Checkout October 2007

T H E N E W S M A G A Z I N E F O R M E M B E R S O F L O C A L S 1 7 5 & 6 3 3 U F C W C A N A D AVOLUME XVINO. 5OCTOBER2007

WORKING FAMILIES

CELEBRATE LABOUR

DAY . . . PAGE 10

52186-1 CHeckout Oct07.q5.qxd 10/1/2007 11:14 AM

President’s Message: Good Jobs Matter to all of us...................................Secretary-Treasurer’s Message: Our government must act on Canada’sjob crisis...............................................................................................

CAN committee’s first BBQ a resound-ing success!...........................................Local 175 campaigns for Equity..............CAN builds communities........................ The Origins of Toronto’s Caribana.........

LOCAL 175President

Wayne HanleySecretary-Treasurer

Shawn HaggertyRecorder

Betty PardyExecutive Assistants

Jim Hastings, Teresa Magee

UFCW Local 633President

Dan BondySecretary-Treasurer

Marylou MallettRecorder

Neil Hotchkiss

Provincial Office 2200 Argentia Road

Mississauga L5N 2K7 905-821-8329

Toll free 1-800-565-8329Fax 905-821-7144

Benefits RepresentativesSherree Backus, Emmanuelle Lopez

Benefits Intake RepresentativeOrsola Augurusa

Legal Counsel Victoria Shen

Communications RepresentativesCheryl Mumford, Jennifer Tunney

Servicing RepresentativeLien Huynh

Health & Safety RepresentativeJanice Klenot

Senior Legal CounselNaveen MehtaLegal Counsel

Marcia Barry, Michael Hancock, Rebecca Woodrow, Natalie Wiley

Legal RepresentativeFernando Reis

Organizing Coordinator & Pay EquityMike Duden

Organizing RepresentativesRick Hogue, Steve Robinson

CENTRAL EAST REGIONDirector

Luc LacelleUnion Representatives

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

Anthony DiMaio, John DiNardo, Paul Jokhu, Rob Nicholas,

Dave White

SOUTH CENTRAL REGIONUnion Representatives

Sylvia GroomServicing Representatives

Angela Mattioli, Brenda Simmons,Mark Stockton, Mario Tardelli

TRAINING & EDUCATION CENTRE2200 Argentia Road

Mississauga L5N 2K7 905-821-8329

Toll free 1-800-565-8329Fax 905-821-7144

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CONTENTS 3

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cep Local 571

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Summer events raise another $24,645 18

Community

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Local 175 wins Labour Communication Awards 7

People 8

10Working Families celebrate Labour Day

12Workers process 3,000 acres of apples

Negotiations 14


Labour Day is traditionally a time when Union membersand their families come together to celebrate theachievements of organized labour.

These include safer workplaces, employment insurance(EI), a legislated maximum workweek, paid overtime, aminimum hourly wage, universal health care, paidvacations, statutory holiday pay and paid leaves of absence for new parents and family members caring for dying relatives.

We are fortunate indeed to live in Canada where allworkers enjoy these rights by law. Most of these basicworker rights were legislated – not because businessinterests wanted more protection for workers – butbecause of the dedication of Union members and thoseprogressive politicians who listened to us.

But many of our good programs that protect workers,like employment insurance and universal health care,are being weakened by the people elected to run ourcountry. Over the last decades, fewer and fewer workershave been able to benefit from Canada’s EI programand our health care is continually under attack by thosecorporate interests who want to profit from it.

Equally disturbing is the growing crisis in our manufac-turing sector, which continues to bleed good-payingjobs. Ontario is estimated to have lost more than175,000 of these jobs in the last three years, with morethan 40,000 disappearing in the last year.

These lost jobs mean a dramatic drop in the standard of living for all workers. Thedrop is immediate for the families of those who lose good jobs. Later it affects our communities when service jobs are adversely affected by a loss of purchasing power.Ultimately our social programs too are impacted by the reduction in government taxrevenues and an increased demand for services.

It will soon be time to elect the federal members of parliament who are responsible forpolicies affecting both jobs and social programs. Please cast your vote for those candi-dates and parties who will commit to protecting Canadian jobs and social programs.Good jobs and good social programs matter to all Canadians.

Good jobs andgood social programs matter to allCanadians.Remember to vote in the nextfederal electionfor those candi-dates and partieswho will committo protectingthem.

OCTOBER 2007

Good jobs matter to all of usCENTRAL WEST REGION

412 Rennie StreetHamilton L8H 3P5905-545-8354Toll free 1-800-567-2125Fax 905-545-8355 DirectorHarry SuttonUnion RepresentativesMatt Davenport, Tim Deelstra,Joe DeMelo, Linval Dixon, Fernando Reis, Dan Serbin, Kelly TosatoServicing RepresentativeSam Caetano

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

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

NORTH WEST REGIONLakehead Labour Centre21-929 Fort William RoadThunder Bay P7B 3A6 807-346-4227Toll free 1-800-465-6932Fax 807-346-4055 DirectorShawn Haggerty Union RepresentativesColby Flank, David Noonan

Published six times yearly. ISSN no. 1703-3926CHECKOUT is an official publicationof Locals 175 & 633 of the United Food & Commercial Workers.Web site: www.ufcw175.comE-mail: [email protected]

Director of EducationVictor CarrozzinoEducation RepresentativesGeorgina Broeckel, Gail Carrozzino, Kelly Nicholas,Ashleigh Vink

Pres

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WAYNE HANLEY

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Canada is currentlyexperiencing a job crisisin its manufacturing sector.

Nationwide, we havelost an estimated250,000 in the last fewyears. Each job lost costsa working family about$10,000 annually in lost

income. Even when the worker succeeds in findingnew employment, he or she suffers a decline of 25per cent in annual earnings, according to StatisticsCanada. That’s a loss of earnings, across Canada,which is costing working families an astounding $2.5billion every year.

At the same time, retailers like Wal-Mart, are under-mining good retail jobs. Negotiated Union contracts,on the other hand, continue to provide retail workerswith security of tenure and hours as well as goodwages, benefits and working conditions. But employ-ers like Wal-Mart, who provide only the lowest possi-ble wages and unstable employment, make it difficultfor many non-unionized retail workers to survive,much less enjoy any quality of life.

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Secretary-Treasurer’s Message

SHAWN HAGGERTY

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

Would you like to receive E-news bulletins, as well as e-mails related to your workplaceor sector? We are gathering e-mail addresses from members to build lists that are workplacespecific, so that we can send out notifications for ratification votes, proposal meetings and otherimportant information. Just go to www.ufcw175.com and click on “Sign up for e-mail” to registerfor this free service.

Our government must act on Canada’s job crisis

Our Union negotiates the strongest and best possiblecontracts for all our members. We also provide exten-sive training and education services, accessible to allmembers. This helps to prepare them for promotionsand other forms of career advancement. It also helpsin the event of job loss, through retraining and jobsearch assistance.

But, one Union – even one that’s 50,000 membersstrong – can’t do it all. We ask you, as working peo-ple, to hold your politicians accountable and demandstronger trade and labour laws so that working peo-ple can earn a living wage. Our federal and provin-cial governments can and must do more to protectgood jobs. Workers need to know they can dependon a good job to support their families. Young peopleneed to know that there will be good jobs for manydecades into the future, so that they too can start andsupport a family.

Together we can make a difference. Please speak to,call, write, fax or e-mail your provincial and federalmembers of parliament and leaders to demand botha strategy and implementation of a “Made in CanadaJobs Program” that will ensure good jobs for thefuture, for all Canadians. Canada cannot afford thecontinuing erosion of our manufacturing sector jobs.


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OCTOBER 2007

CAN committee’s first BBQ a resounding success!

LOCAL 175’S COMMUNITY ACTION NETWORK (CAN)CULTURAL DAY AND BBQ WAS A BIG HIT WITH ADULTS

AND CHILDREN ALIKE

More than 200 people visited Centennial Parkin Etobicoke for the event on August 25, 2007.Rain was in the forecast, but fortunately it stayedaway for most of the midday BBQ, which ranfrom noon until 4 p.m. Children’s events includ-ed face painting, races, musical chairs andother games. Everyone enjoyed the camaraderieand refreshments. The seasonal menu offeredhot dogs, sausages, beef and soy burgers pluscold drinks and watermelon.


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COMM

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Your Local Union has launched an important petition cam-paign to demand the government recognize all workers’fundamental right to unionize.

The Card Certification Campaign demands that theprovincial government re-instate the law that gives allworkers the right to form a union after a majority signmembership application cards. The card certificationprocess was the law in Ontario for almost five decadesbefore it was rescinded by the Mike Harris Conservativegovernment. Under the subsequent Liberal government,Dalton McGuinty revived the card-based certification – butonly for Ontario’s construction sector. Construction workerscan form a union when 55 per cent of those in a work-place sign application cards to join. In all other sectors,except for those covered by federal jurisdiction, workerswho wish to form a union are subjected to employer coer-cion, harassment, intimidation, discrimination and threatsbecause they must participate in a workplace vote.

Currently, the government informs employers one weekprior that there will be a Union application vote in theworkplace. Subsequently, employers usually launch aggres-sive “fear & intimidation” campaigns on their captive audi-ences – the workers who need a paycheque. These cam-paigns include bribery, subtle or open forms of verbal andphysical threats, encouraging workers to attack union sup-porters, rumours or threats to close the business, propa-ganda against the Union, and termination of workers whospeak up against these injustices. The result is that Ontario

workers do not have the right to freely join, organize andparticipate in a Union without threat of intimidation, discrim-ination and persecution – even though this right is enshrinedin the Ontario Human Rights Code, The Canadian Charterof Rights and Freedoms and The United Nations Declarationof Human Rights. Why then should workers need to repeattheir intent to join a union twice – first signing the applica-tion card and then voting at work in front of theiremployers?

For Unionized workers in Ontario, the current law has adirect impact on our right to bargain collectively. In negotia-tions, Unionized workers have been forced to accept con-cessions to compete against non-unionized workplaces. Ourparticipation in this card certification campaign is more thana moral duty to defend a worker’s right to join a union. Italso seeks to protect our right to bargain effectively forgood pay, better benefits and safe working conditions.

We have suffered this injustice for 12 long years. Now is thetime to tell the Ontario government that enough is enough.Now is the time to put a human face to what the currentlabour laws are doing to workers in Ontario. Now is thetime to mobilize and reverse the current unjust labour laws!Please sign our petition at your workplace and onlineat www.ufcw175.com or contact the Premier ofOntario and your member of provincial parliament(MPP). If you’re not sure of the name of the MPP represent-ing your area, log on to: www.electionsontario.on.ca.

This project’s goals are to educate, organize, andmobilize members of visible minority communities in theParkdale neighbourhood. A series of workshops runsfrom July through November 2007. These workshopsfocus on mental health and wellness, as well as ways ofovercoming the poverty, violence and unemploymentthat negatively affect workers, their families and thecommunity.

Speakers at the workshops have included ServicingRepresentative Lien Huynh and former OrganizingRepresentative Kevin Shimmin. They provide informa-

tion about workers’ rights in Ontario, especially as relat-ed to Health & Safety legislation, workers’ compensationand the history of the Trade Union Movement.

CAN is committed to this project through the directinvolvement of personnel and guest speakers as well asthrough the provision of food vouchers, office equipment,publication assistance and other forms of financial spon-sorship. In addition, we would like to thank SandraGodoy, a member from Parkdale Community HealthServices, for her vision and dedication.

L o c a l 1 7 5 C A N b u i l d s c o m m u n i t i e s

L o c a l 1 7 5 c a m p a i g n s f o r E q u i t y

THE COMMUNITY ACTION NETWORK (CAN) ACTIVELY SEEKS THE BETTERMENT OF ALL WORKERS’ LIVES BY BUILDING ON THE PRINCI-PLES OF COMMITMENT, RESPECT, JUSTICE AND EQUALITY FOR ALL . HENCE, CAN IS THE PROUD SPONSOR OF A COMMUNITY PROJECT

KNOWN AS THE PARKDALE SOCIAL JUSTICE ACTION GROUP

LOCAL 175’S CARD CERTIFICATION CAMPAIGN: THE RIGHT TO JOIN A UNION . . . WITHOUT FEAR OR HARASSMENT


The Moko Jumbie, for instance, represents the villageprotector. This masked figure stands on 12-foot stilts,high above everyone else, symbolizing the MokoJumbie’s ability to foresee evil and protect the community.

Other costumes, like the Midnight Robber,make a mockery of colonial administrators.The Midnight Robber embodies the charac-ter of a boastful and egocentric person whotalks only about his conquests, exploits andinvincibility. This “Robber talk,” as it isknown, is derived from the tradition ofAfrican Griot or storyteller, with speech patterns and vocabulary imitative of formermasters.

Caribana owes its origins to this rich historyof resistance and freedom, which is cre-atively expressed through art, music anddance. Toronto’s Caribana is a huge eco-nomic commodity for the city as it generatesmore than 100 million dollars in just onelong weekend. A million plus people floodLake Shore Boulevard to witness the specta-cle that is Caribana, while Toronto playshost to hundreds of thousands of touristsduring this time. Although Caribana is atremendous expression of Canada’s culturaldiversity, the history and significance of thiscelebration should never be forgotten, or watered down by commercial interests.

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OCTOBER 2007 7

T h e O r i g i n s o f T o r o n t o ’ s C a r i b a n aBy Enver Harbans

Once again the International Labour CommunicationsAssociation has selected UFCW Local 175 from amongLocal Unions throughout NorthAmerica to receive four of its prestigious awards.

These included a First Award forBest Photograph and a ThirdAward for Editorial Excellence forthe poster entitled InternationalHealth Workers’ Day.

Additionally, the LocalUnion was also hon-oured with a FirstAward for BestCampaign Site forwww.ufcw175can.caand a Second Awardfor Best Web Design forwww.ufcw175.com.

Local Union wins Labour Communications Awards

The Caribana celebration first started as a gift toCanada from the country’s West Indian community, offering a piece of its culture to the diversity present inCanada. The festival includes the cultural traditions ofmany Caribbean nations including Guyana, Bahamas,Jamaica and especially Trinidad andTobago.

Caribana is a small replica of the ritualsthat take place in Trinidad during carnivaltime. In the period between Christmas andLent, the British and French ruling classwould have a merrymaking period of lavish celebration and street festival. Slaveswere restricted from leaving their homes bymartial law and forbidden to take part inthe festival. In their own dwellings, howev-er, slaves participated in the merrymaking.But because these repressive laws forbadetheir participation, the slaves began wear-ing masks and other costumes to concealtheir identities.

When slavery was abolished in 1838,Africans residing in the marginalized areasof East Port of Spain used carnival as ameans of expressing their freedom, whilemocking the colonial establishment.Utilizing a unique form of street theater,people dressed in costumes symbolic of both their present and historical struggles.

During this year’s Caribana weekend,UFCW Organizing Department mem-bers – including Lien Huynh, KevinShimmin and Enver Harbans – set upa Community Action Network tent onDufferin Street.

They spoke to people on the streetand collected names on a petitioncalling for the return of card-basedcertification.


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PEOPLE

M em ber r e ce i ve s aw ard f o r b rav e r yJohn Robillard,who is a memberfrom the MapleLeaf OntarioDistributionCentre in Bur-lington, washonoured earlierthis year at the Waterloo RegionalPolice Services Awards Night Cer-emony. “The award recognizes theheroic and positive contributionsof citizens to our community,” saidChief of Police Larry Gravill.

John received the award for hisquick response in rescuing awoman from a violent domesticassault. He was working aroundthe house one afternoon when heheard a commotion outside.When he rushed out to help withwhat he thought was fire, helearned that a man was attackinga woman. She had been yellingfor help and trying to grab thefront door frame before herattacker pulled her into the house.

When John rushed inside, the manwas on top of her. According toJohn, the woman was now “lyingthere like a rag doll with nosound.” So he pulled the man offof her, grabbed him in a bearhug, and held him on the frontporch until police arrived.

He later learned that the man wasthe estranged husband who thepolice originally charged withattempted murder. Even the man’sdefence lawyer was impressed withJohn's action. “He’s kind of thehero,” he said. “Everyone was run-ning around and screaming andhe just runs in and grabs the guy.He wasn’t afraid to act.”

Earlier this year, Lori Hamilton,who is a member at Cargill (for-merly Watson Foods) in Guelph,lost her home in a fire.

It was a devastating experience . . .even more so because she didn’thave any insurance to cover the lossof virtually everything she owned.

She was both overwhelmed andgrateful when her Union steppedforward to provide assistance atsuch a traumatic time. South WestRegional Director Ray Bromley andhis staff organized a fundraising raf-fle for Lori’s benefit. They con-tributed a flatscreen TV, Union jack-ets and stuffed animals for the draw.They also persuaded Cargill todonate a day off with pay as secondprize in the raffle. “We’re therewhenever our members requireassistance,” says Ray. “When help isneeded, we’ll provide it, over andabove our work in negotiating, serv-icing and fundraising for leukemia.”

As a result of the Union’s efforts,Lori received a gift of $1,345, whichaided her in replacing many essen-tial items. “I don’t know what Iwould have done without the help ofmy Union and co-workers,”Lori says. “It’s wonderful toknow there’s assistanceavailable when you need itthe most.”

Lo c a l 175 an d c o -wor ke r s h e lp ou t

Plant Chairperson Larry Smith (right)presents cheque to Lori.

Joining them are Vice Chairman GuyMorissette (front) together withUnion Representative RickWaukhonen and Taralyne Smith.

Dave Fox has retired.He became a Local175 member whenhe began working forA&P in Napanee in1975.

“I never would havelasted at A&P all these years if ithadn’t been for the Union,” he says.He was in fact laid off a few monthsafter he started. But he filed a griev-ance and the Union got him his jobback. Dave has been a staunchUnion supporter ever since. Overthe past 32 years he’s volunteeredhis expertise as a steward andserved on the Local’s ExecutiveBoard. “It’s been the greatest experi-ence, being involved with theUnion,” he says. “I always enjoyedfighting for the members; I still getcalls from former co-workers sayinghow much they miss me.”

President Wayne Hanley says:“Dave was on most of the A&Pnegotiating committees and wasalways ready to participate on griev-ance appeal committees. His willing-ness to assist was always welcomed.We wish him and his family all thevery best.”

S t ewar d Pr o f i l e


OCTOBER 2007 9

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Kevin Shimminhas resigned hisposition as a Local175 Organizer toreturn to schoolfull time.

“It was a difficultdecision,” he says.“My heart hasalways been – and will always be –with the labour movement.” Kevin,who has a Master of Arts degree inWork & Society from McMasterUniversity, is enrolled in the Socio-logy, Equity and Labour StudiesPHD program at the University ofToronto.

“We are sad to see Kevin leave,”says Local 175 President WayneHanley. “But we are extremelyhappy to know he is pursuing hiseducational dreams.”

Union Representative Rick Hoguewill now lead the Ontario Organ-izing Team, which includes repre-sentatives Steve Robinson andLien Huynh. Rick, who has been aunion representative in the CentralWest Region for the past four and

one half years, is anexperienced organiz-er and union activist.He previouslyworked at PortColborne Poultry.

President WayneHanley says: “Although, ourOrganizing Team will certainly missKevin’s enthusiasm and leadership, Iam confident that Rick’s dedicationand expertise will ensure many suc-cessful future campaigns to bringgood union wages and working con-ditions to unorganized workers.”

In other Staff News,Orsola Augurusahas joined theBenefitsDepartment asIntake Represent-ative.

Tim Deelstra, aCentral EastRegion UnionRepresentativebased in Sudburysince May 2004,has moved to theCentral WestRegion, workingout of the Hamilton office.

Dave White, whohas been anEducationRepresentative withthe Locals 175 &633 Training &Education Centrefor the past fiveand a half years,became a Union Representative inthe Central East Region, effectiveAugust 27, 2007.

Member Profiles

EVERY YEAR, LOCALS 175 & 633PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR BOTH

STEWARDS AND MEMBERS TO LEARN

MORE ABOUT THEIR UNION. BELOW

ARE TWO OF THE PARTICIPANTS FROM

THE MEMBERS’ COURSE, WHICH WAS

PRESENTED EARLIER THIS YEAR.

Tonderai Chirara is a landedimmigrant fromZimbabwe insouthernAfrica. Hebegan workingas a generallabourer atMaple LeafPork in Burlington in 2006. It’shis first job in Canada.

In Zimbabwe, where he was amortgage administrator, he was amember of the CommercialBankers Workers’ Union. So whenhe saw the flyer for the Members’Scholarship award, he thought itwould be a good opportunity tolearn more about his Union andthe labour laws in Canada. Herecommends the course, “espe-cially for newcomers,” as beinghighly educational. He was partic-ularly impressed to learn aboutthe Union’s proactive Health &Safety programs and the Training& Education courses, which areopen to both members and theirfamilies.

Amanda Benoit,who is a newUnion steward ather PharmaPlus store inParis, saysapplying for theMembers’Scholarship award was “the bestthing I ever did.”

She found the course to be veryeducational and especially likedlearning more about WSIB, Health& Safety issues and the LocalUnion’s online education program.She says she’s learned so much and“the instructors are awesome!”

TO APPLY – OR LEARN MORE ABOUT

THESE COURSES – VISIT OUR WEB SITE

OR CALL YOUR REGIONAL OFFICE .

Staff Changes


Working Famil ies celebra

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LABOUR DAY

The Toronto parade, as usual, involved thousands of working people. Theycame with family, friends and co-workers to support their Unions andOrganized Labour. They made the long march from University Avenue (somestarting as far north as Dundas) to the Dufferin Street entrance of theCanadian National Exhibition (CNE). This year, they were provided withorange wristbands, assuring them complimentary admission to the CNE andOntario Place.

Hamilton too attracted hundreds of Union members, who enjoyed a shorterparade followed by a BBQ in Dundurn Park. Around the rest of theprovince, workers also enjoyed celebrating with other Union members atparades and other gatherings in locations such as Cornwall, Guelph,Kenora, Kingston, London, Port Hope, Sarnia, Thunder Bay, Sudbury andWindsor.

MEMBERS FROM ACROSS

THE PROVINCE CELEBRATED

THE 2007 LABOUR DAY

HOLIDAY ON MONDAY,SEPTEMBER 3.

WINDSOR

SARNIATHUNDER

BAY

KINGSTON


rate Labour Day

OCTOBER 2007 11

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PORT HOPE

TORONTO

SUDBURY

HAMILTON KENORA

CORNWALL

LONDON


Teresa Mummery and Stephanie Wass

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WORKPLACE NEW

S

Apple bobbing is a traditional Halloweengame . . . but apples areserious business formembers who work atNorfolk Fruit Growers

Members at Norfolk Fruit in Simcoeare employed by a co-operative grow-ers’ association covering 3,000 acresof orchards that produce almost 20 percent of Ontario’s apples.

The workforce of 60-plus full timers arekept busy for most of the year whenthey receive, wash, sort and packapples for consumption in Canada andaround the world. During the slowestseason, a smaller crew handles plantmaintenance and shipments from thefacility, which can store more than amillion bushels under optimal climate-controlled conditions.

All around the plant workers handleevery apple with a delicate touch andloving care. Fork Lift operators are keptbusy throughout the year, gently liftingboxes and bins of apples, moving themfrom farm truck to processing, then tocold storage and back out to market.

Plant workers oversee the washing andgrading then tenderly pack each apple.Those apples that are bruised or mis-shapen are removed to be used forapplesauce and juice production.Quality control workers ensure thatpests are managed and harvesting isdone at the optimal time. No apple ispicked or shipped to market before orafter it reaches its best quality.

Fruit may travel to consumers as faraway as the United Kingdom, Indo-nesia, Sri Lanka, Central America, theCaribbean and South America. Var-ieties include Empire, McIntosh, RedDelicious, Northern Spy and Ida Red.You can find them in your local super-market under the brands of Norfolk,Golden Garden and Orchard Crisp orpurchase them at the plant’s retailstore, which is open from earlySeptember until late spring or earlysummer. More info at www.nfga.ca.

Workers process 3,000 acres of apples

Karen Vidler


OCTOBER 2007 13

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Dorothy Kriston Dave Thompson

Philip Klassen

Beth Moulton

Ken Hutchinson

Evelyn Coleman


NEGOTIATIONS

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Health care members win new contracts

Members at several retirement and nursing home facilities have ratifiednew contracts this year. They include:

Workers at the Caressant Care Retirement Home in Fergus reached a new three-yearagreement on April 11, 2007, which includes:• Wage increases of 2.5 per cent plus 15 cents per hour pay equity retroactive to January 1, 2007.• In the second year, wages increase by 2.5 per cent plus 5 cents per hour and an additional

15 cents per hour for pay equity.• And in the third year, wages increase by 2.5 per cent plus 6 cents per hour and 15 cents per

hour pay equity.• Contributions to the Canadian Commercial Workers Industry Pension Plan (CCWIPP) dental

contributions and vision care coverage increase. Union Negotiating Committee: Shirley Holmes, Brenda Montgomery and Union Rep RoyReed.

Workers at Trenton’s Crown Ridge Place Nursing Home voted unanimously in favour of anew three-year collective contract on May 3, 2007, with:• Important new Health & Safety language addressing workload. • Increases of 2.5 per cent in each year for all rates and classifications. • A new weekend shift premium adds 10 cents per hour, retroactive to April 1, 2007 increas-

ing to 15 cents in the second year and 20 cents in the third year.• Company contributions to CCWIPP increase by 8 cents per hour over the life of the contract.• Improvements to vacations, dental and health plans.Union Negotiating Committee: Sylvia Leckey, Faye Lemmermeyer, Hollie Rodd andUnion Rep Marilyn Lang.

In Mississauga, Erin Mills Nursing Home members voted in favour of a new three-yearcontract on May 29, 2007, which includes: • Wage increases between 40 cents and $1.20 per hour in each year. • Dental contributions increase by 1 cent per hour in each year of the contract.• Payment in lieu of benefits improves to 7.5 per cent as of January 1, 2008 and 8 per cent

effective January 1, 2009.• Company contributions to CCWIPP increase by a total of 5 cents per hour. Union Negotiating Committee: Lurline Brown, Val Turner, Agnes Villanueva, MarciaWilson and Union Rep Dan Serbin.

On May 30, 2007, members at Briton House in Toronto ratified a new three-year collectiveagreement.• All wages and classifications increase by 2.75 per cent in each year with the first increase

retroactive to November 18, 2006.• Full-time and part-time vision care coverage improves and eye exams are covered up to

$80 every 24 months.• Pension contributions increase to 60 cents per hour as of January 1, 2008, and 65 cents per

hour effective January 1, 2009.• Full-time health and welfare contributions increase to $166 by the final year of the con-

tract. Employer contributions for part-time workers’ benefits increase to 46 cents per hour over the duration of the agreement.

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

New deal for retailgrocery workers atLoeb SouthgateThe approximately 97 union members at LoebSouthgate in Ottawa secured a new collectiveagreement on April 1, 2007, with:• End rate increases of 30 cents per hour for

both full and part-time in each of years one, two and three.

• Additionally, in each of the final three years, end rate workers receive lump sum payments equivalent to a raise of 50 cents per hour.

• Workers benefit from improved vision care coverage, including an eye exam allowance, and a 30 per cent increase to the company’s pension contributions.

• The contract sets out provisions for the move-ment of the workers’ health and welfare benefits to a Union Trusteed Benefit Plan.

• Workers now have reduced qualifiers for hol-iday pay.

• Other improvements include increased relief pay and premiums for night workers as well as a new premium for evening work and an improved uniform allowance.

Union Negotiating Committee: JustinBraganza, Mathew Parks, Cathy Rideoutand Union Reps Jacques Niquet and SimonBaker.

continues on page 16 . . .


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The 192 new members at the Allan Candy Company in Hamilton secured their first collectiveagreement at a meeting held July 28, 2007. Highlights of the two-year contract include:• A signing bonus of $250 plus end rate increases of 10 cents per hour effective January 1, 2008 and

another 30 cents per hour in the second year based on the performance of the plant.• The company will contribute to the UFCW Trusteed Dental plan and the UFCW Benefit Trust Fund

health and welfare plan.• Workers will participate in CCWIPP to which the company will contribute at a rate of 60 cents per

hour on behalf of the workers who has completed their probationary period.• Enhanced provisions include two new sick days per year and severance to a maximum of 35 weeks.• Contract language establishes a grievance procedure to protect the members and the provisions of

their agreement.• In addition to standard contract language, other provisions include health and safety language, lay

off and recall steps, job posting procedure, leaves of absence and hours of work.Union Negotiating Committee: Octavio Costa, Rafaelle Iannone, Mario Milazzo, Union Rep PaulJokhu and Central West Director Harry Sutton.

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

New members at Allan Candy achieve first contract

of 25 cents per hour for Saturday work and all employees working on Sunday receive double time pay.

• Overtime will be paid after 42 hours worked instead of 44.

• The workers now receive short-term disability coverage and they also benefit from improved eye glass coverage of $250 and chiropractic coverage of $300.

• Workers receive a half day off for both Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.

• Part-time staff will be scheduled based on seniority and three full-time jobs have been added to the bargain-ing unit.

• Language establishes a grievance procedure to help better protect the members’ jobs and the provisions laid out in the collective agreement.

Union Negotiating Committee: TracyDerry, John Goody and Union RepChris Fuller.

Members at the Northumberland CountyMaterial Recovery Facility in Grafton votedin favour of their first collective agreement at ameeting held June 7, 2007. The two-year contractcontains monetary improvements and importantlanguage for the approximately 50 members ofthe bargaining unit, including the following high-lights:• Wages increase by 3 per cent in both the first

and second year of the contract term.• Maintenance workers receive a shift premium

First contract for members at Grafton recycling facility


NEGOTIATIONS

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• Language improvements cover: unused sick days being paid out at 100 per cent; improved definitions of hours of work; better bereavement leave; and an improved uniform allowance.

Union Negotiating Committee: Christine Pascal, Val Spencer, Maria Desumala, EvlaliaFerrer and Union Rep John Di Falco.

Members working at Grandview Lodge in Dunnville have approved new contracts. Improvements for the full and part-time Service Workers, ratified on June 14, 2007, byHealth Care Aides and other workers covered by this new three-year contract, include:• Across-the-board wage increases providing a total increase of 8.95 per cent with the first

increase retroactive to September 26, 2006. • The weekend premium increases to 35 cents per hour worked.• Improved language covers scheduling, grievance procedure and vacations. • Eligible workers receive $150 per year toward the purchase of uniforms, $150 per year for

safety footwear and increases to vision care coverage.• An improved calculation for part-time employees’ vacation weeks increases opportunities

for more vacation time and earnings.

At the same facility, the Registered Nurses ratified a new two-year contract on July 6, 2007,which includes:• Wage increases in the first year up to $1.10 per hour and in the second year up to $2.29

per hour.• The shift premiums increase, up to $1.30 per hour for afternoons, $1.55 for nights and

$1.70 per hour for weekends. • Improved language addresses grievance procedures, seniority and bereavement leave, plus

agreed to language includes improved rights and responsibilities for the workers’ Joint Health & Safety Committee concerning violence, needlestick injuries and Musculoskeletal injury prevention and control.

Union Negotiating Committee for Service Workers: Sandy Cook, Ingrid Finch, JimFleming, Judy Hare, Kathy Robins, Kathy Sitter and Union Rep Matt Davenport. For the Registered Nurses the committee consisted of Cathy Hill and Union Rep MattDavenport.

On April 12, 2007, members at the Kenora Pepsi Distribution facility secured a new three-yearcontract, which provides: • A lump sum payment of between $1,000 and $1,500 plus subsequent increases of 3 or 4 per cent

in both the second and third year of the contract term for Schedule ‘A’ workers.• Increases totalling 6 per cent for the Lead Warehouse Tech.• Shift premiums increase to 65 cents per hour for overnight work and lead hand. Additional

improvements apply to vacations, bereavement leave, apparel and meal allowance.Union Negotiating Committee: Jeff DeGagne, Craig Metail and Union Rep David Noonan.

At a ratification meeting held May 31, 2007, members at Coca-Cola Bottling in Thunder Bayapproved a new collective agreement. The contract includes:• Wage increases of 2 per cent retroactive to May 1, 2007, and an additional 7.25 per cent over the

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

Soft Drink workers gain new agreements

On April 10, 2007, the 75-member bar-gaining unit at ADM Milling in PortColborne approved a new three-yearcontract which includes: • Wage increases totalling 7 per cent

retroactive to December 1, 2006.• Increases in Life Insurance and AD&D

plus Weekly Indemnity rises to $480. • Defined pension benefits increase

annually, reaching $33 per month in the final year on all past and present years of service amounting to a 10 per cent increase in the pension benefits.

• Vision care coverage increases to $125, workers receive $375 toward the cost of safety boots and improved lan-guage covers the grievance procedure.

Union Negotiating Committee: LeoCaron, Rolf Numsen, Rudy Vink andUnion Rep Kelly Tosato.

Members of the bargaining unit at ADMMilling in Mississauga ratified thecompany’s offer on May 7, 2007, whichincluded: • Wage increases of 3 per cent retro-

active to February 25, 2007. Subsequent increases are 2 per cent in both the second and third year.

• Hourly shift differentials increase to 65 cents for the 2nd shift and 75 cents for the 3rd shift.

• Pension benefits increase to $30 per month per year of service effective February 1, 2008 and to $31 per

month per year of service on February 1, 2009. Additionally, company match-ing contributions to the workers’ RRSP stock purchase plan increase to a maxi-mum of 4 per cent.

• Life Insurance and AD&D coverage each increase to $30,000 and the safety shoe allowance to $100.

Union Negotiating Committee: FernandoPimental, Carlos Travassos and UnionRep Paul Jokhu.

continues on page 17 . . .

Members at ADMMilling vote for newcontracts

Health care members win new contractscontinued from page 14 . . .


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course of the contract term for all inside and outside workers.• The merchandiser rate increases to $16.50 per hour, from $11.50.• Language improvements cover layoff and bumping rights, and call out.• Workers receive two floaters days per year.Union Negotiating Committee: Paul Meunier, Yvan Pellerin and Union RepColby Flank.

The approximately 88 members working at Coca-Cola Bottling in Ottawasecured a new three-year collective agreement on May 6, 2007, which includes: • Wage increases of 35 cents per hour in the first year, 40 cents per hour in

both the second year and third year, plus a signing bonus of $300.• Retroactive pay of 59 cents per hour includes hours worked between

December 1, 2006 and May 7, 2007.• Health & Welfare improvements, effective December 2007, include:

Increases in Short-Term Disability (STD) to $600 per week, Long-Term Disability (LTD) to $2,400 per month, Life Insurance increases to $50,000, plus new AD&D provides coverage of $100,000.

• Improvements to vacation language as well as tool and safety shoe allowance.

• Company contributions to CCWIPP increase by a total of 62 cents per hour.

• Severance pay, offered to most senior employees first, provides two weeks pay per year of service, up to 72 weeks.

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

On May 27, 2007, the 84 members at the Coca-Cola Bottling facilityin Barrie approved a new collective agreement, which provides: • Wage increases of $2 and $2.60 per hour with the first increase

retroactive to January 1, 2007.• Life Insurance increases to $40,000, Weekly Income Benefits to $600

and Long-Term Disability to a maximum monthly benefit of $2,400. • Company contributions to CCWIPP increase by a total of 42 cents

per hour.• A new tool allowance provides every Equipment Service worker up to

$240 per year toward the purchase of necessary tools. • Improved language outlines a system of accumulating points for uni-

form items for both inside and outside workers and other changes improve job security related to technological changes made by the company.

• New language establishes the position of Sales Equipment Trainee as part of the wage scale.

Union Negotiating Committee: Marc Brunelle, Chris Warnaar, ScottWoodland and Union Rep Rob Nicholas.

Soft Drink workers gain new agreements

Members from the Ottawa Coca-Cola plant (below) applauded approval of their new contract, while listening to Negotiating Committee members(left to right): John Stewart, Doug Kowal, Eastern Regional Director Dan Lacroix, Union Rep Daniel Mericer, Normand Lacroix and Serge Leblanc.

continued from page 16 . . .


TORONTO MEAT PACKERS COLLECT $1,911Members at the Quality Meat Packers (QMP) and Toronto AbbatoirsLimited (TAL) facility enjoyed a lunchtime BBQ on Friday, August 10, whichraised $1,911. It was organized by the Union Committee. It included: UnitChairperson, Frank Menezes, QMP Chief Steward John Caldeira andStewards Abraham Selvarasa, Herman Tausendfrende, Ricardo Simoesand Verrapathi Kulanthavadival, as well as TAL Stewards Joe Silva andChristian Dionne.

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FUNDRAISING

M o r e s u m m e r e v e n t s r a i s e a n o t h e r $

MEMBERS AT GRAND

RIVER POULTRY RAISE

$360On Thursday, July 19,members at Grand RiverPoultry in Paris enjoyed achicken BBQ that raised$360.

Union Stewards - Barb Farquhar (aboveon left) and Betty Hartsgrove helpedorganize and run the Paris BBQ.

Above: Helpers & participants at the BBQ included, from back left: Central West Regional Director, HarrySutton, Union Representative Dan Serbin, QMP Chief Steward John Caldeira, Servicing Representatives LienHuynh & Sam Caetano. In front: Plant Chairperson Frank Menezes and TAL Chief Steward Raul Freitas.

Workers at Good Humor/Breyers enjoyed a BBQ on Tuesday, July 24. Theevent raised $850. Nicole Petrella of the Light Labour Department was out-standing, as usual, in her dedi-cation to raising money forleukemia research. ChiefSteward Tim Dedrick andSecretary-Treasurer ShawnHaggerty assisted Nicole withthe BBQ along with UnionRepresentatives Rick Hogueand Sam Caetano.

GOOD HUMOR/BREYERS MEMBERS DONATE $850

HERE ARE SOME OF THE RECENT FUNDRAISING EVENTS THAT MEMBERS ORGANIZED TO RAISE MONEY FOR THE LEUKEMIA &LYMPHOMA SOCIETY OF CANADA (LLSC) TO FUND CANADIAN RESEARCH INTO LEUKEMIA AND OTHER BLOOD-RELATED CANCERS.OUR SINCEREST THANKS GO TO ALL THE PARTICIPANTS, ORGANIZERS, SPONSORS AND VOLUNTEERS WHO GIVE SO GENEROUSLY

OF THEIR TIME, TALENTS AND MONEY.


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$ 2 4 , 6 4 5 f o r l e u k e m i a r e s e a r c h

RIDE FOR A CURE NETS $18,206On Saturday, August 11, the 3rd annual UFCW Ride for a Cure, undersunny skies, with a newly incorporated Poker Run, raised an amazing$18,106!

“What a tremendous day, a gorgeous ride and wonderful camaraderieamong all the riders,” said first-time participant Pearl Sawyer, ExecutiveVice President of UFCW Local 1000A, who joined in the event with herhusband. “You can be sure I will attend this annually to support such a greatcause.”

Beginning at the Local 175 Mississauga office, the four-hour scenic drivetook in many local attractions including Terra Cotta, Cheltenham Badlands,Hockley Valley, the Loretto Inn and the Forks of the Credit. In total, 51 ridersand volunteers participated in this year’s event, which brought supportersfrom all over the province including Beaverton, Sudbury, Ottawa and evenrider John Watson, who joined us from St Louis, Missouri.

This event held special meaning for one rider, Barry Mailloux, whose familyhas been affected by cancer. “I am honoured to ride and participate in thiswonderful event,” said Barry. “I am touched by the support of so many onthis great day.”

Plans are underway for next year’s event, which promises to be bigger andbetter. So motorcycle enthusiasts, mark your calendar for August 2008. Wewill hold a special draw for each returning rider who brings an additionalnew rider to this event.

For those wishing to support this excellent cause, we still have a limitednumber of t-shirts available for $20 each in a variety of men’s and ladies’sizes. Please contact Dave White at [email protected].

THUNDER BAY GOLF TOURNAMENT CONTRIBUTES $3,318On Saturday, July 21, 55 golfers teed off for the 9thAnnual UFCW 175 Leukemia Golf Tournament at theNorthern Lights Golf Course in Thunder Bay. Volunteersincluded Tracy Stubbs on the registration table. DaveNoonan and Barrett Haggerty supervised the chippingcontest while Alex Stubbs, Carol Margarite and ColbyFlank organized the food and prizes. Local 175 Secretary-Treasurer Shawn Haggerty welcomed all the participantsand later served as master of ceremonies announcing eachteam, from the first place to the most honest team. It was aperfect day, warm with a nice breeze. Everyone walkedaway with a prize and a good feeling for helping to raise$3,318 for leukemia research.

Former Safeway member Marlene Racic joined Canada Malting's ErnieBuckman (Steward), Dale Simon (Executive Board) & Bill Arvelin.

For more information, including a complete listof 2007 sponsors, awards and prize winnersplus more photos of the event please visitwww.ufcwrideforacure.ca


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Return postage will be paid by:

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

Canada Post Corporation Publication Agreement No. 40064671


Checkout October 2007

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