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

Benefits & Services for Members

Scholarships

Barn Layoff & Closure Program a Tremendous Success

Negotiations Concluded Successfully for 12 Ontario Sobeys Stores

VOLUME XIINO. 1WINTER2003

CENTRAL EAST REGIONDirector

Jerry CliffordUnion Reps

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

CENTRAL WEST REGION

Director Harry Sutton

Union Reps Joe DeMelo, Linval Dixon, Chris Fuller, Shawn Haggerty,

Paul Jokhu, Fernando Reis, Kelly Tosato

SOUTH CENTRAL REGIONDirector

Sharon GallUnion Reps

Judith Burch, Matt Davenport, John DiNardo, Kevin Dowling,

Sylvia Groom

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

Legal Department Director Larry Fisher

Legal Counsel Naveen Mehta, Georgina Watts

Benefits Coordinator Herb MacDonald

Benefits Representatives Sheree Backus, Karl Goennemann

UFCW LOCAL 175President

Wayne HanleySecretary-Treasurer

Jim AndressRecorder

Betty PardyExecutive Assistants

John Fuller, Jim Hastings

UFCW LOCAL 633President

Dan BondySecretary-Treasurer

Roy ReedRecorder

Neil Hotchkiss

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

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

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

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

Thunder Bay Update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Leukemia Fund-Raising Update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

PEOPLEStaff Changes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Staff Retirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

NEGOTIATIONSNegotiations ConcludedSuccessfully for 12 Sobeys Stores . . . .

Canadian Harvest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

First Contract Agreement Reached at Funeral Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Quality Inn Woodstock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Good New Agreement Reached for Grober Inc. Workers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Gananoque Home Hardware Workers Make Gains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Members at Protexion Products Ratify . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Shoe Workers Ratify . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

BENEFITS & SERVICES FOR MEMBERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

CONFERENCESFirst UFCW Locals 175 & 633 Health Care Conferencea Huge Success . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Stewards Seminars . . . . . . . . . . .

ARBITRATIONS Sobeys Workers Win Holiday-Pay Dispute . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Labour Board Upholds Local 175 Successor Rights in Ingersoll . .

Indemnity Payments Increased for Worker at Maple Leaf Pork . . . .

Worker’s Vacation Rights Affirmed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

SCHOLARSHIPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

TRAINING & EDUCATIONBarn Layoff & Closure Program a Tremendous Success . . . . . .

Members and Stewards Scholarship Courses Awards . . . . . . . .

YOUTH NEWS . . . . . . . . . . . .

Graphic design - ARTiFACT graphic design

Published three times yearly. ISSN no. 1703-3926

CONTENTS

UFCW LOCAL 175

Secretary-Treasurer

ISSN no. 1703-3926

WINTER 2003

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

NORTHERN REGIONRoom 21, Lakehead Labour Centre929 Fort William RoadThunder Bay P7B 3A6 807-346-4227Toll free 1-800-465-6932Fax 807-346-4055 DirectorSharon GallUnion RepresentativesColby Flank, Bill Kalka

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

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

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

ASI write this column today, Ontario has been ruled by “progressive” conservative governments

for seven years and seven months. Collectively and individually we have all paid, and will continue to pay, a very high price for the policies that this government has inflicted on every man, woman and child in the province. Virtually no area has escaped its compulsive obsession for change and insistence on quick fixes, usually to the detriment of the individual or institution involved.

Look at agriculture. Bob Rae’s NDP government passed legislation in 1993 (after many months of consultation with labour, farmers and government representatives) which gave farm workers the right, which is already enjoyed by most other workers in Ontario, to bargain for better wages and safer working conditions. The Mike Harris government wiped out this well thought-out legislation that carefully balanced the interests of all parties and then it took away rights that had already been granted to these easily-exploited workers.

Local 175 represented a number of workers in the cleaning industry who also suffered as a result of this government’s policies when it passed legislation that took away “successor rights”. Until Mike Harris changed the law, office cleaners, who are often vulnerable immigrant women, could count on a good collective agreement to assure them pay in excess of the minimum wage and usually a relatively good benefits package as well. “Successor rights” meant that their jobs and collective agreements were protected, even if their employer lost the cleaning contract on a particular building. The new employer was required, by law, to keep the former employees and their collective agreement in force. But not after Harris rewrote the legislation. Now a contractor can underbid the existing one by using non-union workers, at minimum wage, without benefits. It’s a practice that might look good, initially, on a balance sheet for business, but it’s false economics that costs us all. Underpaid, exploited workers who are struggling to get by are generally not able to give back to the community or contribute to the economy. Often they are dependent on social services just to survive.

The damage that this government has inflicted on the education and health care systems is well-known. Deep cuts have jeopardized these systems in Ontario when previously we had some of the best education and health care in the world. This conservative

government prides itself in being pro-business and presumably following good business practices. But no respectable business would fail to invest back into the business, as this government has done. No respectable business would kill the goose that lays the golden eggs, but this government, through it’s attacks on our education, health care, social and labour protection systems has done just that to the future of the province. When you invest in these systems you build a healthy, self-sustaining society. When you under

WAYNE HANLEY

Pres

iden

t’s M

essa

ge

CONT. ON PAGE 4

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

PLEASE VOTE AND BEFORE YOU DO, READ, LISTEN, EVALUATE, AND CONSIDER WHAT EACH

CANDIDATE’S POSITION WILL MEAN TO THE

FUTURE FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.

JUST a few months ago, my

column focussed on the pitfalls of selling off our publically-owned electrical utilities with the probability of skyrocketing costs and power shortages. Fortunately we haven’t seen much of the latter, as yet, but we’ve certainly experienced the former. So much so that the government decided to mail out rebate cheques. Whether the rebates will be enough, soon enough, remains to be seen. Many businesses and home

owners are already reeling from the unbearable increases with which they’ve been assaulted.

The mind-set of this government is pro-privatization, pro-business, and pro-profit. None of those things are wrong, in themselves. BUT there is a very important place for public services and public institutions. We should not allow business to profit from essential public services, such as electricity, water, health care and education. These essential services must be readily available, and affordable, to all citizens.

For these types of essential services, only the public service is willing and able to provide them to everyone at a reasonable cost. If you look at health care or education

in the United States, you will generally find that these institutions, which are more often privately operated, cost more and deliver less. Additionally, high quality health care and education, when they’re privatized, are generally affordable and accessible only to a small segment of the population.

The only people that benefit from the privatization of essential services are the corporations and the shareholders. Generally wealthy individuals prosper while middle class and poorer families, including children, pay the price. As governments cut back on public services, some of us may see a reduction in our taxes, but it’s not really a savings when we end up paying more in higher rates or other forms of user fees. Do you agree?

You’ll have a chance to vote for a new government in Ontario sometime in the next few, or perhaps several, months. Whichever, I urge you to reflect on the turmoil that privatization has caused already and ask that you get involved and pledge to elect a government, such as the NDP, which is committed to keeping Ontario’s public institutions public, for the benefit of all the citizens of this province.

fund, the systems break down and it costs us all much more in the long run. It may not be obvious immediately, but eventually the cracks start to show.

That’s what’s happening now. Most people can see the problems and so the government, at last, is suddenly finding lots and lots of money which it says will fix these problems. All that money probably means there will be an election soon. I hope all of you will look carefully at the performance of this government over the last seven years, evaluate the platforms of all the electoral candidates and cast your vote accordingly.

The staff at Locals 175 & 633 work very, very hard to provide you with the best collective agreements and the best possible lifestyle. Please appreciate, whether you like politics or hate it, we all have to live with the outcomes and the constraints that every government’s philosophy, policies and legislation place on working people. Its policies and legislation will affect the quality of your family’s life. Please vote and before you do, read, listen, evaluate, and consider what each candidate’s position will mean in the future for you and your family.

CONT. FROM PAGE 3President’s Message

Secretary-Treasurer’s Message

JIM ANDRESS

HIGH QUALITY HEALTH CARE AND EDUCATION, WHEN THEY’RE PRIVATIZED, ARE GENERALLY AFFORDABLE AND ACCESSIBLE ONLY TO A SMALL SEGMENT OF THE POPULATION.

WINTER 2003

KEEP

IN

TOUC

H

JSeptember 29, 2002

Mr. Herb MacDonald, Benefits Coordinator

Mr. Karl Goennemann, Benefits Representative

UFCW Local 175412 Rennie St.Hamilton, Ontario L8H 3P5

Brothers:

Thank you for your hard work in helping with the compensation claim. Your efforts and professional-ism were a good example for our members and all working people in need.

Great job!In SolidarityMike Svab

Thunder Bay Update:AFTER more than 14 months of picketing, now against their former employer Canada Safeway, approximately 225 workers enjoyed receiv-ing food items for their Thanksgiving dinners. Everyone was surprised and delighted to receive a family-size bird as well as stuffing, potatoes and vegetables. The distribution was organized by Local 175’s Kitchen Cupboard distribution centre which provides food to any former Safeway members who wish to use the service. A similar drive took place at Christmas.

Leukemia Fund-Raising Update:THE first annual Leukemia Payroll Deduction Drive at R.P. Scherer Hardcapsule in Windsor raised an astounding $4,000 or $57.15 per capita from the 70 workers. Much of the success of the campaign was due to the efforts of Steward Tom Jackson who did an excellent job promoting the program. Congratulations to all the workers at this company which produces gel caps for the pharmaceu-tical industry.

Nellie Dedura, Coreen Haichuck, Barb Carr and Kitchen Cupboard Supervisor Linda Kennedy prepare to distribute the turkeys.

JWayne E. Hanley

2200 Argentia Rd.Mississauga, Ontario L5N 2K7

Dear Wayne Hanley:

I am writing you in regards to the Stewards seminar held November 17, 2002. Your staff did a great job. The instructors were all very good and did a terrific job teaching and sharing their own experiences and knowledge.

Harry Sutton did a great job in organiz-ing this seminar and arranged for a nice night out as well.

I was very surprised to receive my cer-tificate in Labour Studies from McMaster University and Mohawk College at the Steward’s dinner. Your staff surprised me and invited some of the people who have worked and helped to guide me in the last three years. To see Charlotte Yates

from Mc Master University, Pat McDonald of Mohawk College and Don Fraser from Hamilton Labour Council come out and show their support was overwhelming.

Victor Carrozzino has given me much support and guidance in reaching the goals I had set for myself in Labour Studies. I have seen the class sizes increase over the last three years. Labour Studies is a very important part of the past and the future for the Labour move-ment.

Sharon Gall and Sylvia Groom have been a great inspiration when I needed it. The staff of UFCW all did a great job at the seminar and they work very hard to make it a good and comfortable learning experience for all stewards. Thank you all for the support and leadership you have all shown.

In SolidarityNancy McKay

PEOPLE KELLY PROVOST joined the staff at the Locals’ Training & Education Centre on August 5, 2002. Kelly became a UFCW Local 175 member in 1998 when she began working at Horizon Plastics in Cobourg as a student. After graduating from McMaster University with a BA in Labour Relations she became a full-time machine operator and Union Steward at Horizon.

While working at Horizon Plastics she developed an intense Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHIMS) course specifically for Horizon and also a New Employee Training Manual. She is active in the Northumberland & District Labour Council and is currently on the Executive as a Trustee. She also par-ticipated in the Locals 175 & 633 Youth Task Force in 1999 and UFCW Canada’s first National Youth Internship Program in 1999-2000. She currently sits on the Locals 175 & 633 Youth Committee, the Canadian Council Youth Committee and is the UFCW Canada Representative to the CLC Youth Committee.

Kelly is also an experienced Steward Training Instructor and Union Organizer. She is a graduate of Labour College of Canada, Class of 2000.

GRAHAM T. “KIP” CONNOLLY retired as a Director of UFCW Locals 175 & 633 on December 31, 2002 after a nearly 30-year relationship with the union.

His first contact, with what would later become the UFCW, was in 1963 when he worked as a bag-ger at Canada Safeway. After a stint as a miner in Thompson, Manitoba and Salmo, B.C. and later as a paper worker in Port

Alberni, B.C. he joined the UFCW as a member of the predecessor United Packinghouse Workers (UPWA) in 1972 when he began working on the beef-kill floor of Canada Packers in Calgary, Alberta.

In 1973, Kip was elected President of his Local Union (Local 421P), and was successively re-elected until he was appointed a UFCW National Representative in Alberta in 1979. Kip also was elected President of the Union’s Alberta Provincial Council in 1975, and acted as the Council’s part-time business representative until 1979.

As a UFCW National Rep, Kip was responsible for con-ducting numerous sets of negotiations, including the Gainers packinghouse negotiations of 1986. In 1988, Kip was named Industrial Sector Director of UFCW Canada, and moved to the Union’s National Office, located in Toronto. He later became Executive Assistant to the National Director, responsible for overseeing

STAFF CHANGES STAFFRETIREMENT

CHERYL MUMFORD was appointed UFCW Locals 175 & 633’s Communications Representative, effective January 6, 2003. She has been working in the Locals’ Communications Department, on a temporary assignment, since February 2002.

Previously she was at the UFCW Canada National Office where she worked on brochures, banners, buttons, newsletters, magazine articles, media releases, conferences and workshops. Cheryl is a graduate of McMaster University with a major in History and minor in English. She has completed Centennial College courses in writing, photography, public relations, AV production, graphic design and web publishing.

WINTER 2003

UFCW field operations in Canada. He also served as Director of the UFCW National Defense Fund and the Canada Packers and Flour Milling Negotiating Funds, as well as Co-Chair of the Ontario Tripartite Committee on Meat Packing Health & Safety.

In his time at the national office, Kip didn’t have much opportunity to work with Locals 175 & 633 because he says as UFCW’s largest locals they didn’t really need much assistance. Therefore he has especially enjoyed working with the staff and officers of the Locals after joining the Locals’ staff in 1999.

He is highly respected throughout the trade union movement for his dedication and tough leadership. “He didn’t hesitate to make the hard decisions and he never backed down from anything,” says President Wayne Hanley. Kip, who readily admits to being computer illit-erate and technologically challenged, describes himself as “a packing-house worker who got lucky, spending 30 years serving the membership.” He’s looking forward to a well-deserved retirement.

MARK FLANNIGAN retired on December 31, 2002 after a UFCW career that spanned almost 35 years. While still a student he started working part-time at the Loblaws store in the Argyle Mall in London, Ontario and became full-time after fin-ishing high school.

He applied to work for his own local, Local 206 of UFCW’s predecessor union, the Retail

Clerks International Association and was subse-quently offered a position with Local 401 in northern Alberta where he worked as a union representative and organizer.

Over the years he travelled to assignments throughout Canada and assisted in bringing many new members into the UFCW. Two of the larger programs in which he was involved were with non-public funds workers on Canadian Forces Bases (CFB) and in Dominion Stores. He first organized the workers on the base, who work in retail, messes, golf courses, child care, and rec-reation centres, at CFB Cornwallis in Digby, Nova Scotia. Eventually there were about 15 such bargain-ing units which ranged in size from 30 to more than 300 members. He also assisted in organizing the 20

Dominion Stores in Nova Scotia. Mark was a key player in the Atlantic Provinces, spending almost 20 years building UFCW membership.

In 1995 he left the national union to work as the orga-nizing coordinator for Locals 175 & 633. “Mark was responsible for giving the local unions seven years of very successful organizing, which we wouldn’t have achieved otherwise,” says Executive Assistant John Fuller. “Because of Mark’s dedication and expertise, we were able to organize many new members”.

Organizing was a challenge, given the changes in Ontario’s labour legislation. Mark’s proud of his batting average. “We’ve always won more organizing campaigns than we’ve lost in a given year,” he says, “even when the outcome didn’t look too promising.”

And Mark’s still winning more than he’s losing. In the last year he has spear-headed nine successful orga-nizing campaigns for the locals and lost just five. He knows you can’t win them all and admits he’s paid a price in terms of family life because of his career as a union organizer. Nevertheless, looking back, he’s very grateful for the years he’s spent with the UFCW. He enjoys meeting with former non-union members whom he helped to organize. Many of them are now happily involved in the union movement and Mark likes know-ing he has made a difference in their lives. He still enjoys the job but feels it’s time to step aside and give newer members their turn at bat.

PEOP

LE

Member retirement - Central West Region Director Harry Sutton (left) recognizes longtime Union Steward DEODAT SINGH who retired from S. Gumpert on September 13, 2002 after almost 30 years on the job. S. Gumpert produces pie fillings.

NEGOTIATIONS

Negotiations Conclu Successfully for 12 Ontario Sobeys Sto

Members at the Price Chopper at Mavis Road and Bristol Road in Mississauga voted overwhelmingly in favour of their first collective agreement on October 6, 2002.

It provides good first contract language, including a wage progression scale, grievance procedures, extra statutory holidays and vacation progressions as well as dental, health and welfare benefits for full-time workers.“The wage progression scale provides good increases, both now and in the future,” says Central East Regional Director Jerry Clifford. “It guarantees increases in each year, based on the number of hours worked, and also boosts the end rates.” He says many workers will also see significant increases now that the pay scale is tied, for the first time, to the total number of hours they have already worked in the store.

Workers at Price Chopper at Shoppers World in Brampton voted, on December 8, 2002, more than 80% in favour of accepting the company’s most recent offer. “The majority of the membership were satisfied with the company’s latest offer, which was reasonable and compared favourably with contracts at the other stores,” says President Wayne Hanley. He says the 80 members, who were locked out on November 21 in the midst of contract negotiations, avoided the excessive concessions that were origi-nally demanded by the store owner.

Similar offers were ratified, without lockouts, between late August and early November for two Mississauga stores – an IGA located on Dundas Street and the Creditview Price Chopper, as well as for a Toronto IGA store. New three-year agreements were also ratified for the Byng Price Chopper in Oshawa on October 27,

Between August and December 2002, new contracts were negotiated for

the 11 formerly corporate-owned Sobeys stores which were franchised to

various owners under the IGA and Price Chopper banners. A first contract

has also been negotiated for a Mississauga Price Chopper which was

certified on November 1, 2001.

WINTER 2003

NEGO

TIAT

IONS

Negotiations Conclu Successfully for 12 Ontario Sobeys Sto

ded

res

NEGOTIATIONS

the Wentworth IGA in Oshawa on November 24 and the Whitby Price Chopper on November 3. Contracts were ratified for the Gerrard Street Price Chopper in Toronto on November 17 and the Brimley Price Chopper in Scarborough on December 2.

Workers at the Britannia Market IGA in Mississauga ratified a good new agreement on November 7, 2002. Although the workers had voted not to give the negotiating committee a strike mandate during negotiations, they did vote over 80% against the company’s proposals after it sought excessive con-cessions, including a three-year wage freeze and con-tracting-out of bargaining unit work, in a government-mandated final-offer vote on October 22, 2002. The company’s immediate response was to close the store and lock out the workers. After 15 days the company made an improved offer, eliminating virtually all of the concessions.

Members at the Brant Street Price Chopper in Burlington were the first to ratify a new agreement on September 10, 2002, after a 13-day lockout.

“The strength and solidarity of UFCW 175 members enabled us to successfully conclude these challeng-ing negotiations,” says President Wayne Hanley. “We very much appreciate the assistance of all the members, and the general public, who stopped at the picket lines to offer support and encouragement.”

Negotiating Committee members Calvin Weir and Maxine Caron are last to cast their ballots at the Shoppers World Price Chopper ratification meeting.

Negotiating Committee members Tony Greco (left) and Barb Reid, along with Central East Regional Director Jerry Clifford negotiate a first contract for the Mavis Road and Bristol Avenue Price Chopper in Mississauga.

WINTER 2003

Bene

fits

& Se

rvic

es

hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Call Robin McLeod at 1.800.413.7472 to have him nego-tiate a special price for you, on new or used vehicles (all makes and models), including highest market value on trade-ins and discounts on aftermarket items such as extended warranties and rustproofing.

Members are eligible to pur-chase vehicles from Meadow Mills Pontiac Buick in Mississauga at 3% above dealer cost or stock units at 4-5% above dealer cost. To find out more contact Jim Morrison at 905.821.0002.

Members are eligible to pur-chase vehicles from Parkway Plymouth Chrysler in Mississauga at 1.5% over facto-ry invoice. For more information call Carol Rettinger, 905.567.1700.

At Sheridan Chev, Olds, Cadillac dealership in Pickering members can pur-chase or lease in-stock vehicles at 4% over factory invoice or factory-direct-ordered vehicles 3.5% over dealer invoice. (Offer may not apply to select vehicles based on availability). Used vehicles also enjoy preferred pric-

UFCW CANADALocals 175 & 633 Union Savings:Benefits & Services for Members of UFCW Locals 175 & 633

Your UFCW Locals 175 & 633 membership is the key to receiving substantial discounts and special offers from numerous merchants and service providers. Just show your membership card*or if phoning say you’re a UFCW Local 175 or 633 member to receive these special values.

This listing provides just a brief overview of the specials available. For more detailed information please call the retailer or service provider directly.

2200 Argentia RoadMississauga ON L5N 2K7

905-821-8329Toll free: 800-565-8329

Fax: 905-821-7144

WAYNE HANLEYPresident

JIM ANDRESSSecretary-Treasurer

BETTY PARDYRecorder

Audio and Video EquipmentSave up to 40% on Big Screen TVs, TVs, Home Theatre, DVD Players, Cordless Phones and other electronics at C&G Electronics, 732 Kipling Avenue, Toronto. 416.253.1811, offering name brand electronics at ware-house prices.

To purchase your audio or video equipment at 6% above dealer cost, call Daniel, Bruno or Angelo at Center Hi Fi at 905.273.3120. Center Hi Fi Audio Video is located at 1846 Dundas Street East in Mississauga, but will ship or arrange delivery of goods throughout Ontario. Center Hi Fi offers brand name equipment.

New customers receive a 10% discount or special promotion-al prices – whichever is bet-ter – on Star Choice Satellites at Mark’s Electronics, 88B Shoemaker Street in Kitchener. 519.662.9002, 519.896.9488 or 1.888.705.5581. Mark offers free delivery and can arrange installa-tion with an installer in your area.

* New membership cards are being

mailed out to all members in early 2003.

We anticipate that all members will receive

their cards in March.

Automobile Sales & ServiceMembers in Central Ontario can take advantage of Canadian Automobile Association’s (CAA) Corporate Membership Program and save up to 20% off the price of a retail member-ship. CAA membership is per-sonal and protects you in any vehicle you’re in – driver or pas-senger, personal or commercial – anywhere in North America 24 hours a day. Included in your CAA membership are exclusive CAA/AAA discounts, Triptiks, Maps, Tour Books and more. To find out more about the Central Ontario program and the CAA discounts please contact Peggy Andrews at 416.806.2557 or toll free 1.800.341.2226.

Addison on Dundas Limited offers special discounts on purchases or leases of any GM products (except Cadillac, Saturn, Saab or Isuzu). Factory-ordered vehicles will sell or lease for 3% over cost less any applicable rebates; stock units are 4-5% over cost subject to availability. Contact Barb Tate at 905.625.1420.

Auto Resources Leasing Inc. allows members to purchase or lease a vehicle and save

Benefits & Services

ing and members receive a 10% discount off service (excluding Goodwrench Value-priced Menu items), and 15% off on most genuine GM parts. For more infor-mation please contact Hans Heller at 905.683.9333, 905.706.6776 or e-mail: hanshellersheridanchev@

yahoo.ca.

The Speedy Auto Service Discount has just been rene-gotiated. UFCW Locals 175 & 633 members have been renewed in the “Speedy Club”. At any Speedy store in Canada you receive a 15% discount on all regularly-priced ser-vices (excluding tires), a 10% dis-count on tires and a 5% discount on advertised specials. Speedy guarantees every part and repair and its warranties are honoured in every Speedy store nationwide. It also offers free written estimates and never charges more than what you approved. Additionally, it will provide a semi-annual rebate of 1% of total net UFCW Locals 175 & 633 purchases in the form of a donation to the Leukemia Research Fund of Canada.

Car Rentals UFCW Locals 175 & 633 have negotiated agreements with Avis Car Rentals and Budget Rent A Car allowing mem-bers to receive reduced rates on car rentals. To contact Avis Car Rentals for information call 1.800.879.2847 and quote your Avis Discount (AWD) #C078700.

To contact Budget Rent A Car for information call 1.800.268.8900 or 416.622.1000. Quote the UFCW Identification #A-501800.

Cellular Telephones Phone Stellar Communications Group at 905.629.8300 or 1.888.838.8300 to obtain a cur-rent flyer illustrating specials and bonus offers and accesso-ries. Locations: 5120 Dixie Road, Unit 16, Mississauga and Bayview Village Mall, 2901 Bayview Avenue, Toronto. Ask for Graham Shockness on extension #222, or one of his assistants.

Counselling & Financial ProblemsThe UFCW Locals 175 & 633 Crisis Hot Line is avail-able through the Training & Education Centre. Trained Union counsellors are available throughout the province to assist members in dealing with virtually every type of problem including alcohol, drugs, marital and finan-cial. To access the Hot Line please contact the Training and Education Centre between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. at 905.564.2500 or 1.800.728.8902.

Financial Services

UFCW MasterCard options are now being updated. For infor-mation on the new program call 1.800.263.2263.

Funeral ServicesThroughout Ontario Dignity Memorial Funeral Providers will provide a 10% discount on services and merchandise, when purchased together. This discount will also be honoured for those members wishing to Prearrange. It may not be used in conjunction with any other dis-

count or promotion. Locations in Hamilton are:

Cresmount Funeral Home - Fennell Chapel, 322 Fennell Ave. East. 905.387.2111.

Cresmount Funeral Home - Upper James Chapel,1020 Upper James St. 905.575.1154.

Markey Dermody Funeral Home, 1774 King St. East. 905.547.1121.

Swackhamer, Blachford and Wray Funeral Home, 1341 Main St. West. 905.522.9221.

Truscott Brothers Funeral Home, 594 Barton St East. 905.544.5755.

Truscott Brown and Dwyer Funeral Home, 1309 King St, E. 905.549.2417.

In the rest of Ontario, members may find a Dignity Memorial Provider near them at: www.dignitymemorial.com.

Remembrance Services Inc. offers a 15% discount off all funeral purchases and a 10% discount off all cemetery pur-chases. Should you live outside the Toronto or Hamilton area, Remembrance Services Inc. Funeral Home staff may be able to provide you with a contact at an affiliate Funeral Home or Cemetery that would honour this discount, as their parent company has Funeral Homes and Cemeteries across Canada. Remembrance Services Inc. locations in the Toronto area:

McDougall & Brown Funeral Home - Eglinton Chapel 1812 Eglinton Avenue West, at Dufferin St., Toronto 416.782.1197

Ross Craig Funeral Home, 1357 Queen St. West, east of Lansdowne Ave., Toronto. 416.532.4446.

WINTER 2003

Bene

fits

& Se

rvic

esScott Funeral Home - Mississauga Chapel, 420 Dundas St. East, Mississauga, one Block West of Cawthra Rd. 905.272.4040

Washington & Johnston Funeral Home, 717 Queen Street East, Toronto, at Queen & Broadview. 416.465.3577.

At your request, Remembrance Service Funeral Homes may also furnish a leather-bound register book and thank you cards at no extra cost.

GymnasiumsMonster Gym, 840 Ronson Drive in Etobicoke offers a 10% membership discount to UFCW members. 416.243.2503.

Home SecurityReceive a free security system, to protect you against break-in, fire, or emergency, when you sign a three-year monitoring agree-ment. The monthly package costs $25.95 plus GST and includes full warranty on parts and labour. Contact Sears HomeSecurity (operated by Home Protection Plus Inc.) located at 3850 Chesswood Drive, Toronto 416.444.HOME (4663) or 1.800.274.PLUS (7587).

HotelsReceive a 15% discount off bed-room and meeting room rates at the Belaire Hotel Toronto Airport, located at Belfield Road & Hwy 27. Free services include extended parking (up to two weeks, subject to availability), local calls, morning papers, cof-fee and tea. Call 416.241.8513 or 1.866.8.Belair(23 5247). For meetings or other questions ask for James Yang.

Secure a room rate of $99 per night at the Holiday Inn Select, Windsor, located at 1855 Huron Church Road, when you present your union card. Call 519.966.1200 to reserve.

Travel Lodge Inn Hotels & Suites will offer UFCW members a 20% discount on hotel rooms across Canada, subject to room availability. Call 1.800.578.7878, well in advance of your travel date and quote corporate ID: 63744 to receive this discount.

InsuranceBy being a dues-paying member or a retiree of Locals 175 or 633 you are automatically covered for a $1,500 accidental death and dismemberment benefit through American Income Life (AIL) Canada. Life and other insurance products are avail-able. For more information call 416.483.2520 or 1.866.433.0133. For inquiries on existing AIL poli-cies call 1.800.433.3405.

For a fast, competitive, no-obli-gation quote on home & auto insurance call your insurance professionals at: ING Novex, in conjunction with Jardine Lloyd Thompson Canada Ltd., 1.888.999.UFCW (8329). They offer group rates with 24-hour emergency claim service and a no-fee monthly payment plan. There are premium discounts for com-bined policies, multi-vehicle, new home, good driver, mature and claims-free customers as well as for homes that have alarm systems or are mortgage-free.

Save when you call WE Insurance (Working Enterprises Insurance Brokers Inc.) 1.888.908.6466. Great auto and

home insurance group rates are just a phone call away! Offering Better Rates, Better Coverage, Better Service.

JewelleryPresent your union member-ship card at any Finch Centre Jewellers to receive a 25% discount on all regularly-priced watches and jewellery. Locations: 2375 Finch Avenue West, Toronto 416.745.3330; 31 Colossus Drive, #104, Woodbridge, 905.264.6669; 2563 Major Mackenzie Drive, Maple 905.832.2753.

LegalLocals 175 & 633 members are entitled to receive free, unlimited preliminary legal guidance on the telephone by calling LPI LAWCALL at 1.877.529.7768 during business hours. If actual legal services are needed, you can save up to 60% on legal fees by purchasing one of LPI’s optional membership plans.

Real Estate/MortgagesAre there differences between Real Estate Companies when you’re buying or selling a prop-erty? ABSOLUTELY! For all your residential/commercial/investment needs get the smart help you expect and deserve.

In the Greater Toronto Area, as well as throughout the rest of Ontario and North America, professional agents are ready to assist you, your family and friends with the best price, best mortgage and rates with dis-counts on Mortgages, Reduced Real Estate fees and Free Expert Real Estate advice. Call

Benefits & Services

UFCW Locals 175 & 633 publish these specials as a service to members. If you have have had a good, or bad, experience with one of these retailers or service providers, please tell your Union Rep.

All offers, discounts and rates shown are effective as of November 19, 2002 and are subject to change.

Please Tell Us About Your Experience

Wendy LeBlanc Broker Coldwell Banker Properties Unlimited Realty - 416.424.1300. Any ques-tions, feel free to email Wendy: cbpurl@aol.com.

Identify yourself as a UFCW member to ensure that a dona-tion from every transaction goes to the Leukemia Research Fund of Canada (LRFC).

If you are thinking of buying or sell-ing a home in Brampton, Etobicoke, Mississauga, Oakville or West Toronto before you contact a real-tor call Marlene Wright at Homelife Experience Realty Inc. 416.720.6454 or 1.888.581.8898. Save thousands with a low 31⁄2% commission and full MLS exposure. When purchas-ing you can receive $1,000 cash-back towards legal and moving expenses in the locations listed above. Lesser cashback amounts apply in other geographical areas. Additionally you will receive a free mortgage appraisal, up to 1% discount off published mortgage rates and your name entered into a $10,000 sweepstake. As well when you arrange a mortgage through TD Canada Trust, it will make a $50 donation to the Leukemia Research Fund of Canada.

Rust PreventionUFCW Locals 175 & 633 members receive a 10% discount at Ziebart Tidy Car, 2310 Battleford Road (at Erin Mills Parkway), Mississauga. Phone David M. Brown, Owner- Operator 905.821.9131.

ScholarshipsAt least three types of scholarships are offered each year, for UFCW Locals 175 & 633 members and their children, who are studying at a post secondary educational institution.

There are 56 Mckay-Thompson-Hoebink-Gibson Scholarships with a value of $750 each. The next deadline is August 1, 2003 and applications are avail-able from any Locals 175 & 633 offices, Union Reps, or at www.ufcw175.com.

The Canadian Council of the UFCW offers 18 William J. Beggs, Fred Dowling, Romeo Mathieu Scholarships with a value of $500. The next deadline is September 30, 2003 and appli-cations and information are avail-able from UFCW Canada Office of Education, 300-61 International Blvd., Rexdale, ON M9W 6K4. or at www.ufcw.ca. Phone 416.675.1104. Collect calls are accepted from UFCW members.

UFCW Canada also offers two annual UFCW Canada Scholarships with a value of $4,000 and a December 31 deadline. Contact the UFCW Canada Office of Education above for applications.

Additionally, Locals 175 & 633 offer numerous free courses, seminars, and workshops for members throughout the year. To find out more visit our website or call the Mississauga Training & Education Centre 905.564.2500 or 1.800.728.8902.

Travel DiscountsAs part of The Canadian Union Advantage Benefit Program (CUABP) Union Getaway offers savings on travel and destination packages includ-ing special prices on airfares, cruises, hotels, resorts and car rentals. Call 1.866.RELAXNG (1.866.735.2964) to obtain infor-mational brochure or visit the website: www.uniongetawaycanada.com. Please note that rates quoted on the website are in U.S. dollars with Canadian bookings confirmed in Canadian dollars.

Locals 175 & 633 members can receive a 5% discount on vacation packages through Labour Travel. The agency is approved by the International Air Transportation Association (IATA) and your vacation packages are covered under the Travel Industry Council of Ontario’s bankruptcy protection agency. To find out more about this discount or other specials contact Labour Travel at 416.674.0737 or 1.800.265.8357.

Vision CareMembers are eligible to receive a 20% discount on all eyewear through our group vision plan at Lenscrafters locations throughout the province.

WINTER 2003

CONF

EREN

CES

ON September 14-15 about 50 Local 175 stewards and union reps, who work in the health care sector, attended the Locals’ first health care conference at the Mississauga Training & Education Centre.

Program Developer Victor Carrozzino put together an agenda that included topics such as the General State of the Health Care Sector, Trends and Developments in Nursing Homes, New Restraint Laws, Stress and its Effects on Health Care Workers, and Crisis Intervention.

“It was a great day and a half of workshops,” says Dan Lacroix, Eastern Region Director. “We could have used more time, however, as the guest speakers were all so knowledgeable and informative.”

First UFCW Locals 175 & 633Health Care Conference a Huge Success

IN September, October and Novem-ber 2002, President Wayne Hanley attended regional seminars in Thunder Bay, London, Kingston and Hamilton to thank Locals 175 & 633 Stewards for their dedica-tion and hard work on behalf of the members in their workplaces. “The Officers and Staff Reps can not do their jobs without having a strong steward body to rely on,” he said. “It is our obligation and pleasure to provide you with train-ing week-ends.”

Stewards Seminars

Union Rep. Archie Duckworth, (left) introduces President Wayne Hanley, who welcomed participants to the conference.

President Wayne Hanley thanks Stewards.

Northern Regional Director Sharon Gall…

…and Eastern Regional Director Dan Lacroix speak to the Stewards.

Stewards and staff work hard in courses which include Steward Training, Health & Safety and Computers.

NEGOTIATIONS

Canadian HarvestWorkers at Canadian Harvest in St. Thomas voted on September 28, 2002 to accept a new contract which provides increases of 55¢ per hour on September 1, 2002 and another 50¢ on September 1, 2003. By the second year of the con-tract wages will range from $13.24 for entry level to $16.09 for acting supervi-sors. Workers will also receive a $250 signing bonus.

Additionally there are improvements in the safety shoe allowance and bereave-ment leave. The employer has also agreed to contribute 5¢ per hour to the UFCW Locals 175 & 633 Education and Training Fund for all hours paid to bar-gaining unit employees.

“The members are very pleased with this new agreement,” says Union Rep. Wendy Absolom, “which will enable them to go back to the bargaining table again in two years.”

Canadian Harvest workers process food fiber which is an ingredient in cereals, cookies and breads.

Negotiating committee: Jack Craig, Ed Steenbergen and Union Rep Wendy Absolom.

First Contract Agreement Reached at Funeral HomeNew members at Ostrander’s Funeral Home in Tillsonberg voted, on September 24, 2002 by a narrow margin, in favour of ratifying their first collective agreement.

It establishes a starting wage rate, effective January 1, 2003 and depend-ing on classification, of $12.75-$18.27 per hour. By January 2005 the ranges for workers with 60 months experience will increase to $14.62-$21.67.

“The wage increases are significant,” says South West Regional Director Teresa Magee. “And for the first time workers can count on receiving wages that are guaranteed in the collective agreement – which is more valuable than simply a verbal statement.”

Negotiating committee: Mike Sammon and Union Rep Wendy Absolom.

Quality Inn WoodstockMembers at Quality Inn in Woodstock ratified a new agreement on September 24, 2002 which provides the 85 members with across-the-board wage increases of 25¢, 25¢, 20¢ and 30¢ per hour in each year of the contract.

The new contract provides an extra floating holiday and sick day incentive as well as improvements in vacations, shoe allowance and bereavement leave and language. Additionally there is a new voluntary RRSP program, starting in 2003, which requires the employer to match the employee’s contribution to a maximum of $250 per calendar year.

Negotiating committee: Bev Douglas, Nadia Dukes, Rose Walker and Union Rep Wendy Absolom.

Good New Agreement Reached for Grober Inc. WorkersWorkers at two Grober Inc.-owned plants in Cambridge ratified a new agreement on August 29, 2002 which provides impressive gains in wages and benefits. There is an across-the-board wage increase for all workers ranging from 2.7% to 3.1% in each year of the con-tract. Additionally the lead-hand premi-um has increased from 60¢ per hour to $1.00 and the start rate for part-timers from $7.00 to $8.50 per hour. Employer contributions to both the dental plan and CCWIPP will also increase each year reaching 31¢ for dental and 65¢ for pen-sion, per employee, per hour, in the final year of the contract.

Significant improvements have been made in vacations, tool allowance, den-tal and vision care plans as well as in life insurance and AD&D coverage and bereavement leave. For the first time the workers will have both a short-term and long-term disability plan with the employer contributing 50% of the cost. There will also be an extra floating holiday as well as numerous language additions.

“We’ve made tremendous improvements in language,” says Union Rep Rick Wauhkonen.

He says they went into bargaining with 65 proposals and made progress on virtually all of them, The contract, which previously gave the employer several grounds for terminating employees, now says only that they may be disciplined. Language has been improved relating to the grievance procedure, job posting, layoffs and restrictions on temporary workers.

WINTER 2003

NEGO

TIAT

IONS

Shoe Workers RatifyWorkers at the Brown Shoe Company of Canada, in Perth Ontario ratified a new one-year agreement on October 24, 2002.

It provides wage increases of 30¢ per hour with an additional wage adjustment for warehouse employees to conform with the new wage scale. The dental coverage and contribution rate has been improved, as has the bereavement leave. Workers will now be guaranteed time off for sum-mer and Christmas holidays. There are several language improvements related to Health & Safety, anti-harassment, and labour-management procedures.

Union Rep Luc Lacelle says the bargaining went well. The employer has just added a new production line for Naturalizer boots and is amenable to changing compensa-tion for workers from piece work to an hourly wage. There is also a good pos-sibility that more lines will be added to produce additional Naturalizer shoe and boot products by the time the next agree-ment is negotiated in 2003.

Negotiating Committee: Bill Ballantyne, Diane Davis, Tracy Majaury, Lisa Stewart, and Union Rep Luc Lacelle.

The contract covers approximately 18 workers in the Grober division who pro-cess cattle and other forms of animal feed, 85 who work in the Delft Blue veal processing division, and six who work in the new Nutrablend division which makes milk products for human con-sumption.

Negotiating committee: Martin Bakker, Ed Robertson, Paul Sihota and Union Rep Rick Wauhkonen.

Gananoque Home Hardware Workers Make GainsMembers at Home Hardware in Gananoque ratified a new agreement early in 2002. It provides wage improve-ments ranging between 2-3% in each year of the contract, as well as a new wage grid to allow additional hiring.

Improvements have been made in the uniforms, clothing and boot allowance. There is a new anti-harassment policy and an improved Health & Welfare plan.

“This is a good contract which will allow both the members and the business to prosper,” says Union Rep Reg Baughan. Reg says the new owner of the store was concerned about costs. The contract, which provides for the first time a set wage scale and regular increases, has allowed him to accurately project wage costs and facilitate business growth through additional hiring. “We were able to maintain wages for current employees and encourage new hiring, which will benefit everyone,” says Reg.

Negotiating committee: Jim Graham and Union Rep Reg Baughan.

Members at Protexion Products RatifyOn October 1, 2002 Local 175 members at Protexion Products in Guelph ratified an excellent new two-year contract. It provides per-hour wage increases of $1.35 for Coordinators and $2.35 for Maintenance Coordinators. Labour Grade I employees will see an improvement in excess of 10%; the remaining work-ers will receive across-the-board wage increases of 2.75% and 3% in the first and second year of the contract. Shift premiums will increase to 60¢ per hour.

The employer will now pay 100% of the benefit plan costs; the life insur-ance benefit increases to $20,000. The employer has also agreed to pay for Health & Safety training and add to the shoe allowance. Several language improvements have been made relating to grievances, seniority, job postings, vacations, and leaves of absence. The 75-80 members produce life jackets.

Union Rep Rick Wauhkonen says that the company has experienced some busi-ness turmoil in recent years that led to the lay-off of the majority of its non-bargaining unit employees and created difficulties within the bargaining unit. “Fortunately,” he says “improvements have been made and the new manage-ment is doing its part to reward the hard work of the members; some of them are now earning $15-$16 per hour under the ‘modular manufacturing’, or piece work, provisions in the contract.”

Negotiating committee: Judy Bonus, Carol Dawes, Margaret Manser and Union Rep Rick Wauhkonen.

ARBITRATIONS

Sobeys Workers Win Holiday-Pay Dispute

ON August 22, 2002 an arbitrator upheld the right of a group of part-time employ-ees at Sobeys distribution centre in Milton to receive holiday pay, as outlined in their collective agreement. The company had attempted to use the changes in Ontario’s Employment Standards Act to reduce the amount paid to them.

As a result the workers shared an extra payment of approximately $40,000 and will continue to receive holiday pay rates, as defined by their collective agreement, which are more than the minimums out-lined in the Employment Standards Act. “There is no question that the employer must honour the collective agreement,” says Central East Director Jerry Clifford. “Even though the Ontario government has weakened the Employment Standards Act,to the detriment of workers, these union-ized workers will still receive the rates in their original agreement.”

Labour Board UpholdsLocal 175 Successor Rights In Ingersoll

Workers at the Loeb store in Ingersoll, which was owned by Provigo, were certi-fied for representation by Local 175 on April 16, 1998. They ratified a memo-randum of settlement on December 13, 1998 which was to provide them with a collective agreement in effect until April 15, 2000.

After Loblaws (National Grocers) pur-chased Provigo in December 1998, howev-er, the federal Competition Board required Loblaws to divest itself of several stores in locations where it controlled more than 45% of the grocery outlets. Accordingly it closed the Ingersoll store and laid off the employees in August 1999.

Subsequently, in February 2000, the store re-opened , as a franchise of Sobeys, under a Knechtel Foodland banner with

both Sobeys and the Knechtel store fran-chisee contending that the store was not purchased from Loblaws and therefore Local 175 was not the bargaining agent for the workers.

The union disagreed and brought an application before the Labour Relations Board saying that the new Knechtel store was the successor of the original store and therefore effectively represented a sale of a business under section 69 of the Labour Relations Act. On November 29, 2002 the board agreed with the union and required the employer to post a notice advising the workers that Local 175 was indeed their bargaining agent and the col-lective bargaining rights which applied to the Loeb store would now be transferred to the Knechtel store.

“This is a victory for these workers,” says South West Regional Director Teresa Magee. “They have every right to the good working conditions that had already been negotiated for the workers at the former Loeb’s store.”

Indemnity Payments Indemnity Payments Increased for Worker at Maple Leaf Pork

Under the terms of the collective agree-ment at the Maple Leaf Pork Plant in Burlington, workers who receive weekly indemnity payments are required to be compensated at their rate of pay. If they are transferred to higher-paying positions, they are considered to be covered by the higher benefit, as of the day after their transfer to a new classification, and pay a correspondingly higher premium for the extra coverage.

Nevertheless, a worker in a Class 3 Spare Knife position, who was assigned to a Class 4 position, continued to pay the premiums for a Class 3 level, despite the fact that her paid rate was that of a Class 4 worker. When she subsequently needed to claim a weekly indemnity, the employer paid her only at the Class 3 level even

though she had been performing Class 4 work for almost two years.

The arbitrator upheld the union’s griev-ance. He required the employer to pay the worker an indemnity based on her actual paid rate at the time of the claim less any amount owing in the unpaid, extra premi-ums owing to the employer.

“This is clearly the right decision,” says Central West Director Harry Sutton. “This worker’s job requires her to move to differ-ent classifications and she should not be restricted by provisions applying to tem-porary transfers, even when the employer failed to deduct the proper premiums.”

Worker’s Vacation Rights Affirmed

In a December 2002 decision, an arbitra-tor ordered Zehrs to grant a worker the right to three consecutive weeks vacation, during the summer period, in 2003.

The union had grieved the company’s refusal to grant the same worker’s request for the 2002 vacation year, contending that the company was in violation of the collective agreement which contained no clauses that would limit the worker’s entitlement to three consecutive weeks of vacation during the time requested. Management had denied the request, claiming it was not practical.

The arbitrator noted that vacation is an earned benefit and thus the right to utilize the benefit should not be subordinated to the convenience of managers, also noting that any inconvenience to management needs to be weighed against consideration due to an employee of long seniority.

“This is an important decision for work-ers,” says Union Rep Susan Bayne. “They need to know they can rely on the benefits in their agreement, even at those times when management considers granting those benefits to be ‘inconvenient’.”

Sobeys Workers Win

Labour Board UpholdsIndemnity Payments Indemnity Payments

Worker’s Vacation

Union Representative John Di Falco with Shazeen Pirani who works at Pharma Plus #158 in Cloverdale Mall in Toronto.

Union Representative Mike Brennan with Bradley Souvenir who works at Hertz Canada Limited at the Pearson International Airport in Mississauga.

Union Representative Dan Serbin with Cheryl Venus who works at The Briton House Retirement Home in Toronto.

Union Representative Rob Nicholas with Holly Wykes who works at Pharma Plus #281 in Bracebridge.

Union Representative John Di Falco with Ryan Garthson who works at Pharma Plus #3467 in Conestoga Square in Brampton.

Union representative Mike Brennan with Natalie McGovern who works at Brimley Price Chopper in Toronto.

Jennifer McLeod who works at Food Basics in Sault Ste. Marie.

WINTER 2003

SCHO

LARS

HIPS

Central East Region

Union Representative Dan Serbin con-gratulates Wing Chan of Bradgate Arms in Toronto. His daughter, Abbie Chan was a 2002 scholarship winner.

Union Representative Rob Nicholas with Sara Denbok who works at A & P Store #178 in Collingwood.

Erin Fitzmaurice whose mother Kathy Fitzmaurice works at A & P Store # 193 in Huntsville.

ScholarshipsLocals 175 & 633 award 56 Mckay, Thompson,

Hoebink, Gibson Scholarships every year to

members, and their children, who are pursuing

post-secondary education. The names of this

year’s recipients follow.

Sonia Carrusca who works at Zellers #250 in Toronto.

Stacey Currie whose relative Marie Manson works at Bicks Pickles in Dunneville.

Christopher Hough whose father James Hough works at Maple Leaf Pork in Burlington.

Union Representative Paul Jokhu with Alexandra Iancovici whose father Dragoliub Iancovici works at Cadbury Trebor Allan in Toronto.

Christopher Nancoo whose mother Patricia Nancoo works at Erin Mills Lodge in Mississauga.

Kevin Ronson whose father Robert Ronson works at Good Humor Breyers in Simcoe.

Martin Wisniewski whose mother Teresa Wisniewski works at Creditview Price Chopper.

Eastern RegionSusana Baeza whose mother Ana Baeza works at Canadian Linen Supply in Ottawa.

Patricia Dufresne whose mother Rita Dufresne works at Ridgewood Industries in Cornwall.

Tiarella Hanna who works at A & P #561.

Kimberley Hudon whose mother Linda Hudon works at Food Basics #951 in Cornwall.

April Lake whose father Robert Lake works at Weetabix in Cobourg.

Karine Leclair who works at Grenons YIG in Rockland.

Nicholas McIlwain who works at Morello’s YIG in Peterborough.

Patricia Riopelle whose mother Ellen Riopelle works at YIG Arnprior.

Loriann Tyhy who works at Rosebridge Manor in Arnprior.

Ashley Young whose mother Frances Young works at Unilever in Belleville.

Central West Region

Union Representative Kelly Tosato congratulates Adele Acott who works at Zellers store #1045 in Brantford and presents her with a cheque for her daughter Claire Acott.

Central West Director Harry Sutton with Monique Bontsivongsa who works at Maple Lodge Farms in Norval.

Dana Brubacher whose father David Brubacher works at Coca-Cola Brampton.

Northern RegionFrank Ianni whose mother Connie Ianni works at Safeway #664 in Thunder Bay.

Kemberley Laflamme who works at Portside Bar and Grill in Thunder Bay.

Mike Mason who works at Travelodge Airline in Thunder Bay.

Natalie Miharija whose mother Mary Miharija works at Workers Co-Op in Thunder Bay.

Shelby Lynn Mikulinski who works at Westfort Foods in Thunder Bay.

Shown at the Thunder Bay Stewards Conference are Scholarship winners (left to right) Tim Paxton, Natalie Mihariia, Kemberley Laflamme, and Shelby Lynn Mikulinski with Union Representative Colby Flank.

SCHOLARSHIPS

Timothy Paxton who works at A & P #421 in Thunder Bay.

South West RegionJessica Furtney whose father Brian Furtney works at Casco Inc. in London.

Juliusz Gorecki who works at Pharma Plus #2469 in Waterloo.

Brianne Hibma who works at Maple Lynn Foods in Strathroy.

Margaret Lafreniere whose mother Ann Lafreniere works at A & P Drug Basics #511 in Windsor.

Jennifer Lang who works at Food Basics #615 in Hanover.

Sara Theroux whose mother Ruth Kleiber works at Kraft Canada in Exeter.

Jennifer McCabe whose mother Karen McCabe works at Zehrs Food Plus #521 in Windsor.

Union Representative Angus Locke with Meghan Schmidt who works at Pharma Plus #612 in Glasgow Heights Plaza in Kitchener.

Tyler Taylor whose mother Debbie Taylor works at Bluewater Food Market in Corunna.

Natasha Wood whose mother Susan Wood works at A & P #179 in Owen Sound.

South Central RegionRyan Crowley who works at A & P Superfresh #487 in Burlington.

Meghan Crux who works at Ultra Mart #481 in Burlington.

Tania Ferraira who works at Food Basics #937 in Hamilton.

Kristal Gilmour who works at A & P #135 in Barrie.

Tara Jacobs who works at Food Basics #971 in Brantford.

Anita Kappukatt who works at A & P Superfresh #128 in Niagara Falls.

Mike Mammoliti who works at Food Basics #915 in Welland.

Danish Sharif who works at Food Basics #606 in Scarborough.

Amanda Twitchin whose father Michael Twitchin works at Food Basics #945 in Etobicoke, with Union Representative John Dinardo.

Joshua Voros whose father Stefan Voros works at A & P #199 in London.

WINTER 2003

The UFCW Canadian Council awards a total of $5,000 in scholarships every year to allow young members to attend the Labour College of Canada. UFCW Local 175 mem-bers Nancy McKay (left) and Pat Newell were two of the five 2002 recipients chosen from across Canada. Nancy works at the Barn store #210 in Dundas; Pat works at the A&P store #143 in Port Hope.

SCHO

LARS

HIPS

South West Region scholarship winners were presented with their cheques at the regional Conference.

JUST over one year ago, on January 10, 2002, A&P announced to approximately 413 Local 175 members that it planned to close four of the original Barn Market grocery stores in Hamilton.

Because members who work at Barn Market had chosen to have “single store seniority”, workers at the four affected stores were not entitled to move to other area stores owned by A&P. Local 175 was, however, successful in nego-tiating an enhanced severance package, which was approximately three times greater than what is required under the Employment Standards Act (ESA), for both the full-time and part-time members. The Union was also able to secure a commitment from A&P, through negotiations, to providing prefer-ential hiring, upon need, at other A&P-owned stores, including Food Basics and Dominion stores.

Additionally an adjustment com-mittee was established to assist the laid-off workers in securing more training and/or new jobs. The committee began work in mid-February, opening the “The Opening Doors Action Centre” on February 25. Of the 413 eligible members, 216 chose to use the services of the centre, which were located in UFCW’s Hamilton office on Rennie Street.

By the time the Adjustment Committee closed the centre in

November 2002 and held the final wrap-up meeting, just 13 of the workers had not been success-ful in moving on to other endea-vours. “This has been a phenom-enally successful program,” says UFCW Local 175 President Wayne Hanley. “The adjustment commit-tee did an outstanding job and was able to directly help 94% of the workers who sought assistance.” Most of the workers have gone on to other employment. A small per-centage, about 8%, have availed themselves of other options such as full-time training, retirement, workers compensation or mater-nity leave.

Bill Thompson, who is the Ontario government liaison officer respon-sible for overseeing the adjust-ment program noted in his report under “Best Practices”: “Excellent cooperation between Union and Employer; UFCW expertise very useful.” Bill, as well as other com-mittee members noted that laid-off worker Brenda Simmons, who coordinated the program, showed commendable energy and lead-ership which contributed to the program’s tremendous success. Additionally the great results were achieved in an extremely fiscal-ly-responsible manner using only 70% of the allocated budget.

Training Update:Barn Layoff & Closure Program a Tremendous Success

Action Centre Coordinator Brenda Simmons (left) and centre worker Carol Fleg, who were both laid-off by the Barn, participated in the Hamilton Labour Day Parade.

TRAINING & EDUCATION

WINTER 2003

Steward Scholarship Participants: from left, front row: Corinna Homme, Carol Cicchini, Rosemary Biafore, Helen Coghlan; middle row: Betty Hentschel, Joe Zuvic, John Ruyl, Larry Luckhardt, Kevin Fedorchuk; back row: Tom Bell, Tom Jackson, Julio Jiron, Jose Pereira, Doug Hall, Theresa Robinson.

THESE one-week courses are held, twice per year, at the Locals 175 & 633 Training & Education Centre in Mississauga. The course cost, materials and instruc-tion plus lost wages, per diems, transportation and accommodation are all part of the award.

Member Scholarships is an introductory course

designed for new computer users. Stewards Scholar-ships includes union history and activities, organiz-ing, current issues for the Labour Movement…and more!

Call the Training Centre for dates, applications and deadlines for the next series.

Member Scholarship Participants: from left: Kishore Nigam, Training Representative Dave White, Renee Louden, Guest Speaker Walter Lumsden, Jennifer Tran, Felicia Henderson, Cheryl Cassibo, Suzanne Marunde, Diane Renz, Kristy Martyn, Gurinder Gill, Kim Hay Seng, Michael Cappelli, Anita Wilson, John York, and Judith Moore.

Members and Stewards Scholarship Courses Awards

TRAI

NING

& E

DUCA

TION

Return postage will be paid by:

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

Canada Post Corporation Publication Agreement No. 40064671

2002 was a busy and productive year for the UFCW Locals 175 & 633 Youth Committee. In June 2002 a youth delegation par-ticipated in the UFCW Canadian Council Convention in Vancouver, B.C. and also joined the G8 pro-testors in Calgary, Alberta. Youth members were an important presence in labour day parades, all across the province, and in negotiation and strike activities.

If you would like to be included in the contact list for the Youth Committee and find out about activities planned for 2003, send an e-mail to: youth@ufcw175.com.

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

Got Questions About Your Rights At Work?

Due to inexperience and age factors, young workers are vulnerable to being taken advantage of in the workplace. Young workers are often asked to perform unsafe work or aren’t sure if the company is treat-ing them correctly as per the law or collective agreement. If you have questions about your rights at work, contact the Youth Committee and find out the answers!

Want More Information?

If you need more information about your rights at work, or to contact the Youth Committee to discover the many opportunities that exist in your Union, contact us at: youth@ufcw175.com.

Scholarships!

Remember UFCW Locals 175 & 633 offer scholarships, for members or their children, worth $750 to go towards a College or University education. Make the most of your membership! Find out more at www.ufcw175.com.

IMPORTANT DATES 2003Heritage Day February 17

International Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) Day February 28

International Women’s Day March 8

International Day Against Racism March 21

National Day of Mourning for Workers Injured or Killed on the Job April 28

Locals 175 & 633 Annual Hockey Tournament, Oakville IceSports (Call the Mississauga Office) May 2 - 3

Leukemia Walks(contact your regional office for locations) June 8

CONFERENCES 2003

OFL Convention November 24 - 28

STEWARDS SEMINARS

Thunder Bay September 6 - 7

London October 18 - 19

Kingston November 8 - 9

Toronto November 15 - 16

Niagara Falls November 29 - 30