Stewards’ TrainingNew training model announcedPage 5

Workplace FeatureMeet the Firefighters from Owen SoundPage 12

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President’s Message

®

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LOCAL 175 Shawn Haggerty, President; Teresa Magee, Secretary-Treasurer; Betty Pardy, Recorder; Ray Bromley, Al McLean, Harry Sutton – Executive Assistants

LOCAL 633 Dan Bondy, President; Marylou Mallett, Secretary-Treasurer; Neil Hotchkiss, Recorder

DIRECTORSRob Armbruster, Paul Jokhu

BENEFITS Sherree Backus, Laurie Duncan, Joanne Ford, Joanne Harrow, Georgina MacDonald – Benefits Representatives

COMMUNICATIONS Jennifer Tunney - Senior Communications Representative; Federico Rizzi - Communications Representative; Meemee Seto - Servicing Representative

HEALTH & SAFETY Janice Klenot - Senior Health & Safety Representative

LEGAL Fernando Reis - Co-ordinator; Catherine Davis, Billeh Hamud, Rebecca Lee, Alycia Shaw, Natalie Wiley, Rebecca Woodrow - Legal Counsel

ORGANIZING Rick Wauhkonen - Organizing Co-ordinator; Mike Mattioli, Tony Nigro, Amy Tran - Organizing Representatives; Farman Ali, Jeffery Lu - Organizing Apprentices

TRAINING & EDUCATION Kelly Nicholas - Co-ordinator

REGION 1 Dan Lacroix - Regional Director; Colby Flank, Jason Hanley - Union Representatives

REGION 2 Kelly Tosato - Regional Director; Mona Bailey, John DiFalco, John Di Nardo, Chris Fuller, Rob Nicholas, Mark Stockton, Chris Watson, Dave White - Union Representatives

REGION 3 Dan Lacroix - Regional Director; Simon Baker, Shannon Epp, Paul Hardwick, Dean McLaren, Daniel Mercier - Union Representatives; Jacques Niquet - Servicing Representative

REGION 4 Sylvia Groom - Regional Director; Rick Hogue, Ron McGuire - Union Representatives; Orsola Augurusa, Virginia Haggith, Ashleigh Garner, Casey Magee, Arlene Robertson, Brenda Simmons, Melody Slattery - Servicing Representatives

REGION 5 Jim McLean - Regional Director; Jehan Ahamed, Bob Kearney, Brad Morrison, Mario Tardelli - Union Representatives; Lee Johnson-Koehn - Servicing Representative

REGION 6 Luc Lacelle - Regional Director; Wendy Absolom, Sam Caetano, Matt Davenport, Tim Deelstra, Joe De Melo, Anthony Di Maio, Angela Mattioli - Union Representatives; Lionel MacEachern - Servicing Representative

REGION 7 Barry Sawyer - Regional Director; Dave Forbes, Sharon Kempf, Diane Sanvido, Steve Springall - Union Representatives

REGION 8 Derik MacArthur - Regional Director; Jeff Barry, Matt Belanger, Rob Cullen, Sandra Rogerson - Union Representatives

ISSN No. 1703-3926CHECKOUT is an official publication of Locals 175 & 633 of the United Food & Commercial Workers (UFCW)

PROVINCIAL HEAD OFFICE2200 ARGENTIA ROAD

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TEL: 613-725-2154 TOLL FREE: 1-800-267-5295

FAX: 613-725-2328

THUNDER BAY OFFICE21-929 FORT WILLIAM RD

THUNDER BAY, ON P7B 3A6TEL: 807-346-4227

TOLL FREE: 1-800-465-6932FAX: 807-346-4055

UWWO

Contents

HAMILTON OFFICE412 RENNIE STREET

HAMILTON, ON L8H 3P5TEL: 905-545-8354

TOLL FREE: 1-800-567-2125FAX: 905-545-8355

CAMBRIDGE OFFICE6628 ELLIS ROAD,

CAMBRIDGE, ON N3C 2V4TEL: 519-658-0252

TOLL FREE: 1-800-267-1977FAX: 519-658-0255

CORNWALL OFFICEUNIT 5-850 BOUNDARY RD

CORNWALL ON K6H 5R5TEL: 613-932-2330 FAX: 613-932-6687

SUDBURY OFFICE230 REGENT ROAD

SUDBURY, ON P3C 4C5TEL: 705-674-0769

TOLL FREE: 1-800-465-1722FAX: 705-674-6815

President’s MessagePage 3

Secretary-Treasurer’sMessage

Page 4

Steward’s TrainingPage 5

2013 Scholarship WinnersPage 6

Outstanding Member Achievement

Page 7

Stewards SeminarsPage 8

Community ActionNetwork

Page 11

Workplace FeaturePage 12

Strike UpdatePage 14

Union NewsPage 16

NegotiationsPage 18

FundraisingPage 20

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Education is vital to living an informed and socially responsible life and I believe that we can begin that education within our own organization.

Our Union has a long history of providing our members some of the best training of any Union in Canada. We host seminars, paid training, and other courses all to make sure our members have opportunities to enrich their personal and professional lives at no financial cost.

We begin this new year with a reinvigorated approach to Stewards’ education. Our Stewards are the first line of defence for the members: They make sure the provisions of your collective agreement are upheld and that every worker is treated fairly. It’s a tough job and the more resources we can provide for them, the better.

It’s important to me, and all of the staff at the Union, that our Stewards know they have our full support. We respect the time they volunteer away from loved ones, on weekends, and into the late hours of the night sometimes, to help fight for workers’ rights.

Our goal for 2014 is to enhance our approach to training which means there will be more local seminars focusing on timely issues. This will allow more Stewards to attend and gain the specific skills training they need to return to the workplace and continue to represent their coworkers. On page 5 you can read more about the details of the new plan.

Education though, goes beyond what anyone can provide in a classroom. It’s important that we look for opportunities to better ourselves and learn about the issues and decisions that can change our world in an instant. It is incumbent on all of us to know what’s going on in the world and certainly what’s going on in our own country. Like it or not, politics affect every aspect of our lives. We will face elections soon and Conservative bosses Harper and Hudak will rely on all of us being uneducated on the issues and apathetic toward politics so they can push through their anti-worker laws.

And working families will pay the price.

In the fall, the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) launched the Together Fairness Works campaign, which includes a series of ads focusing on the important work done by Unions to safeguard the rights, health & safety, and benefits of every worker. Together Fairness Works is an attempt to educate the public on what an incredible contribution Unionized workers and the labour movement make to the economy and our communities: Union wages and union benefits raise the standard for all workers. If you haven’t seen the ads yet, visit fairnessworks.ca and take a look.

I hope you have great New Year. Stay strong, stay united and stay informed!

In Solidarity,Shawn Haggerty

President’s Message

Shawn Haggerty

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, ON P7B 3A6

OLL FREE: 1-800-465-6932

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I encourage you to read more about the opportunities available to you in the next year, which are outlined on the following pages. From weeklong paid training programs to larger conferences, we have training that focuses on information that Union Members, Stewards and Health & Safety activists need to know.

In addition to skills training, we take great pride in being able to offer 88 scholarships to our members and their children every year. We know that it can be a challenge for many families to afford post-secondary education and $1,000 can go a long way to helping students cover some of the ever-increasing costs of going to college or university.

I wish all the best for you and your families in the New Year.

In Solidarity,Teresa Magee

One of the main objectives of our Local Union is to ensure that our members have access to as many educational opportunities as possible.

Our Union has set a high standard for training and members have a lot of choices to enrich their professional and personal lives through education. Whether online or in a classroom the skills and issues covered in these courses can be applied to daily life.

Time is precious and it seems we have less and less of it every day. We all choose things in our lives into which we put our time and hard work. When you choose to take training through the Union we want to make sure that the time you give up for a course is worthwhile. We want you to take away new skills, new knowledge, a new perspective on issues facing working people, and even new friendships. We don’t want you to worry about lost income, course costs, long distance travelling or missing too much time away from your family and friends.

Secretary-Treasurer’s Message

Teresa Magee

“I would just like to take the opportunity to once again tell you how grateful I am for the UFCW scholarship program. It is such a blessing to have been chosen and I am very proud to be a part of such a caring union. All the best.”

Nicole LandryMember, Zehrmart 521

To find out more about what our members need and want from their Union, we’ve developed a survey. Please take a few minutes to answer the questions in the centre insert of Checkout. Tear it out & mail it back to us in the enclosed self-

addressed postage paid envelope.

You can also fill it in online at www.ufcw175.com – click on the Survey button.

You could win a $1,500 travel voucher or a 16GB iPad Mini!

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Locals 175 & 633 is taking its long standing commitment to member education and making it even better by rolling out a new schedule for Steward training.

Last year, a small reorganization of the regional seminars made them more accessible and reduced travel time for members. This also allowed us to bring together members from different regions who might not otherwise meet. Going forward the Local Union will work to bring training even closer to where our dedicated Stewards work and live.

“We know how valuable our Stewards’ time is,” explains President Haggerty. “Time spent away from home and family should be well worth it. We’ve had great success in the past with localized training and we believe that these changes will provide an improved educational experience for our Stewards.”

For a number of years the Local Union has provided Stewards in various regions with local training, such as where there are large plant union committees. These sessions have been well-received and provide an enhanced opportunity for face-to-face interaction for more people, address region or sector-specific concerns, and get timely feedback from participants.

Every other year going forward, seminars will be provided locally, whenever possible, and will take place over just one day. Materials covered will be tailored to specific sectors and skill levels depending on what the stewards in that area identify as issues that need addressing.

The annual steward weekend seminars will proceed as normal for 2014 for each Region, after which those weekend conferences will take place every two years (2016, 2018, etc…). In the interim years, the regions will schedule the localized seminars. The weekend conferences remain very important, not only for training, but for our stewards to meet one another and interact. Speaking with other stewards and sharing their workplace experiences, issues and solutions is a vital part of the learning experience.

Advantages of Localized Steward Training:

- More convenient locations- Reduced travel time for members- Less time spent away from home- Ability to offer sector/unit specific training- One day lost-time paid training- Better attendance

YEAR TRAINING SCHEDULE

2014 • Health Care Conference• Regional Stewards Seminars

2015 • Bylaw & Policy Conference• Localized Stewards Seminars

& Health Care Conference

2016 • Health Care Conference• Regional Stewards Seminars

2017 • Education & Finance Conference• Localized Stewards Seminars

& Health Care Conference

Enhanced Stewards’ training approach to provide concentrated regional educational opportunities

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Each year UFCW Locals 175 & 633 award scholarships to outstanding students that are either Local Union Members or their children.

The name of the program is the Solidarity Scholarship, which sees 88 participants selected to receive a $1,000 bursary.

And just below here is a list of the winners, listed by region.

Scholarship Winners

To view pictures of the winners please visit us at: www.ufcw175.comCongratulations again to all of our hard-working brothers and sisters!

2013 AWARD RECIPIENTS

REGION ONE

Nicolas James DagenaisPeter GamboaBrennan JohnsonTyler KrugerOwen RobertsonErika ShramJessica SmithKaylie Zyla

REGION TWO

John CameronEmily ClarkShawn EghterafiSadie Epstein-FineSarah KashifMyen KrishnathasHaroleon LawrenceRachel NielsenMichelle OcfemiaPatrick RobergeJinhui ShenTaranvee Virk

REGION THREE

Dylan BrantKindra FoxJennifer KehoeDylan KirkhamSarra LalondeAbigail LevertHalle E. D. Maracle-ParksJames McCormickSarah Elizabeth MitchellRebecca OgilvieNatasha RobertAaron ScottRachel Woodruff

REGION FOUR

Katherine BrammerJessica ChavezJordan KightStephanie KramerSamantha McGeeAlexander MitroSophia MorettoLee Ann NgJessica NizielskiAlysia PlowellsKatherine StewartKyle Visser

REGION FIVE

Erin LegacyMarco Di StefanoTalia EmmanuelNoreen LeeKristen MeloZachary Miller-KorenRachel RamsayVeronika RossChristy SmithJordan TambeauDylann TeeterNicholas Terc

REGION SIXAisha BaigErika CrowleyBrian DunlopKathy NguyenKaitlin PegeloKeeran SelvarajaChristopher SimonDavid StephenSara StevensCindy ToKevin TruongAnnie Vang

REGION SEVEN

Brooke BarkerEdward BrunkJessica CollinsonJulie GagnonBrock GreenNicole LandryAaron LeeLaurie-Anne RothMichael SaligaEric SizeJenna TomoriMerissa Valente

REGION EIGHT

Cassandra BoivinEmilie DeeAdam GaudetteTrevin LavalleeMarc LeBlancJeffrey LuomaMichael MeragliaAnik Remillard

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Outstanding Member AchievementsLilly King - Coleman Care CentreLillian King has worked at the Coleman Care Centre in Barrie for 12 years. For the last five years, Lillian has been a hardworking Steward whose commitment to the membership was noted by her Union Rep Chris Fuller. “I’ve watched

Lilly interact with her co-workers,” explained Fuller. “She always finds time to address their concerns and goes out of her way to assist anyone who needs it. To see her passion and dedication is really inspiring.”

Lillian has been a part of the negotiating committee in the last two rounds of bargaining, and she has attended a number of arbitration hearings as well. “She says her driving force is fueled by the support she receives from her co-workers,” said Fuller.

Thanks to her hard work and dedication to her role as a Steward and the well-being of her co-workers, Local 175 has awarded her an Outstanding Member Achievement Award for exceptional contributions in the area of Leadership and Advancement of the UFCW.

Cheryl Henry - Metro 422As a long standing member of the Executive Board, Sister Henry is always giving her time to help in fundraising events. She sells tickets for raffle draws, helps out at the Thunder Bay Wine & Cheese event, volunteers at golf

tournaments, and takes part in walk-a-thons. Cheryl is always there to lend a hand and take on whatever tasks needs to be done to make an event successful.

Cheryl works at Metro 422 in Thunder Bay where she has been a Steward for a number of years. “I cannot think of an event we have had in my time here that Cheryl has not volunteered at,” said Union Rep Dean McLaren. “She is everything our Union should be proud of, not only as a Steward and Executive Board member, but especially in her selfless charity work.”

Local 175 has presented Cheryl Henry an Outstanding Member Achievement Award for exceptional contributions in the area of Fundraising for Leukemia Research.

Donna Rhodes - Maple Leaf BrantfordDonna has been a part of UFCW since 1994 as a member at Maple Leaf Foods in Brantford. She was the Chairperson at that facility for more than 10 years, and proved to be a great leader by listening and

resolving issues for her co-workers. Sister Rhodes is also the Member Co-Chair on the Joint Health & Safety Committee. “Donna always takes the time to understand the issues and listen to the members,” said Union Rep Sam Caetano. “She is vigilant about Health & Safety and makes sure everyone has a safe working environment.”

Outside of work, Donna is also a leader in her community. She raises awareness and much needed money for the LLSC and the United Way. “Donna always brings out the best in everyone around her,” said Sam. “She has a big heart and an even bigger smile.”

Congratulations to Donna on winning an Outstanding Member Achievement Award in the area of outstanding contributions to the community.

Manuel Aragon - La Rocca CakesManuel Aragon has worked at La Rocca Cakes for about 15 years, and has been a Steward since the first contract was negotiated in 2006. He is also an integral part of the workplace Health and Safety Committee.

“Manuel serves the membership at La Rocca with commitment and dedication,” explained Union Rep John DiNardo. “He always ensures members are accommodated properly, and follows through with issues to make sure his Union Sisters and Brothers are working safely.”

Since the company moved to a new facility in 2009, Manuel has pursued a number of health & safety issues including ventilation for equipment fumes and proper training for agency workers. He also works to make sure that any agency workers employed outside the terms of the agreement are hired permanently.

Thanks to his great efforts in striving for a safer workplace, Local 175 awards Brother Aragon the Outstanding Member Achievement Award for improvements in Health and Safety in the workplace including WSIB.

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London

STEWARDS SEMINARS Each year UFCW Locals 175 & 633 host various seminars across the province specifically for our Stewards.

They begin as early as September, and last until the last weeks of November, taking place in Toronto, London, Hamilton, Kingston, Thunder Bay and Sault Ste Marie.

Hundreds of Stewards from across the province attended the seminars, participating in various courses regarding different aspects of being a Steward and part of our Union.

Toronto

Over the course of these seminar weekends, members attended a dinner, accompanied by silent auctions and raffle draws to raise money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada (LLSC) and win cool prizes.

Because of everyone’s generous efforts, the 2013 Steward Seminars raised approximately $35,000 for the LLSC.

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London

Hamilton

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Sault Ste Marie

Thunder Bay

Kingston

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Creating your own CAN Committee at work

A new pamphlet is available to encourage members to create their own CAN Committee at work. It includes some general information on what the CAN Committee does and its history, plus there are tips on how to promote diversity and the sharing of cultural experiences among your coworkers. Many of you probably already have this kind of social committee at work to organize fundraisers, BBQs, or participate in cultural celebrations. Turning your social events into learning experiences benefits everyone and goes a long way to fostering a sense of belonging for all. The pamphlet is available at www.ufcw175.com or from your Union Representative.

Youth partnership with ACA at McMaster University

The CAN Committee has partnered with the African Caribbean Association (ACA) at McMaster University in Hamilton. In thanks for sponsoring their publication The Voice, a magazine focused on issues affecting Afro-Caribbean youth in Canada, the writers will produce a series of articles addressing workers’ rights, health and safety at work, the role of Unions, and the struggles facing working families.

“We’re very excited to have this opportunity to connect with youth who are just starting to enter the workforce,” explains Secretary-Treasurer and CAN Committee Chair, Teresa Magee. “There isn’t a lot of education in our schools on workers’ rights, yet young workers are most in danger of having their rights – and their voices – ignored by employers.”

Donations collected for Youth Without Shelter and other local shelters

Heading into the Holiday Season, members of the Executive Board CAN Committee held a 50/50 draw to raise money for Youth Without Shelter. Thanks to the generosity of all who gave, they were able to donate $910 to the charity. In addition, Executive Board members brought gifts and other donations to the most recent meeting, which will all be donated to a local shelter by Carolyn Levesque and Marylou Mallett.

UFCW OUTReach

At the 2013 7th Regular UFCW International Convention, Local 175 Secretary-Treasurer Teresa Magee was elected as part of the UFCW OUTReach Committee. This group, based out of the U.S., where many states still have not recognized the rights of same sex couples, fights to advance the rights of workers in the LGBTQ community.

World Pride

In 2014, Toronto will host World Pride and it’s expected to be a huge celebration. Your Union will be a part of all the festivities including the parade on the last Sunday in June! World Pride brings together activism, education, culture and history to highlight the LBGTQ community. With Toronto as host, it’s an opportunity for Canadians to show the world how progressive, dynamic and welcoming our country really is. This will be the fourth World Pride festival ever, and the first of its kind in North America. We hope to see lots of you there! Visit www.wp14to.com for details and check www.ufcw175.com as we get closer to the big celebration for information on how to get involved through the Union.

The CAN Committee has been active over the last several months with a number of new initiatives.

Community Action Network (CAN)

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WORKPLACE FEATURE:Inter-Township Fire Department

The Union is proud to represent the brave firefighters who work at the Inter-Township Fire Department in Owen Sound.

The fire hall is owned jointly by the Municipality of Meaford and the Township of Georgian Bluffs, and it services the four surrounding townships. The staff is comprised of 39 volunteer firefighters, who are members of Local 175, as well as the Fire Chief, Deputy Fire Chief, and the Fire Prevention Officer.

“This is a great bunch of guys to work with,” said Union Rep Diane Sanvido. “Their jobs are incredibly stressful, but in the end very rewarding. It’s amazing to see how much hard work they put in considering most of them have other full-time jobs. But they’re dedicated guys and they make sure their training is up-to-date so they can keep their community safe.”

In 2011, the firefighters joined the RWDSU Northern Joint Council under Local 431, which became part of Local 175 with the merger in 2012.

The firefighters meet bimonthly and were kind enough to invite us to observe and photograph their October meeting, which included various training exercises.

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STRIKE UPDATES

Wings’ Food ProductsThe members of Local 175 at Wing’s Food Products in Toronto are still on strike.

They took to the picket line back in the summer, on August 13 of last year. After many months, they are still out there, braving the cold weather as they continue to fight for fairness, job security, better wages, vacation and hours of work. Union Representatives have had a hard time in the past even getting into the facility to meet with members, and management tries to prevent members from having stewards present at discipline meetings.

“These workers are standing strong,” said President Haggerty. “The employer’s desperate attempts to divide and undermine the solidarity of these workers makes the picketers that much more fierce in their fight.”

BOYCOTTThe Union is asking our members and the community to think twice before they purchase items produced at this facility, which are currently being made by scabs and other replacement workers.

These products include:

Dipitt Dips including the flavours: White Cheddar Habanero, Franks Redhot Cayenne, Honey

Mustard, Roasted Garlic, Sweet & Sour, Marinara, Plum, Ranch and Tartar Sauce.

Nestlé Nesquik Chocolate & Strawberry flavours

Nestlé Nesfruta Blueberry Pomegranate, Strawberry Banana, Orange Peach Mango, and

Raspberry flavours

Please support the workers at Wing’s and

DO NOTpurchase these items.

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RAMADA INN MEMBERS ON STRIKE! On October 1, 2013, the 35 members of Local 175 from the Ramada Inn in Trenton began legal strike action against their employer, Royal Host.

Negotiations have been particularly difficult as our brothers and sisters have been without a collective agreement since March 13, 2013.

The employer initially agreed to a tentative settlement, which they then withdrew along with everything else that was agreed upon. The employer came back to the negotiating table to try and impose deep concessions on the employees, which led to the workers taking to the picket line.

As a consequence of this behaviour, the employer has been charged with bad-faith bargaining at the Ontario Labour Relations Board (OLRB).

Be sure to follow us on our website and various social media outlets such as Facebook and Twitter, for more updates and photos as the strike continues.

Please keep supporting our brothers and sisters through these difficult times and always remember the importance of fighting for fairness, dignity and respect in the workplace and in our everyday lives.

OPERATION CHEER A week prior to Christmas, Operation Christmas Cheer set out to bring some warmth and kindness to striking Union members across the province. Despite the harsh winter weather that settled over Ontario in December, these workers continued to stand strong on the picket lines and fight for their rights in the workplace to achieve fair contracts.

Operation Christmas Cheer is a volunteer organization that collects donations to help make sure every Union Sister & Brother walking a picket line in Ontario during the holidays receives support, a warm meal and toys for their children.

“Operation Cheer knows how difficult it is for working families to survive on strike pay during the holidays,” said President Shawn Haggerty. “They help make sure these workers have food and toys to provide for their families.”

President Haggerty and Secretary Treasurer Teresa Magee, Directors Kelly Tosato and Dan Lacroix, and a number of Union Reps were on hand in early December, along with other volunteers, to help pack hundreds of gift bags. On December 17 and 18, President Haggerty and Secretary-Treasurer Magee joined volunteers from Operation Cheer to deliver the gift bags, and serve hot beverages and lunch, to Local 175 members on strike at Wing’s Food in Toronto and the Trenton Ramada Inn.

“We’re very grateful to Operation Cheer, its volunteers and sponsors,” said Haggerty. “Cassandra [Secretary-Treasurer of UNIFOR Local 247] does a great job of organizing this each year and on behalf of the UFCW Local 175 members at Wing’s and the Ramada, we thank her.”

For more information on Operation Christmas Cheer, visit www.operationcheer.com.

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Recent RetireesMichele Miller After 38 years with the UFCW, Michele Miller has retired.

In 1975, Michele began working at Zehrs as a cashier and back-up office clerk. A few years later, Michele and her co-workers met with UFCW

Local 1977 to discuss becoming part of the Union. They were successful and Michele served as a steward starting in 1985, and every year thereafter. She was elected to the Loblaw Master Negotiating Committee as well.

Michele worked at the Local 1977 Training Centre starting in 1992, in a number of administrative roles and eventually became Executive Secretary for Brian Williamson and Scott Penner. After the Training Centre moved to the Union’s main building, Michele became Office Director, and later spent two years as Secretary to Brian Williamson, who was then president of the UFCW Canada National Council.

The merger with Local 175 saw Michele become a Health & Safety Representative, which included participating in a number of health & safety committees including Loblaw Provincial and the Ontario Federation of Labour. She also became a certified member on the UFCW Local 175 Joint Health & Safety Committee.

Roy Reed After 35 years in the Labour Movement, Local 175 Union Representative Roy Reed is retiring.

In 1978, Roy became a member of UFCW Local 633 working as a meat cutter, and subsequently as assistant meat manager, at A&P Supermarket where he stayed for 25 years.

Roy was elected to the Local 633 Executive Board as Vice President and in 2003 he was hired as a full-time Union Representative. He worked in several regions of the Local Union and spent the last few years as part of Region 4 with Director Sylvia Groom.

“We will miss Roy and his hard work over the years,” said Sylvia. “On behalf of everyone at the Union, we wish him the all the best for his well-earned retirement.”

“UFCW Locals 175 & 633 have been a large part my life for the last 35 years,” explained Roy. “It has been great

“We’ll miss Michele’s dedication,” said President Haggerty. “Her passion created better workplaces for all of us. We will continue to work hard to ensure we uphold her vision for a healthier future for our members.”

Michele will continue her health and safety activism in her retirement, but for now she plans to enjoy time with her husband, children, grandchildren, parents and family.

UNION NEWS

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Betty Pardy Long-time Chief Steward and UFCW Local 175 Recorder Betty Pardy, is retiring after more than 30 years with the Union.

Her career began in the early 1980s at Cargill (formerly Sun Valley Foods) in London, Ontario where Betty has

worked ever since. She served as Chief Steward for many years, until her retirement, and was an integral member of the negotiating committee throughout a number of rounds of bargaining. In 1992, she was elected as Recorder for Local 175.

Over the years, Betty has been responsible for representing close to 1,000 members at work. Not only does she have amazing leadership skills, but throughout her time as Chief Steward she was able to resolve issues for her coworkers in a timely manner and maintained a great working relationship with everyone at the plant.

Betty took part in Stewards Seminars and built upon her skills and knowledge every year. She was a member of the Return to Work Committee and assisted many members in achieving a rightful return to work. In fact, in 2009 Betty received an Outstanding Member Achievement Award for her dedication to Health & Safety and injured worker advocacy.

Outside of work Betty’s dedication to community continues: She gives her time and money to fundraising initiatives for charities like the LLSC and the Ronald McDonald House.

“We’re very proud to have had Betty alongside us for all these years and are thankful for all her hard work,” said President Shawn Haggerty. “On behalf of the Local, we wish her a happy retirement and all the best for the future.”

working with Shawn, all the representatives and all the staff that I have met over the years. Everyone has always been so helpful.”

Roy extended his thanks to former Local 175 President Wayne Hanley as well. “Thank you for bringing me on staff, giving me the opportunity to learn, to grow and to experience all that UFCW has been for me. My life would have been different without all of you.”

Céline Lavoie Local 175 Executive Board Vice President, Céline Lavoie is retiring.

Céline started her journey with the UFCW/RWDSU at the Timmins Inn & Suites where she worked for a number of years and where she served as Union

Steward for the past 12 and a half years.

In December 2006, Céline was elected President of RWDSU Local 429, a position she held until the merger with Local 175 in November 2012. While president of Local 429, Céline was also elected as a Vice-President on the Northern Joint Council/RWDSU.

During her time with Local 175 following the merger, Céline was a member of the Executive Board Community Action Network (CAN) Committee. “She was a pleasure to have in the group,” said CAN Committee Chair Teresa Magee. “Céline always contributed her ideas and took an active role in discussions on how we can further the reach of our group and our Union, especially in the Central and Northern parts of the province.”

“We are very grateful for all of Céline’s contributions and hard work over the years,” said Region 8 Director Derik McArthur. “She will be missed for sure, but we congratulate her on a well-deserved retirement and wish her all the best.”

Paul Meinema elected President of the UFCW Canada National Council On November 14, 2013, long time UFCW leader and activist Paul Meinema was elected President of the National Council by the members of the National Council Executive Board. On December 4, Wayne Hanley, who stepped down as leader of UFCW Canada, was elected as President of Local 206. And Paul, in addition to being the new National President, was also elected as Vice-President of UFCW International.

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NegotiationsGood Humor strike ends with ratified deal! On October 26, 2013, members at Good Humor-Breyers voted in favour of a new collective agreement, bringing an end to their strike which began on September 1.

The Company withdrew most of its proposed concessions, including the $4.50 wage cut to the female-dominated job classification, light labour. The contract includes wage increases of 2% in years four and five of the agreement and defined benefit pension increases of $2 in years one, three and five, for a total increase of $6, improving the plan from $58 to $64 over the term. In addition, lump sums will be paid over the course of the first three years of the deal, totalling $5,500 for active full-time and $3,000 for active seasonal employees.

With the shift to palletizing automation, there will be a reduction of at least 16 jobs. Severance packages and bumping rights were negotiated in a letter of understanding.Employee’s meal periods will no longer be paid, however, the defined benefit pension plan will not decrease as a result of the fewer number of paid weekly work hours and overtime will commence following 7.5 and 9.5 hours of work. Those scheduled for three 12-hour shifts on the weekend retain paid breaks and receive 40 hours’ pay.

Going forward, new employees hired will need to contribute a 15% co-pay for their health benefits and a new wage scale will be in place for these employees.

Union Negotiating Committee: Debbie Churcher, Tim De-drick, Richard Ouwendyk, Paul Sheppard, Erica Taylor, Union Rep Matt Davenport & Region 6 Director Luc Lacelle.

New contract for Minute Maid workers The 118 bargaining unit members at Minute Maid in Peterborough secured a four-year collective agreement at a meeting held October 27, 2013.

Workers receive financial improvements in the form of lump sum payments and rate increases. In both the first and second year, full-time workers receive lump sums of $500 and temporary employees get $800 lump sums. Rates increase by 1.5% in year three and 2.5 % in the fourth year of the contract term.

Union Negotiating Committee: Marc Duquette, Paul Handy, Tom Hughes, Mary Sherk, Greg Waudby & Union Rep Chris Fuller.

Ratified deal at Bunge Canada The 80 workers at Bunge Canada in Hamilton met on October 29 to ratify a three-year agreement reached between their Union Negotiating Committee and the employer.

Wages increase by 1.75% in year one, 2.25% in year two and 2% in the third year. Shift premiums increase to 75 cents per hour for hours worked between 3 and 11 p.m., and 85 cents per hour for those scheduled between 11 p.m. & 7 a.m., and between 7 p.m. & 7 a.m. Workers assigned call-in cell phones will receive improved premium pay of $20 per weekday and $30 per Saturday, Sunday and holidays. Minimum call-in for work is four hours, paid at 1.5 times the regular rate between 3:30 p.m. and 11 p.m., and 2 times the regular rate between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m.

Employer contributions to the pension plan increase over the course of the contract to a rate of $39 by the third year. Sick pay improves in each year of the contract term and workers will receive increased vision care coverage of $80 for an eye exam and $220 for glasses or contacts, per insured person, every two years. Dental coverage will be provided on the current ODA fee schedule.

Union Negotiating Committee: Jeff Liang, Dennis Packham, Robert Schrock, Chuck Smith, and Union Rep Angela Mattioli.

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1st Agreement for workers at Barrington Retirement Home

The 20 health care providers at the Barrington Retirement Home in Barrie met on November 26, 2013 to review and vote on their first collective agreement. Workers in the bargaining unit join 3,000 other members of the Local 175 Health, Office & Professional Employees (HOPE) Sector. Included in this two-year deal are wage increases totalling 4% and long-service award lump sums of $200 at five years, and another $200 for 10 years. Part-time workers with 30 hours or more bi-weekly will now qualify for benefits, and all employees will be eligible for sick leave payout.

Language set out in this new contract includes restrictions on contracting out and managers performing bargaining unit work. A grievance procedure protects workers against violations of the agreement by giving them a procedure to file and gain resolution to a complaint. Further improvements for the workers include a sunset clause, time limits on discipline, steward representation, seniority rights for vacation and job postings, layoff recall, improved bereavement leave, and a master schedule.

Workers receive two 15-minute breaks after six hours of work. Overtime will be paid after 80 hours of work bi-weekly, and there will be a minimum four hours’ pay for workers called in. Vacation language provides up to five weeks paid vacation. Full-time vacation is based on a worker’s length of service and part-time vacation is based on hours of work: 1700 hours is equivalent to one year of service. An additional float day has been added, bringing the total to three per year.

The employer will pay up to $25 for medical notes requested from employees. The company will also contribute $500 toward the UFCW Locals 175 & 633 Training & Education Fund.

Union Negotiating Committee: Diana Hollett, Kelly Sharpe, and Union Rep Chris Fuller.

Access Alliance workers achieve 3 year dealOn December 4, 2013, the 50 members at Access

Alliance Multicultural Health & Community Services in Toronto, ratified a three-year collective agreement that includes a number of improvements. The workers belong to the Health, Office & Professional Employees (HOPE) sector of UFCW Local 175.

Active employees will receive lump sums of $400 for full-time and $200 for part-time, in each year of the contract term. Peer Outreach Workers will now reach top rate after

30 months of service instead of 54 months. Effective 2014, each full-time worker receives $500 per year toward professional development training. In addition, workers will not lose regular pay, to a maximum of 35 hours, when time is taken off work for professional development training. Employees required to travel for work purposes will receive increased reimbursement of 43 cents per kilometre going forward.

The employer will now provide 30 calendar days’ notice for permanent changes to a worker’s schedule and 48 hours’ notice for temporary schedule changes. Language in the anti-harassment policy has been improved as has language for job postings, layoffs, and vacation.

Union Negotiating Committee: Jennifer Atkins, Helen De Oliveira, Mahbub-Ur Rahman, and Union Rep Mona Bailey.

CTCHC workers have new contractThe 40 members at the Central Toronto

Community Health Centre (CTCHC), Queen West Clinic, secured a three-year agreement at a ratification meeting held December 10, 2013.

Employees will receive increased RRSP contributions of $4,800 per year (pro-rated to FTE) from the company. Any surplus of employee benefit dollars will be divided among all active employees (pro-rated to FTE). The Wellness Benefit increases to $350 (pro-rated to FTE), up from $200. The Professional Development allowance increases to $800 per year in the last year of the contract and there is additional language improvements regarding this as well.

Workers receive bicycle reimbursement of $150 per year, up from $120. Mileage reimbursement for work-related travel increases to 50 cents/km effective date of ratification. This amount improves to 65 cents/km in the third year of the contract term.

Improved recognition language enhances contract coverage and provisions for both contract and project staff. Other language improvements address personal leave, hours of work and overtime, paid vacation and sick leave carryover.

Members at this facility also belong to the Health, Office & Professional Employees (HOPE) sector of Local 175.

Union Negotiating Committee: Lorraine Barnaby, Filomena Gonzales, Julianne Kingelin and Union Rep Mona Bailey.

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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

Fundraising2013 Annual Wine & Cheese in Thunder Bay

On October 19, 2013, the Annual Wine & Cheese event took place in Thunder Bay.

Along with the treats, attendees were able to bid on silent auction items and buy tickets for raffle prizes. Porter Airlines donated the grand prize - a return trip for two to anywhere Porter flies! Members from the local Metro stores and Canada Malt, plus others from the community, turned out to support the fundraiser for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada (LLSC). Thanks to the generosity of everyone who attended and our sponsors, the evening raised $5,328 for the LLSC.

Next Issue of Checkout

In the next issue of Checkout look for photos from our annual Chinese New Year celebration! You can also follow us on Facebook (facebook.com/ufcwlocals175633) or visit www.ufcw175.com to see the photos sooner!

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