 175 filed a grievance.

The grievor, who worked in a nursing home, asked to work an early shift as a Dietary Aide. This was consistent with her collective agreement clause requiring that seniority “subject to qualifications, ability and classification” determine shift preference. The employer, however, said she must work a later shift, as it needed to schedule someone to fill the Cook position.

The arbitrator found the employer to be in breach of its obliga-tions under the collective agreement, saying the employer’s call-in procedure should have been used to fill the open slot in the shift schedule.

Member gets job back

Local 175 was successful in reversing the termina-tion of a Zehrs member.

The company, which accused her of time theft, sent a termination later saying: “As a result of your misconduct, including but not lim-ited to; breach of trust, dishonesty, lateness, taking multiple unau-thorized breaks on a regular basis, and extended breaks and lunches on a regular basis, you are herby terminated effective immediately.”

The grievor had been a steward for five years and was a 22-year employee with no prior disciplinary action on her record. At the time of her termination she was head salad bar clerk. Management said she ran the bar very well and she had received evaluations with strong praise for her performance of her duties as a salad bar leader.

The Union argued that the employer failed to comply with the prin-ciples of progressive discipline, nor did it warn the grievor that termination could result from taking extended and unauthorized breaks. The Union said there was no evidence of intention to deceive on the part of the grievor (she entered and exited from the front of the store) thereby negating proof of the intent necessary to support a finding of time theft.

The arbitrator took seven days to hear the case and examined all the mitigating factors submitted by the Union. He required the company to reinstate the grievor, as of the date of the award, without loss of seniority. He said he would not award any compensation for the sus-pension period because of the “serious nature” of the offence.

GRIEVANCE & ARBITRATION

NEWSArbitrator denies Coke ability to force overtime on drivers

The employer had interpreted the collective agree-ment as allowing it to assign mandatory overtime as it wished up to 5 hours for drivers to complete

their “work in process.” The employer’s position was also that it could force a driver to complete all of the loads on his truck. One of the problems for the drivers, who typically work 12 hour shifts, was that this could theoretically lead to them working almost 17 hours in one day at the whim of the employer.

The employer had also disciplined certain individuals who brought product back to the warehouse at the end of their shift. In response, the Union filed four separate grievances, which were referred to arbitration. The Union was successful on all fronts. The arbitrator found that the employer had violated the collective agreement and that the Union was correct in its assertion that the collective agree-ment only allowed the employer to direct employees to complete the delivery they had been working on near the end of their shift. The employer could not force drivers to complete all loads on their trucks.

Arbitrator reduces gum-chewing discipline

After filing a grievance, Local 175 succeeded in reducing the length of time that a discipline was allowed to stay on a member’s record.

At Port Colborne Poultry, workers may be disciplined for acts con-sidered to be detrimental to employee safety and company welfare. Management saw the grievor spit a piece of chewing gum in a waste container beside her work station. The supervisor said the worker denied doing so.

The arbitrator found that part of the reason the company issued this discipline was because it believed the grievor had initially denied she was chewing gum. She testified that she had not denied it and, in fact, had admitted the offence at the first avail-able opportunity. The arbitrator preferred the grievor’s testimony to that of her supervisor and, on that basis, determined the discipline should be reduced. The arbitrator held that the company had cause to issue some discipline, however, as the grievor had violated the rule against chewing gum. He ordered the company to remove the discipline from the grievor’s employment record as of the date of the decision, six months earlier than originally imposed.

ARBI

TRAT

IONS


�

LABOUR DAY

In Toronto alone, more than 30,000 people joined the annual parade. A con-

tingent of more than three hundred UFCW members and families marched

together, with Locals 175 & 633 members forming the largest group. Members

also attended events in Kingston, Cornwall, Sudbury, Kenora, Thunder Bay,

Hamilton, London, Sarnia and other centres.

Despite rain forecasts, good crowds turned out to support the various celebra-

tions. In Cornwall, where a light rain fell, members enjoyed the entertainment

and supported a prize draw and leukemia walk which raised $2,000. While

the temperatures in much of southern Ontario were cool, members

in Thunder Bay enjoyed races, a water balloon toss and a picnic in

hot, 30-degree weather. More than one third of the 315 people at the

Thunder Bay event were affiliated with our Locals 175 or 633.

On Monday, September 4, 2006, thousands of Ontario working families participated in Labour Day festivities, in locations all across the province.

CORNWALLKINGSTON

HAMILTON

Working families celebrate

LONDON

HAMILTON


OCTOBER 2006 �

LABO

UR D

AY

TORONTO

KENORA

e Labour DayTORONTO

THUNDER BAY

THUNDER BAYSUDBURY

SARNIA


��

FUNDRAISING

Saturday, July 15: It may have been a rainy Saturday morning, but spirits were high for the 1st UFCW Ride for a Cure in Cornwall. Organizers Mary Brisbois, a steward at Prince Foods

Summer events raise even more mMembers of Locals 175 & 633 organized and participated in several fundraising events throughout the summer to benefit the LEUKEMIA & LYMPHOMA SOCIETY OF CANADA (LLSC). These included:

Mark & Mary’s daughter, Melissa, helped promote the Cornwall ride.

Saturday, July 22: The day was hot, the sky was blue and the 8th annual Thunder Bay Leukemia Golf Tournament was a huge success. It raised $3,023.50 for research to find a cure. All who participated in the event had a great time.

There were 50 golfers – some good and some not so good – but that didn’t matter because everyone enjoyed themselves. Some golfers purchased “mulligans”

from Executive Assistant & North West Regional Director Shawn Haggerty and Executive Board Vice-President Barb Carr. Others made donations when participating in the putting contest run by Union Rep Dave Noonan and his fiancé, Shannon Costigan. Union Rep Colby Flank, assisted by staffer Tracy Stubbs and retired staffer Carol Margarit took care of the registra-tion, refreshments and BBQ. The event wouldn’t have been possible without

the generous donations from employers and friends. All are looking forward to an even bigger and better 9th annual tournament next year.

in Cornwall, and her husband Mark Brisbois helped raise $218.

“The most significant event in today’s ride, for me and the other riders, was when a nine-year-old girl, whose friend was recently diagnosed with leukemia, approached us during one of our stops and made a donation of her allowance money,” said Mark Brisbois.

The event, which took place on July 15, 2006, began in Cornwall and fol-lowed a picturesque route along the St. Lawrence Seaway to the Iroquois lift lock before heading north through the countryside. At the St. Albert’s

Cheese Factory, riders stopped for a quick sampling. Then it was back to Murphy’s Inn in Cornwall for a buffet lunch and prize draw, conducted by Union Rep Daniel Mercier.

THUNDER BAY LEUKEMIA GOLF TOURNAMENT

Barb Carr and Tracy Stubbs.

RIDE FOR A CURE IN CORNWALL

The Thunder Bay putting contest was a popular event.


OCTOBER 2006 ��

FUND

RAIS

ING

money for leukemia research

Carmen Aldworth and George Idzenga (members from Maplewood Nursing Home) handled the BBQ and raffle sales.

Greg Metcalfe, from Horizon Plastics, hits a “monster” home run.

The Union Committee members who assisted at the BBQ included, from left: Scott Maguire, QMP Shipping; Linval Dixon, Locals 175 & 633 Union Rep; Frank Menezes, QMP Cutting Room; Sam Caetano, Former Plant Chair, now Locals 175 & 633 Servicing Rep; Paulo Couto, QMP Cutting Room and (front row) Raul Freitas, TAL Casing Room.

Saturday, July 22: The 5th annual Brighton Ball Tournament contributed $1,840 thanks to a fundraising BBQ, raffle and 50/50 Draws, plus entry fees. The “Houlies,” captained by Rob Nicholas, were the top team. They and others donated most of their prize money back to the cause. The event was organized by Carmen Aldworth, Maplewood Nursing Home and Jeff Aldworth, Horizon Plastics.

Friday, July 14: Members at Quality Meat Packers (QMP) and Toronto Abattoirs Ltd. (TAL) participated in the 4th annual staff BBQ for leukemia research. They were successful in raising $2,000.

It was a sweltering-hot day, but work-ers coming out of the refrigerated plant greatly enjoyed a feast of ice-cold drinks, Caesar salad, pork shish kebabs and hamburgers. The skilled barbecue chefs were Plant Chairperson Frank Menezes, Chief Stewards Paulo Couto and Raul Freitas, Health & Safety Committee Co-Chair, Scott Maguire and Servicing Representative Sam Caetano. Together, despite the soaring temperatures, they worked over the sizzling BBQs to cook up 1,200 shish kebabs and 450 hamburgers. Because of their expertise, which required applying a special spice rub to the shish kebabs four days prior,

they had to up the quantity from the 700 they cooked in the previous year. Quality Meats donated the food, which enabled the workers to purchase a mouth-watering meal with drink, salad & shish kebab, or hamburger, for just $3.

Management and non-union staff han-dled serving and collections, includ-ing the sale of raffle tickets. Prizes won in the raffle by QMP staff were: Francisco Ferreira from the Cutting Room, a power drill; Manuel Miranda in sanitation, a bottle chiller and Luis Rodrigues from the Cutting Room, a mountain bike.

BRIGHTON BALL TOURNAMENT

STAFF BBQ FOR LEUKEMIA RESEARCH


FUNDRAISING

��

Sunday, August 20: The annual Members’ Tournament at Banty’s Roost in Caledon attracted 97 golfers who enjoyed a day of golf with prizes galore. A putting con-test and prize draw raised $1,315.

Trophy winners were Nadine Buda, A&P #83 for Ladies Low Gross, Arthur Bartram, Low Gross, Bisram Deorsammy, Low Net and Mohan Kumar, Maple Leaf Meats (Shopsys) for Most Honest Golfer.

CARGILL IN TORONTO

President Wayne Hanley presents trophy to Arthur Bartram.

Thursday, July 20: Members at CARGILL in TORONTO enjoyed the annual BBQ, organized by the Union committee, which raised $1,350.

Teresa Magee, Executive Assistant to the Local 175 President, congratulates Windsor tournament organizers: Neil Hotchkiss, Local 633 Recorder, Julie Johnston, Union Rep and Dan Bondy, Local 633 President. Neil and Dan work at A&P Stores #341 and #141 in Windsor.

Saturday, August 19: About 70 dedicated golfers braved a rain storm, for the second year in a row, to raise $4,575 at the 7th

annual Windsor Tournament.

Thursday & Friday, July 27 & 28: Members at BETTER BEEF in GUELPH enjoyed a BBQ which raised another $1,666.75.

BETTER BEEF IN GUELPH

The BBQ Committee included, from left: Chief Steward Rudy Gwinner, Plant Chairperson Chris Watson and Steward John Barnes.

WINDSOR TOURNAMENT

MEMBERS’ TOURNAMENT AT BANTY’S ROOST IN CALEDON

Chief Steward, Tony Nigro, helped out at the BBQ and also raised an additional $800 through the sale of UFCW lunch bags and towels.


�OCTOBER 2006

The 2nd Annual UFCW Local 175 Ride for a Cure – in support of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada (LLSC) – was a roaring success! This year’s event, held August 19, 2006 with the rain at bay, raised a record $10,088.

“It’s quite a feeling to be among so many avid and enthusiastic riders for such a great cause,” said President Wayne Hanley. The two-and-a-half hour ride began in Mississauga and took in many local attractions, ending with an excellent brunch.

The event had special meaning for Leroy Jackson of Barrie, who had been diagnosed with leukemia just over a year ago. For collecting the most pledges for a single rider – an outstanding $700 – Leroy received a leather motorcycle jacket from Freak~n~Leather.

It is for people like Leroy, and every-one affected by leukemia, that mem-bers and staff of Local 175 work so hard to raise money for the LLSC.

Plans are already underway for next year’s event, so motorcycle enthusiasts mark your calendar for August 2007. For more photographs and description of the 2006 event, including spon-sors, awards and prize winners, go to www.ufcwrideforacure.ca.

Mississauga Ride for a Cure raises $10,088 for LLSC

FUND

RAIS

ING

Cyclists wound their way through the Cheltenham Badlands, south of Orangeville.

Event organizer Dave White & President Wayne Hanley present a recognition plaque to Leroy Jackson.

Pho

to:

Mic

hael

For

man

Pho

to:

And

y B

rook

s

Pho

to:

Mic

hael

For

man


HEALTH & SAFETY

��

WORKPLACE NEW

S

Members at Goderich Elevator help feed globa

Local 175 members at Goderich Elevator on the shores of Lake Huron move millions of tons of grains every year. They were formerly members of UFCW 523W who voted to transfer their membership to Local 175.

They expedite the shipments from farmer to processor. In peak season, members weigh in up to 100 trucks a day, and also manage the unloading of ship and rail containers. They transfer soy, corn, wheat and other grains to mammoth storage silos and then ship them back out again. Grains grown by Prairie farmers arrive by ship and rail, and are re-routed to Ontario feed and flour mills. Grains from Ontario farms are shipped out all across Canada and around the world. Types such as food-grade Amber Durham, which is made into macaroni and other forms of pasta, may end up in Italy. Soft red wheat, used to produce flat breads, is a popular export to India.

When you’re moving several tons of grain a minute, through thousands of metres of belts, chutes and funnels, one small mistake can result in one very big mess. The employer is fortunate to have such dedicated and experienced workers who keep these tons and tons of grains flowing smoothly, despite the challenges of extreme heat and cold in both wet and grain-dust dry condi-tions.

Bill Dickey, Millwright

Dale Bechler, Grain Inspector/Grader

Paul Dougherty, Grain Inspector/Grader

Fred McClure, Dryer-Operator and John Verwey, Millwright


OCTOBER 2006 ��

WOR

KPLA

CE N

EWS

bal appetites

Daryle Ward, Millwright

Steve Maize, Weighman

Kirk McNaughton, Weighman

Doug Sproul, Grain Inspector/Grader

Henry Kolkman, Lead Hand, Unloading

Ed Brunk, Weighman


��

New La Rocca members approve first collective agreement

Wellington Nursing home workers ratifyOn June 16, 2006, approximately 65 members at the Wellington Nursing Home approved a new three-year collective agreement.

The health care workers secured:

• Schedule ‘A’ wage increases totalling $1.10 per hour, with the fi rst increase (25 cents) retroactive to June 1, 2006.

• Part-time workers receive a signing bonus of $50 following ratifi cation.• Improvements to bereavement leave, vacation allotment and employer contributions to

the pension plan and UFCW Trusteed Dental Fund. • Workers can bank up to 12 days for sick leave per year and can cash those days out for

50 per cent of their value.• Part-time workers receive a 1.25 per cent increase to their ‘in lieu of sick leave’

payment.

Union Negotiating Committee: Richard Dee, Gary Revell, Union Rep Matt Davenport and Central West Director Harry Sutton.

Local 175 welcomes 130 new members who ratifi ed their fi rst agreement on July 16, 2006. The three-year contract, which covers the 130 full-time workers at two La Rocca Creative Cakes facilities in Markham, establishes important new workplace policies and provides monetary increases in addition to general language regarding union representation.

• All classifi cations receive a 3 per cent increase minimum, retroactive to July 1, 2006, and subsequent increases of 3 per cent minimum in both the second and third year of the contract.

• In addition to regular wages, afternoon-shift workers receive a premium of 30 cents per hour and night-shift workers receive 60 cents per hour.

• Workers receive uniforms at no cost, plus $50 per year toward the cost of safety footwear.

• Members are covered by a group insurance plan, which will be 100 per cent employer funded by the end of the contract.

• Vacation entitlement provides up to four weeks off at 8 per cent pay for those with 12 years of service or more.

• Statutory holidays now also include the Civic Holiday.

• Contract language provides workers with a grievance and arbitration procedure as well as steward representation and seniority clauses to better protect their job security.

• Important policies regarding discrimination and harassment in the workplace ensure the safety of each worker.

• Health and safety provisions include the creation of a Joint Health & Safety Committee and its responsibilities.

• Other improvements include policy on job fi lling, overtime and call-ins.

• The company will contribute $500 per year toward the Locals’ Training & Education Fund.

Union Negotiating Committee: Manuel Aragon, April Egan, Mario Francomano and Union Reps John DiFalco and John DiNardo.

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

��

d

NEGOTIATIONS

Oshawa Price Chopper workers secure new agreementA new three-year contract was approved by members at Wentworth Price Chopper in Oshawa. Highlights include:

• Lump sum payments totalling $800 as well as an increase of 15 cents per hour on December 2, 2006 and 20 cents per hour on December 2, 2007 for full-time workers paid “off scale”.

• A lump sum payment of $200 as well as an increase of 15 cents per hour in the second year and 20 cents per hour in the third year of the agreement for eligible part-time workers hired before December 2, 2002.

• Both full-time workers hired after ratifi cation and part-time staff hired after December 2, 2002, benefi t from an improved pay scale.

• Workers also gained improved offi ce and lead-hand premiums and language relating to call-ins and scheduling.

• Company contributions to the workers’ dental plan increase.

Union Negotiating Committee: James Saunders, Carolyn Ross and Union Reps Mona Bailey and Rob Nicholas.


�OCTOBER 2006

d

��

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

NEGO

TIAT

IONS

Molson workers ratify new contract

Members in quality assurance, microbiology, nursing assistance, clerical payroll, inventory, packaging, engineering and other operations at Molson Breweries in Etobicoke ratifi ed a new agreement on June 9, 2006. Highlights include:

• An annual wage increase of 1.5% for all permanent full-time employees in groups 1-4, a 2.5% increase for workers in group 5, and a 20-cent per hour increase for all temporary employees in groups 1-5. All increases are retroactive to January 1, 2006.

• All regular full-time employees, as of December 31 will receive an additional one time payment of 2% on their base pay rate.

• Workers will receive an increase in shift premiums, to 60 cents per hour for afternoons and $1.05 per hour for midnights.

• Allowances increase to $5 for meals and $150 for shoes.

• Effective January 1, 2009, members with greater than 8 years service are eligible to participate in a voluntary defi ned-contribution pension plan at contributions of 1, 2 or 3 per cent of base earnings. New employees hired after the date of ratifi cation are eligible

for a defi ned-contribution pension plan with contributions of 5.5 per cent base earnings.

• Improved language covers job posting, vacation scheduling by seniority and new provisions for workers who elect to work past age 65.

Union Negotiating Committee: Bill Cartwright, Bruno Felice, Toni Sherwood, June Towler and Union Reps Mona Bailey and Anthony DiMaio.

New contract for members at Hallmark Housekeeping Members with Hallmark Housekeeping achieved a new three-year deal at a meeting held June 16, 2006. The approximately 30 members who work at the Sussex Centre in Mississauga, secured the following improvements:

• A wage increase totalling 85 cents per hour with the fi rst increase (30 cents) retroactive to April 1, 2006.

• Dental contributions increase by 2 cents per hour on April 1, 2007.

Union Negotiating Committee: Connie Cabral and Union Rep Joe DeMelo.

Encore Communications workers secure wage increases The new three-year collective agreement for members at Encore Communications, ratifi ed on June 20, 2006, includes the following highlights:

• An across-the-board wage increase of 3 per cent, retroactive to July 2, 2006, plus another 3 per cent in both the second and third year.

• Effective July 1, 2008, company contributions to the full-time workers’ benefi t plan increase to $150 per month.

• New language provides for a Joint Health & Safety Committee as well as the training and responsibilities of that committee.

• Improved language covering discipline records and layoff.

Union Negotiating Committee: David Kropf and Union Rep Rick Wauhkonen.

Molson Negotiating Committee members are from left, back row: Toni Sherwood, Bill Cartwright, June Towler, Bruno Felice and front row: Union Reps Anthony DiMaio and Mona Bailey.

New contract for Durham Labour Council Bargaining UnitThe Local 175 Bargaining Unit at the Durham Regional Labour Council secured a three-year contract including the following:

• Wage increases of 3 per cent in each year.

• Increased dental and health & welfare contributions and an enhanced retirement package.

Union Negotiating Committee: Linda McLaughlin and Union Rep Mona Bailey.


��

NEGOTIATIONS

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

Olymel workers achieve new contract Golf course workers say “yes” to new deal Members working for the City of Thunder Bay at the Municipal, Chapples and Strathcona golf courses approved a three-year collective agreement at a ratifi cation meeting held June 17, 2006. Highlights include:

• Increases to Schedule ‘A’ wages of 2.5 per cent plus an additional 15 cents per hour in the fi rst, second and third year.

• A new letter of understanding establishes a committee to develop and recommend new standards to apply for scheduling.

• Improved language covers seniority, steward representation, bereavement leave and seasonal rehire.

Union Negotiating Committee: Harwood Earl, Ron Uvanile and Union Rep David Noonan.

S. Gumpert workers reach new settlement On July 8, 3006, members at S. Gumpert in Mississauga ratifi ed a new three-year agreement that includes the following improvements:

• A wage increase of 35 cents per hour, retroactive to July 1, 2006, plus 40 cents per hour in both the second and third year.

• The company will pay 100 per cent of the premium cost of the current health and welfare plan for workers with at least three months’ service, with the exception of prescription drugs for which the company will provide $8 toward the dispensing fee.

• Safety shoe allowance increases to $100 per year.

Union Negotiating Committee: Jeneta Brown, Joseph Ndwaniye and Union Rep Paul Jokhu.

On June 30, 2006, a majority of the approximately 500 members at Olymel/Galco Foods in Brampton approved a new three-year collective agreement. Highlights include:

• A wage increase of 40 cents per hour retroactive to June 1, 2006.

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

• Those classifi ed as Receiving – Grade 5, Grade 6 Truck Driver, Shipping, Freezer or Warehouse and Electrician Grade 10+ receive an additional one-time adjustment of 25 cents per hour.

• Workers qualifying under the Attendance Program now receive double the maximum amount previously agreed to.

• Improved language covers layoff and recall, job postings and transfers.

Shooting Star workers reach new dealOn June 16, 2006, members at the Shooting Star Daycare in Sudbury ratifi ed a three-year agreement. Highlights include:

• A wage increase of 34 cents per hour in the fi rst year, retroactive to March 5, 2006, for all classifi cations and rates.

• Subsequent increases of 37 cents per hour in year two and 39 cents per hour in the fi nal year.

• New language covering the reporting of harassment and/or discrimination.

• Improved language relating to the grievance procedure, job postings, overtime and seniority, and the sick leave entitlement.

Union Negotiating Committee: Natalie Giroux, Kim MacDonald, Chantal Pedneault and Union Rep Tim Deelstra.

Union negotiating committee, from front left: Union Rep Mona Bailey, Chan Que To, Vladimir Melnitchenko. Back row: Kamaljit Gill, Nadee Choudhry and Phoung Van Tran. Absent from photo: Central East Regional Director, Luc Lacelle.


��OCTOBER 2006

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

NEGO

TIAT

IONS

New contract provides many gainsOn July 10, 2006, members at the Woodlawn Motel & Woodlawn Hospitality Inc. in Guelph, voted in favour of a new three-year contract. It includes the following:

• Wage improvements to the top progression are 4 per cent, effective July 14, 2006, 4 per cent on July 14, 2007 and 4.5 per cent on July 14, 2008.

• Negotiated improvements apply to the start, 3-month and 6-month progressions, plus a new six month wage progression is added to existing progressions.

• Maximum annual benefi t coverage now includes up to $10,000 for prescription drugs, $750 for basic dental plus $500 for enhanced dental plus a lifetime maximum of $1,000 for orthodontic coverage.

• $100 for vision care, every two years.• Improved language pays overtime after

eight hours, increases rest breaks to 15 minutes, up from 10, and applies to Leaves of Absence and scheduling by seniority.

• New language improves Health & Safety, prevents management and other non-members from doing bargaining unit work, increases recall rights to 18 months, from 12 and reduces Sunset clause, from 18 months to 12.

• Vacation and bereavement leave have been improved.

Union Negotiating Committee: Daksha Patel, Heather St. John and Union Rep Rick Wauhkonen.

Members at Lapointe-Fisher gain new contract

Wilfrid Laurier members ratify progressive contract

Health care workers at the Lapointe-Fisher Nursing Home in Guelph voted in favour of a new three-year contract at a meeting held July 21, 2006.

• All rates increase by 45 cents per hour, retroactive to April 10, 2006.

• All members of the bargaining unit receive subsequent increases of 43 cents per hour in both the second and third year of the contract term.

• Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs) receive an additional wage adjustment of 25 cents per hour in the second year.

• Those scheduled to relieve Supervisors receive an improved shift premium of $1 per hour.

• Effective March 24, 2008, workers are entitled to $400 annual coverage for use of chiropractic, naturopathic, podiatric and/or psychiatric care.

• Employer contributions to the dental plan increase by 3 cents per hour and 4 cents per hour for the pension plan.

• Monthly uniform allowance increases to $16 for full-time workers and $13 for part-time.

• Improved language covers call-ins, time off and a joint labour-management committee.

Last year, Local 175 won a major legal decision on behalf of the employees at Lapointe-Fisher when an arbitrator ruled that the employer was responsible to pay 100% of the OHIP premium on behalf of its employees.

Read more on this arbitration case in December 2005 Checkout or in the Web site news article dated October 17, 2006.

Union Negotiating Committee: Roberta Jones, Darlene McFarlane, Cindy Stewart and Union Rep Angus Locke.

Members at Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo ratifi ed a new three-year agreement on July 17, 2006. Highlights include:

• A wage increase of 3 per cent in each year of the collective agreement, starting August 1, 2006.

• An additional one half per cent lump sum payment in September 2006, based on 2005 earnings.

• Employee pension contributions are reduced, resulting in an average $672 saving per employee, per year.

• Members who work a specifi ed number of hours in a week receive shift premiums of time and one half for Saturday and double time for Sunday, between May 1 to August 31.

• Such work that would be premium, including stat holidays, is offered by seniority.

• Free tuition for full-time employees and their dependent children and spouses.

• A new Family Sick Leave provision • A Special Voluntary Exit Plan (SVEP)

provides incentives for employees to retire prior to age 65.

• A pay equity plan has been added.

Pay Equity Committee: Linda Atkins, Sarah Daniels, Brad McMillan and Union Rep Michael Duden.

Union Negotiating Committee: Linda Atkins, Sarah Daniels, Barb Koelewijn and Union Rep Wendy Absolom.


�

45 new members at Hertz win first collective agreement

Wholesale Club approves new contractOn July 27, 2006, members at Wholesale Club in Kenora ratifi ed a new collective agreement, which includes:

• Wage increases totalling 65 cents per hour to the top rate, for full-time and part-time workers hired prior to ratifi cation, with the fi rst increase retroactive to April 11, 2006.

• Plus, those at the top rate hired prior to ratifi cation receive a lump sum of $400 in 2007.

• New language covers health and safety and a new job classification.

Union Negotiating Committee: Debbie Creed and Union Rep David Noonan.

Improved compensation for Caressant health care workers

Another 45 members at the Caressant Care Nursing Home in Listowel ratifi ed their new three-year contract at a vote held August 3, 2006. It provides:

• Wage increases of 2.5 per cent in each of the three years covered by the agreement with the fi rst raise retroactive to June 1, 2006.

• Registered Nurse (RN) wages match the Ontario Nurses Association (ONA) rates for the corresponding year.

On August 23, 2006, new members at Hertz Canada, who are Terminal Trippers, ratifi ed their fi rst collective agreement. Among other improvements, the bargaining unit secures an end to the four-year wage freeze in place prior to ratifi cation.

• Now each worker receives an annual mini-mum wage increase of 35 cents per hour.

• The shift premium for Lead Hands increases to $1 per hour.

• Employees working a minimum of 34 hours per week are now classifi ed as full-time and eligible for negotiated benefi ts.

• Workers now qualify for leave for jury duty, lost wages, bereavement, emergency and family medical reasons.

• The company will pay 100 per cent of the dental plan and vision care premium costs for full-time employees.

• Workers are also entitled to four sick days per year after one year of service with the unused days paid out at year end.

• The new vacation entitlement package provides members with the greater of two weeks with pay or 4 per cent of last year’s wages, for those with one year of service, increasing to fi ve weeks with pay or 10 per cent of last year’s wages, for those with 18 years of service or more.

• All full-time workers with one year of service receive one paid fl oater day.

• New language covers health and safety, job posting and overtime.

• Workers are now protected through union representation, and a grievance and arbitration procedure.

Union Negotiating Committee: Tony Balthasar, Garth McClung and Union Rep Jehan Ahamed.

Members at the Caressant Care Nursing Home in Fergus have approved a new three-year contract. Following several negotiation meetings and Ministry of Labour conciliation, the workers were able to vote on the settlement, which covers the approximately 45 members of the bargaining unit, at a meeting held August 9, 2006. Workers secure:

• Wage increases of 2.5 per cent per year of the contract duration with the fi rst increase retroactive to May 1, 2006.

• A new weekend shift premium provides 15 cents per hour worked between 11 p.m. Friday and 11 p.m. Sunday, effective May 1, 2007.

• Two fl oater days per year, up from one, beginning in 2007.

• Increased pension and dental contributions and an improved Weekly Indemnity (WI) formula.

• Vision care coverage increases to $200 per 24-month period, inclusive of an eye examination.

• An increased uniform allowance.• The employer will now contribute to the

UFCW Training & Education Fund.

Union Negotiating Committee: Chris Baumber, Wendy Lee, Chris McDougall and Union Reps Wendy Absolom and Roy Reed.

• A new weekend shift premium of 15 cents per hour, effective May 1, 2007.

• Vision care coverage increases to $200 per 24-month period, inclusive of an eye examination.

• Increased contributions to the workers’ dental and pension plans and an improved Weekly Indemnity (WI) formula.

• Increased uniform allowance to $10.50 per month for full-time and $6.75 per month for part-time.

• Improved language covering call-ins and overtime.

• Extra hours that become available (in addition to scheduled hours) will be offered to part-time by seniority up to 75 hours bi-weekly.

Union Negotiating Committee: Diane Ballantyne, Karen Cullen, Joyce Fitt, Ellen Weber and Union Reps Wendy Absolom and Roy Reed.

NEGOTIATIONS


�OCTOBER 2006

HEAL

TH &

SAF

ETY

What You Don’t Know Can Hurt You…What you do know can save your life or that of a co-workerYoung workers are injured more frequently

In the August edition of Checkout, we presented alarming statistics about young workers. They make up approxi-mately 18 per cent of Workplace Safety & Insurance Board (WSIB) claims in Ontario. They are at greatest risk of suffering workplace accidents and injuries because they lack the experi-ence to recognize and avoid hazards.

Below is the story of a young Local 175 member. It is one of many examples of work-related accidents and injuries experienced by young workers.

Andrew Haardeng’s story

Andrew was just 24 years of age on May 23, 2002, when he suffered a work-related accident. While working as a general labourer at Bick’s, he was blast-ed in the face by a pressurized hose containing pickle brine. Immediately he felt pain and irritation that affected his eyes, face and breathing. At the hos-pital, where he was rushed by ambu-lance, Andrew was initially treated for a nosebleed and chemical exposure to his eyes. Subsequently, his family doc-tor diagnosed acute asthma, related to the brine exposure.

The WSIB decision

After the accident, Andrew received a benefit of 85 per cent of his net aver-age earnings. But the WSIB stopped the payment, as of June 3, 2002, because it said he had a “pre-existing condition.” His family doctor’s report to the WSIB, however, had only docu-mented one incident pertaining to a respiratory problem prior to the acci-dent. As a young teenager in school, while exercising, he was prescribed a puffer for a one-week period. This nota-

tion, along with the fact that he was a smoker, prevented him from continuing to receive benefits beyond June 3.

The payments were stopped despite the fact that Andrew had made sev-eral attempts to return to work in the year after his accident. None of these attempts were successful. Each time he ended up in the hospital emergency room with severe asthma attacks. Fortunately, by the end of 2003, he had recovered sufficiently to engage in a full return to work with his employer. But by then, he had lost several months of earnings. Know your resources – the appeal

Andrew contacted the Locals 175 & 633 Benefits Department to appeal the initial WSIB decision. Normally there is a six-month deadline to appeal a claim, but this was waived once the Union stepped in. Our main argument was that the member did not have breathing problems prior to this acci-dent, yet afterwards he had endured a series of severe asthma attacks. These prevented him from performing an “early and safe return to work,” as required by the WSIB. The Union argued that it was completely unrea-sonable for the WSIB to stop benefits, merely because he was a smoker and had experienced one acute episode of mild asthma as a child.

Thanks to the intervention of the Locals 175 & 633 Benefits Department, the WSIB reversed its decision in April 2005. The adjudicator’s letter to Andrew said: “It is evident that you ingested and inhaled a sufficiently irritant amount of brine solution on May 23, 2002, to have induced a Responsive Airways Disease (RADS) and symptoms of airways activity for over a year.” Subsequently, Andrew received compensation for lost wages from June 3, 2002 to November 28, 2003, when he returned to regular work duties with the employer. Should he have any recurrences, if there is another significant exposure to brine, benefit entitlement will be considered because of this 2002 work accident. Then he might be able to obtain addi-tional benefits without prolonged dif-ficulty, because he has already estab-lished a claim.

You have the right to safe work

Anyone can have an accident at work. But young workers are at greatest risk. Know your rights and become an active member, working to prevent workplace injuries. Contact your Locals 175 & 633 Health & Safety Department if you have any questions or concerns about the safety of your workplace or the way you are required to per-form your job. Sign up for our online courses and share your knowledge with your co-workers and friends to increase awareness and prevent injuries.

If you suffer an injury at work, and have questions or concerns about a WSIB claim, contact your Locals 175 & 633 Benefits Department. If your accident or injury claim is denied – or payments stop while you are still unable to work – call the Benefits department immediately!

Andrew Haardeng


�

COMM

UNITY

President Wayne Hanley receives a plaque of appreciation from the festival organizers who included Union Rep Jehan Ahamed, Russell Rajaratnam and Sam Samarajeeva.

UFCW Local 175 CAN sponsors Sri Lankan Cricket Festival

Local 175 sponsored entertainment in the form of a live band, magicians and clowns.

The annual Canada Day Weekend Sri Lankan Schools Cricket Festival, on July 3, 2006, reached a whole new level this year, thanks to Local 175’s innovative sponsorship.

Approximately five years ago, the local Sri Lankan community orga-nized a cricket festival to celebrate their culture in Canada. They invit-ed Canadian branches of the Sri Lankan Schools Associations to enter teams. The festival became an annual event with school alumni continuing to compete each year. This tradition, in Sri Lanka, goes back more than 100 years.

This year, the Local 175 CAN sponsorship helped make the fes-tival an even more successful fam-ily event. It attracted more than 180 players and 1,500 spectators, with fourteen men’s and two wom-en’s teams. The Local arranged live entertainment as well as food for the tournament’s players.

Next year’s event takes place again on the Canada Day weekend at the Maple Cricket Grounds in King City. Locals 175 & 633 are hoping to enter their own team. If you’d like to participate, please contact Union Reps Jehan Ahamed or Kevin Shimmin.


COM

MUN

ITY

OCTOBER 2006

Servicing representative Lien Huynh is very knowledgeable about workers’ rights. She has worked with union reps, union stewards and health & safety committee members to assist Local 175 members of the Asian com-munity at Galco Foods in Brampton.

But after becoming a Local 175 servic-ing representative, she quickly learned how little non-unionized workers know about their rights, and how easily exploited they are as a result. That’s why Local 175 is presenting

CAN reaches out to Asian communityworkshops for non-unionized workers, such as those in the textile sector.

The Local Union is planning to initially pres-ent workshops for Chinese and Vietnamese workers. They will include a short presenta-tion on Employment Rights, the “Right to Refuse” unsafe work, the WSIB process and where to go with a problem, as well as a “Question & Answer” session.

If you are a Local 175 member concerned

about your health & safety rights, speak to your in-plant Certified Worker Member, Health & Safety Committee Member, Union Steward or Local 175 Representative to learn about your Right to Refuse 1 unsafe work.

If you are concerned about safety in a non-union workplace, contact Local 175 to learn more about worker rights. Call Lien Huynh at 1-800-565-8329.

1 Health care workers have only a limited Right to Refuse.

Local 175 assists immigrant women

Students in an apprenticeship program, offered through the Working Women Community Centre (WWCC), benefited from a Local 175-provided Health & Safety course. It provided immigrant women with an opportunity to acquire skills for a career in baking.

The class, taught by Local 175 instructor Georgina Broeckel, had 16 participants.

“These women were all enthusiastic participants,” says Georgina. “They were great students who are eager to learn new skills. It’s inspiring to see a group taking advantage of this program and educating themselves to better their future.”

In addition to courses provided by Local 175, students learn baking, English language skills, math, customer service, food production and nutrition. The training concludes with an eight-week paid work placement.


Return postage will be paid by:

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

Canada Post Corporation Publication Agreement No. 40064671


Checkout October 2006

Documents

Transcript of Checkout October 2006