THE MEMBERSHIP MAGAZINE FOR UFCW LOCAL 832 JUNE 2009

2 UNION JUNE 2009

Secretary-treaSurer comment

Jeff TraegerSecretary-Treasurer, UFCW Local 832

IT’S A SMALL, SMALL WORLD

The world we live in continues to shrink every day. Events that take place on the other side of the planet have an instant

impact on us here at home. The technology that transfers that information is advancing at a pace no one could have predicted just a decade or so ago. Evidence of this fact is clearly seen, in the recent global economic crisis. No longer do individual countries suffer finan-cial woes alone...now we are all in it together suffering the setbacks and celebrating the successes as a global community.

The smaller world has also caused the makeup of our neighbourhoods and communities to change. The faces of UFCW Local 832 mem-bers show that change. Change is also found in the faces of our executive and advisory boards, stewards, health and safety committee members, and our full-time staff, who strive to enforce workers’ rights and improve their lives every day. The faces in UFCW workplaces are more and more those of new Canadians, migrant workers and members on a work visa through foreign worker programs. They are faces of the growing number of women and young people in the workforce — and they are the faces of the future of UFCW.

Our union is a champion for workers’ rights and protections, with a history of being a leader of the labour movement and an organization never afraid to take up the good fight for our members. We built that reputation by being easily accessible to our members, speaking their language and educating them about their rights and by listening to their concerns and

desires and turning that understanding into action. As an organization, we can only con-tinue to build on that rich history if we sound like our new membership, look like our new membership and relate to and understand the

unique issues our new membership.

Our executive and advisory boards will met in Winnipeg at the policy conference on June 4. Naveen Mehta will speak on the challenges of diversity and on what the union is doing to meet those challenges. Naveen is the chairperson of the Human Rights, Equity and Diversity Committee for UFCW Canada. He is helping Local 832 form the Manitoba chapter of the Community Action Network. The network—similar to those started in other provinces—will outreach to our diverse communities in new and innovative ways with a goal of bringing the UFCW message to the people that make up our membership now and will do so even more in the future.

Our diversity is best seen when you look at Maple Leaf’s plant in Brandon, Manitoba, where we represent 2,100 members, of whom 70 per cent come from Central America, China, the Ukraine and other points across the globe. Many who are making Canada their permanent home. We have been making great strides in bridging the gaps with those members through translation of contracts and services, provid-ing English language education for members and their families, developing shop stewards from the diverse populations and educating them. The Maple Leaf contract expires at the end of this year and Local 832 will be having various proposal meetings in four different languages (Spanish, Mandarin, Ukrainian and English) so that every member at the plant will be informed and have direct input on negotiations with their employer.

UFCW is in the process of renewal, adapt-ing our great union to become the union of today and tomorrow—the union that includes everyone. When we succeed, we will ensure that the future of the labour move-ment is safe and that the next generation will have a better life than we do, just as we enjoy more than the generation before us. The next generation should expect that concepts like equality and equity, respect, dignity, fairness, reasonability, safety and a healthy working environment are the reality instead of being held at arm’s-length by employers that can only see the bottom line. At the new UFCW, the work of tomorrow starts today.

NEGOTIATIONS SURVEY ONLINE!For Maple Leaf Brandon members, go to

www.ufcw832.com/surveys to fill out your survey. Available in English, Spanish, Ukrainian and Mandarin.

Canadian Mail Publications Sales Agreement #40070082

JUNE 2009

PresidentRobert D. Ziegler

Secretary-TreasurerJeff Traeger

E-mail: ufcw@ufcw832.com Website: www.ufcw832.com

WINNIPEG1412 Portage Avenue

Winnipeg, MB. R3G OV5786-5055

1-888-UFCW-832

BRANDONUnit 1, 759 1st Street

Brandon, MB. R7A 2X5727-7131

1-800-552-1193

THOMPSON 90 Thompson Drive

Thompson, MB. R8N 1Y9778-7108

1-800-290-2608

TRAINING CENTRE880 Portage Avenue

Winnipeg, MB. R3G 0P1775-8329

1-877-775-8329

THE MAGAZINE DISTRIBUTED TO THE MEMBERS OF UFCW LOCAL 832

RETIREES’ CLUBPage 7

TRAINING CENTREPage 8

WORKERS COMPENSATIONPage 9

WESTFAIRPage 10

PRODUCTIONPage 11

HOSPITALITY, SERVICE & RETAILPage 12

GRIEVANCE NEWSPage 13

JUSTICE FOR MIGRANT WORKERS

executive board member Jesus “Jessie” Zavala attends rally in ontario.

Page 4

STRIKE VOTE AT COCA-COLAcompany demands concessions.

Page 5

PRESIDENT ZIEGLER TOURS WESTMAN AREA

Has opportunity to speak with members at various workplaces.

Page 5

LOCAL PICNICS COMING UP IN BRANDON AND WINNIPEG

Page 15 & 16

DePartmentS FeatureS oFFIceS

UNION is printed on Chorus Art Paper. An acid free and elemental chlorine free paper with 50% recycled content including 25% post consumer waste.

Union Representatives: ron allard, ray Berthelette, Brenda Brown, marie Buchan, Kim Ferris,

Sandy Forcier, Blair Hudson, Darcel Lecocq, Wendy Lundy, michelle masserey, Harry mesman,

Sonia taylor Resource Personnel: Guy Sylvestre

Legal Counsel: Debra malmquist, Garry Bergeron Education and Training: Heather Grant-Jury

Workers Compensation/Safety and Health : rob Hilliard Organizing: Jerry Kies

Negotiators: Susan Hart-Kulbaba, mary Johnson, Beatrice Bruske

Communications: Blake crothers, Dalia chapa

4 UNION JUNE 2009

JUSTICE FOR MIGRANT WORKERSLocal executive board member attends rally in ontario.

I t was a busy May Day in Toronto this year as UFCW Canada joined with anti-poverty, student, senior and other

community groups to bring awareness for migrant workers in Canada. The motto was “Good enough to work, Good enough to stay.” This is a message that has echoed the halls of provincial and federal governments for some time.

Wayne Hanley, National President of UFCW Canada stated, “These vulnerable workers are subjected to some of the worst kinds of rights abuses. They are denied full access to health services while sometimes being forced to work in dangerous or hazardous working condi-tions. They are commonly denied promised wages and forced to live in substandard hous-ing. These conditions are the hallmarks of a program that puts workers under the thumbs of employers.”

Under the Harper Conservative government,

the Temporary Foreign Worker Program has expanded to over 200,000 temporary foreign workers entering the Canadian workforce each year. They fill vacancies as live-in caregivers, manufacturing, construction, agricultural and service and hospitality workers.

UFCW Local 832 President Robert Ziegler said, “It is changing the face of our union.” President Ziegler, along with Secretary-Treasurer Jeff Traeger and Beatrice Bruske, recently returned from a week-long visit of the Westman area. In the Westman area, Maple Leaf and Springhill Farms have been recruiting foreign workers as part of the Provincial Nominee Program. The nominee program is the procedure fol-lowed by immigrants who want to settle suc-cessfully in Manitoba. “Of the 2,100 workers at Maple Leaf in Brandon over 70 per cent are foreign workers who are working towards their Canadian citizenship or have completed the nominee program and are now Canadian cit-izens,” stated President Ziegler. “When we met with the shop stewards for Maple Leaf I was proud to see that they represent the diversity of the workforce. We have various ethnic groups working together for the betterment of work-ers’ rights.”

Maple Leaf shop steward and union local execu-tive board member, Jesus (Jessie) Zavala, was at the

May Day rally in Toronto to speak to those in attendance and had a great time at the event. “It was amazing,” stated Zavala. “We had all these various groups together for one cause.” Olivia Chow, the Ontario MP for the Trinity & Spadina riding also attended the conference. Chow spoke about a new report on foreign workers, which will be presented to the House of Commons soon.

Zavala also attended the “No One Illegal” rally, which preceded the May Day festivities in Toronto. On May 2 thousands took the streets to demand justice, dignity, and status for all!

Carlos and Miguel migrant workers who were fired in 2008 from Rol Land Farms in Ontario pose with NDP MP Olivia Chow and UFCW

Local 832 executive board member Jesus “Jessie” Zavala.

5UNION JUNE 2009

TAx SERVICE DONE FOR

ANOTHER YEAR

LOOKING FOR ExTRA CASHFOR SCHOOL

apply for a uFcW Local 832 scholarship —deadline is June 30.

Are you are planning on going to school and looking for an extra $500 or $1,000? If so, it could be as easy as

applying for a UFCW Local 832 scholarship.

You could win one of many $500 scholar-ships available. If you are a union member working at Maple Leaf, Safeway, Westfair Foods or in the security sector, you have a chance of receiving a $1,000 scholarship. How hard is it to win? Just apply. The only requirements are that the company you

work for must contribute into the UFCW Local 832 Education Training &Trust Fund (ETTF) and you will start school this fall in a post secondary facility. You must also be a member in good standing since August 2008 and not a past scholarship winner.

Not sure if your employer contributes into the ETTF? Go to the union’s website to check — www.ufcwtraining.mb.ca. The deadline for submitting your application is June 30.

STRIKE VOTE AT COCA-COLA

more bargaining dates scheduled this month.

With eight days of bargaining completed for a new collective agreement, the union held a

negotiation update meeting and strike vote on May 24. At press time, the result of the strike vote was not known but it will be posted on the union’s website, www.ufcw832.com.

Progress was slow and the company demanded concessions at the table. Although they moved off on some of their demands, Coke said they may or may not address the members’ concerns in a monetary package.

Additional bargaining dates are sched-uled for June 3, 4 and 5. Check the website and the July issue for further updates.

I t was another great year for the UFCW Local 832 tax service. The union saw an increase in the amount of returns

being done for the members.

“This continues to be one of the biggest benefits used by the members,” said Local 832 President Ziegler. “ We have grown from a one-man, one-office service to 10 locations where our members can go to get their income tax done.”

Thanks to George Combiadakis for overseeing the service.

PRESIDENT ZIEGLER TOURS WESTMAN AREA

At the end of April, President Ziegler, Secretary-Treasurer Traeger and union negotiator, Beatrice Bruske, drove to the

Brandon office to start their Westman tour.

During their three-day trip, they toured the McCain plant in Carberry, Springhill Farms and Safeway in Neepawa, as well as the Valleyview Coop in Virden. While in Virden, they attended the general membership meeting.

On their last day before leaving Brandon, besides stopping in and visiting the two Safeway stores, they toured both the Maple

Leaf and McKenzie Seeds plants. They also had a chance to meet with the shop stewards of Maple Leaf.

“It is very important to keep in touch with our out-of-town units and offices,” said President Ziegler. “We want the membership to know that just because the local’s head office is in Winnipeg it does not mean that our objectives stop there. We are one local, with one goal – to provide all our mem-bers with great service.” The next executive board meeting at the end of August will be held in Brandon.

6 UNION JUNE 2009

RETIR

EES’

CORNER

!

Helping Manitobans withLeukemia and Lymphoma.

On August 19, UFCW Local 832 along with the Health Sciences Centre Foundation

(HSCF) will be holding a charity golf tournament at The Links at Quarry Oaks to help those with Leukemia and Lymphoma.

This is the fourth golf tournament for the Local, and the second time that we are

working with the HSCF. The partnership is to assist Manitobans who are seeking treatment

at the Health Sciences Centre for Leukemia and Lymphoma.

Half of the money raised at this year’s event will stay in Manitoba and be donated to the

GD-6 Ward at the Health Sciences Centreto help patients who are undergoing

treatment.

The other 50 per cent will be sent toUFCW Canada’s national contribution,

where all money raised goes directly into finding a cure. In 2008, UFCW Canada, with the help of Local 832 and all the other locals,

raised over $1.41 million for research.

To register download theregistration form at:

www.ufcw832.com/golfor visit the UFCW Local 832 office at1412 Portage Avenue in Winnipeg.

Call 786-5055 if you have any questions.

Registration is $150 per person.

You receive:• 18 holes of golf with cart rental

• Team 5x7 photo• Tournament gift

• Dinner• Lots of prizes to be won

Must be registered by July 19.

7UNION JUNE 2009

CORRECTION

In the April issue of UNION we referred to Nikki Ashton as the MP for Thompson. Firstly, we misspelled

Niki’s name and secondly she is the MP for Churchill.

Our apologies, Niki.

MAPLE LEAF CONSUMER FOODS

LAGIMODIERESyganiec, Kevin

BRANDON Ramasamy, Yoogessen (Kevin) — Hog Kill

Boodhun, Krishna — RailsLeclair, Adelin — BoningRocha, Wilmer — Hot Cut

PEPSI BOTTLING-WPG

Gratton, MauriceSomack, Jason

MCCAIN FOODSColeman, JuliaCullen, DonnaDane, DonaldSwan, Colleen

TAKE CARE SUPPORT SERVICESSwain, Trevor

Zabolotny, Maryann

FORT LA BOSSE SCHOOLBarre, Donna

GARDA CANADA SECURITYDesaulniers, Lillian

Greenhalgh, Michael

IMPACT/INVICTAGuay, Natacha Marie

INTEGRATED MESSAGINGHuillery, JimmyJohnson, Dara E

Vockeroth, Paige Amanda

THE FAIRMONT WINNIPEGGordiev, Michelle

WELCOME NEW SHOP STEWARDS

Are you interested in being a shop steward? UFCW Local 832 provides the best training available. Shop

stewards are an invaluable resource to the local and to the union representatives. Stewards are the eyes and ears of the local.

If you want more information on becoming a shop steward, contact your union representative.

SOBEYS BURROWSLetkeman, Caitlin S

COCA-COLA BOTTLING-WPGLongley, Todd

MOUND MILK TRANS CO-OPMcQuay, Laurie

CANADA SAFEWAYFriesen, Kristjan — Store 359

Paskaruk, Kathy — Gas Bar Store 603Glenham, Norma — Store 728Simpson, Rebecca — Store 729

WESTFAIR FOODSTourond, Paul — Extra Foods 9001

Foley, Audrey — Superstore 1512Funk, Linda — Superstore 1512

SPRINGHILL FARMS

Paul, Karen

RETIR

EES’

CORNER

!

The spring luncheon held on May 12 at the ANAF Hall was a huge success, almost a record turnout (see picture above). Guest speaker Val Ramsay, from WRHA, spoke about the Manitoba Home Care Program, which was a topic of interest to all in attendance.

Space is still available for the June 9 UFCW Local 832 Retirees’ Golf Tournament. Call Russ at 661-4168 to register or for more information. Space is also available for the September 9 to 11 casino trip to Thief River Falls. Call Lila at 837-3554 or Armand at 832-1211 for full details.

8 UNION JUNE 2009

Heather Grant-JuryuFcW education

Director

EDUCATION & TRAININGCOMMITMENT = DIPLOMAGrade 12 graduation ceremony scheduled for June 19.

One of the best things about June, besides the warm weather, is that it is the month of our Grade 12 graduation ceremony.

This year the ceremony is on Friday, June 19, here at the Training Centre. It is a very special time for all the students who have worked so hard to get their diploma and we celebrate their success on this special day.

We know it is not easy to go back to school as an adult but our grade 12 mature student diploma program remains one of our most popular courses. We commend all our graduates for their commitment and hard work. It has paid off. They have done it and we congratu-

late them! We will have a full report on the graduation ceremony in an upcoming issue.

If you would like more information on getting your high school diploma, call Ans Norman at the Training Centre at 480-8116 or 775-8329. Registration for the fall session began in May.

Planning for the fall general session schedule is also underway, so now is the time to let us know if you have a course suggestion. You can call our program co-ordinator, Wanda McGorum, or me at 775-8329/toll-free 1-877-775-8329.

Congratulations to Dennis Stefaniuk who received his Manitoba Security Guard certifi-cate on April 20.

We are very proud to announce that our very own Heather Grant-Jury received the 2009 United Way of Canada-Centraide Canada Partnership Builder Award at the United Way of Canada conference held in Ottawa this past April.

This award recognizes an individual whose work at the community level is well-known and outstanding and whose work reflects the principles of both the United Way and labour movements. Congratulations, Heather.

CONGRATULATIONS, HEATHER!

Pictured is Heather Grant-Jury (c) with her award

and (l to r) Susan Lewis, president United Way

of Winnipeg, and Michelle Laurie, labour rep

on the National Board of United Way Canada.

SUMMER EAL CLASSES IN BRANDON

Starting July 11 and running until September 12.

In Brandon, English as an additional language (EAL) classes will continue during the summer months. Six classes will run starting July 11 to September 12. The class times are 8:30 – 11:30 a.m., 12:30 – 3:30 p.m. and 4:30 – 7:30 p.m.

There is no charge for EAL classes. If you are interested, call Zara Pople at 727-7131 or toll-free at 1-888-552-1193.

TRAINING CENTRE NOTES AND NODS…

•TheGrade12graduationceremonyis on June 19.•RegistrationfortheGrade12Mature Student Diploma Program has started. Call Ans today to make an appointment. •TheTrainingCentreBuildsSkillsfor the Future.

9UNION JUNE 2009

NOT REPORTING WCB CLAIMS IS ILLEGAL

WORKERS COMPENSATION

Rob Hilliard WcB advocate

Lately the union has received several calls from members saying that their employer was trying to talk them out

of filing a workers compensation (WCB) claim. If this is happening at your work-place, the employer is breaking the law. Workers Compensation legislation says that it is illegal for your employer, or anybody acting on behalf of your employer (such as a medical person at a nursing station), to make any attempt to try to convince you not to report a WCB claim or to do any of the things you need to do while you have a WCB claim. They also cannot promise you any favours or threaten to deny you a promotion or to threaten to reduce your wages or do anything that would discourage you from filing a claim, appealing a claim, seeking medical attention from your chosen doctor or participating in a rehabilitation program due to a workplace injury. It is also illegal for them to threaten you in any way after you have made a WCB claim.

Several employers where UFCW members are working are trying to lessen their WCB costs. Some are doing it the right way by trying to reduce workplace accidents. UFCW supports employer efforts in reducing workplace accidents and we are fully prepared to co-operate with these efforts.

However we have become aware that a few of our employers are going about it the wrong way by implementing programs that are designed to discourage the reporting of accidents to WCB instead of actually trying to reduce the

accidents themselves. In fact, we are aware of some employer actions that are clearly illegal. When employers are only trying to reduce the reporting of accidents to WCB, instead of reducing the accidents themselves they are really trying to lessen their own costs by harm-ing the workers who are their own employees. This is shameful and unethical behaviour.

Workplace injuries are not always serious enough to require immediate medical atten-

tion and it is not always necessary to report these minor hurts to WCB. When this happens, it is certainly reasonable to be reassigned temporarily to a ‘light duty’ job (with the same pay) so the discomfort can subside and the minor injury can heal. However, the worker should always fill out a Green Card when this happens. The Green Card does not go

in to WCB unless the injury gets worse and the worker needs to see a doctor. The Green Card is a “witness” that documents that a workplace injury occurred. This will be very important later on if the injury does not heal satisfactor-ily and it becomes necessary to see a doctor.

If an injury gets worse and it is necessary to see a doctor, then it is also a legal require-ment to report the injury to WCB even if the worker does not have to miss any work. Under WCB legislation, an injured worker seeing a doctor must report the workplace injury to WCB. This is the law. If your employer tries to talk you out of reporting this to WCB, your employer is breaking the law and harming you.

Your employer also has no right to tell you that you should not go to the doctor

of your choice. We have one employer that tries to direct injured workers to a particular chiropractor. They even hand out his business cards and suggest to the injured worker that they do not need to see their own doctor and instead they can go to this chiropractor. When this happens, your employer is not doing you any favours. Your own doctor will provide you with better and more honest medical care. If you go to a doctor or chiropractor that your employer wants you to go to, you can never be sure of whether or not this doctor or chiropractor is thinking about your concerns or your employer’s concerns. Your medical provider should always be on your side and you should never have to wonder about it.

If your supervisor, the company nurse or any other management person tries to convince you not to report an injury to WCB, let your union representative know about it. We can have the WCB Investigations Department check it out and if there is a direct viola-tion of the law, WCB can fine your employer without having to go to a court of law.

The government established WCB in Canada about 90 years ago to provide benefits to injured workers. It is illegal for any employer to try, in any way, to stop an injured worker from getting these benefits.

10 UNION JUNE 2009

WESTFAIR

“SHUDDER” PROGRAM UNDERWAYSuperstore cleaning and reorganizing each store.

In April Superstore introduced a new program called the “shudder” pro-gram. The union met with the com-

pany to get information on exactly what the “shudder” program entailed. The company said it is a “cleaning and reorganizing” of all stores. On a store-by-store basis, the old shelves will be replaced with new ones. The store being “shuddered” will be closed to the public for that day.

On a strictly voluntary basis, employees

who want to work the “shudder” program will receive their regular rate of pay. The company confirmed that no full-time employee would be forced to work the pro-gram and that no one would lose hours if they did not want to work it.

The “shudder” program is underway and the union needs to know if you run into a problem. The duties performed are taking the stock off the shelves, removing the old shelves, putting up new shelves and restocking the new shelves. If you want to work the “shudder” program but cannot stock shelves, other duties allowed include directing traffic and letting customers know the store is closed for the day.

If you have any questions or concerns about the “shudder” program, speak to a shop steward or contact your union rep:

Winnipeg — 786-5055/1-888-832-9832Brandon — 727-7131/1-800-552-1193Thompson — 778-7108/1-800-290-2608

TRANSFERRING DEPARTMENTS

Put your request in writing.

Many members are excited about the new language that has been added to the union agreement

regarding transfers. The new wording allows employees who have one year’s service to request a transfer to another department without having to quit. The employee should make this request in writing and the company is to be fair and reasonable when considering these requests.

If you are successful in obtaining a transfer, you will be on a trial period for 100 hours. This trial period allows both the employee and the employer to determine whether the new position is a good fit or not. If transferred, you will be placed on the wage scale that corresponds to your current class hours, this means your wages will not be reduced as a result of the transfer.

In the event that following the trial period you end up returning to your former position, you will go back to the wage you were previously at before the transfer took place. If you do not get the transfer you requested, you are still eligible to apply for another transfer in the future. However, it is important to remember that, if you are successful in completing the trial period you are only limited to that one transfer during the life of this agreement.

If you have been told you must quit in order to change departments and/or classifications, call the union office and let your rep know.

IT WAS WORTH THE WAITWestfair installs hand-held scanners.

Shirley Diakawich should receive recogni-tion for her unwavering stand regarding hand-held scanners. She has been on

the union’s negotiating committee for the last 13 contracts and has been bringing up the need for hand scanners since her first round of bargaining in the mid ‘80s. Although they were new back then and extremely expensive, Shirley knew the system would help the members from suffering an array of injuries while working the check stands. The scanners eliminate the amount of lifting per-formed by the cashiers. The company plans to convert all the check stands in their stores

by the end of November this year, according to Roberta Watson of Westfair. Currently stores 1505, 1506, 1508, 1512, 9063 and 9002 have

had the new check stands installed.

“It’s been a long-time coming,” said Local 832 President Robert Ziegler, who has also been at the negotiating table with Shirley trying to get the company to commit to the hand-held scanners. “It’s fitting that Shirley’s store (1512) was one of the first ones to be converted. The members have her to thank for keeping this on

the forefront of negotiations, even though it took the company some time to come around.”

11UNION JUNE 2009

PRODUCTION

ELECTIONS HELD AT MCCAINthree new faces for shop stewards and two new faces for health and safety.

On April 30 and May 1 elections were held at McCain. Re-elected for another term as chief shop steward is John

Anderson. Eileen Ball is the assistant chief shop steward. The current shop stewards and health and safety captains assisting the members at the McCain plant in Carberry are:

Shop StewardsJohn Anderson (Chief Shop Steward)

Eileen Ball (Assistant Chief Shop Steward)

A – ShiftBlaine SteenDanny Udey

B – ShiftColeen SwanC – ShiftDonna CullenDonald Dane

D – Shift Eileen Ball

Dianne OwenDay ShiftJulia ColemanQ & A

Linda Popien

Health and Safety CaptainsA – Shift

Tara BurtonB – ShiftJoanna JonesC – Shift

Linda Surminsky (Co-Chair)D – Shift

Katie WallDay ShiftJanice Pearson

NALEWAY FOODS AND UFCW AGREEON WORK-SHARE PROGRAMmembers voted over 95% in favour of deal.

Winnipeggers look forward to the summer months. After enduring lengthy winters, it gives everyone

a chance to enjoy the warm weather. In the summer months, the members at Naleway Foods are subject to a four-week plant shut-down along with numerous one-day closures. Many members offset the hardship of the closure by taking their vacations during this time, but many of the members have yet to accumulate enough vacation. Unfortunately, in the past these members would not receive any pay and would not have any income during the shutdowns.

The company contacted Services Canada and the union about entering into a work-sharing program. The federally funded program that works under the employment insurance benefits is available to companies that have been operating for more than two years. It is an adjustment program, which enables employers to deal with business cut-backs and still avoid layoffs. Under a “work-sharing agreement”, the employer shortens the workweek by one to three days and pays reduced wages accordingly. For the hours, days, or shifts not worked, Service Canada arranges for workers eligible for employment insurance to draw benefits to help compen-sate for the lower wages they receive from the employer.

On April 24 the union held a meeting with the over 70 full-time and two part-time members asking them to vote on accepting a work-sharing agreement. The members voted 95 per cent in favour of the program and now look forward to their summer knowing that they will receive 55 per cent of their wages on days when the company would normally be shutdown. “It’s making the best out of a bad situation,” stated UFCW Local 832 President Robert Ziegler. “Ideally there would be no

shutdown and the employees would be busy throughout the summer months. The mem-bers know that’s not the case and thanks to the partnership with the government and company the members can at least count on some money when in the past they wouldn’t have been receiving any.”

The company had to submit a detailed plan to the government on their proposed shutdown days for during the 20-week period ending September 15. The work-share pro-gram takes effect this month.

A computer has been set up at Naleway so the members can apply on-line for their work-sharing benefits. A Services Canada representative will also be on hand period-ically to assist the members.

Union Rep, Ron Allard, discussing the new program with shop steward, Tanis Pagano.

12 UNION JUNE 2009

HOSPITALITY, SERVICE & RETAIL WAGES RING UP AT IGA

Increases scheduled at maples IGa for June 22.

With today’s economy, being a union member has even bigger rewards. Under the collective agreement, on June 22 Maples IGA union employees will receive a pay increase. This across the board wage raise does not include overscaled employees.

Overscaled employees, during the term of this agreement, receive three per cent of their earn-ings every six months, until their wages are no longer overscale. At that point, the employee goes back into the wage scale.

If you are a Maples IGA member, watch your pay stub and if you do not receive your increase talk to your supervisor immediately. If the issue is not resolved, speak to a shop steward or call your union representative, Darcel Lecocq, at 786-5055.

BECOME PROACTIVE!union activists needed at

Inspyre.

Are you a doer and not an idler? Become proactive and help your co-workers by becoming a shop

steward and/or a health and safety committee representative. At Inspyre Solutions, there are spots available in both positions.

It takes a special kind of person to be a shop steward or a workplace health and safety committee representative. The union activists are usually who the members go to first when they have a problem or situation at the workplace. Activists must be a good listener, easy to talk to, excellent in securing facts, enthusiastic about workers’ rights, fair and objective. It is also very important for them to know the agreement and confident enough to deal with manage-ment on a member’s behalf.

UFCW Local 832 holds training courses on a regular basis to provide the skills needed to be a first-rate steward or health and safety committee member. Your union representative will work with you at all times and support you.

If you are interested in making your workplace a better place for everyone and in becoming a union activist at Inspyre Solutions, contact your union representative, Darcel Lecocq, at 786-5055 or darcel.lecocq@ufcw832.com.

NEW AGREEMENT REACHED AT LEAF RAPIDS CO-OP

Wages Going up By 10%.

UFCW Local 832 members working at the Leaf Rapids Consumers Co-op ratified a new four-year collective

bargaining agreement. The union negotiating committee, Diane Seymour and Blair Hudson, unanimously endorsed the new agreement.

The main issue in this round of bargaining was wages. The union was able to increase all employees’ wages by 10 per cent over the next four years. Wages will rise across the board by 2 ½ per cent in each year of the agreement. Improvements to bereavement leave, compas-sionate care leave, general holidays, safety shoe allowance and the Sunday premium were also negotiated.

Northern union representative Blair Hudson said, “The membership at the ratification meeting overwhelmingly supported the new agreement and it showed in the votes.”

The Leaf Rapids Co-op is a full-service grocery store and gas bar. In fact, it is the only place in Leaf Rapids where you can get either groceries or gas. There are approximately 10 union members working at the Co-op.

If you are a Leaf Rapids Co-op member and have not received a copy of your new union contract, call the union office in Thompson at 778-7108 or 1-800-290-2608 to let them know.

Pictured are some of the members who attended the ratification meeting. (Left to right) Alvin Moore, Gwen Michelle, Bertha Anderson, Dominique Spence, Diane Seymour and Loretta Dysart.

13UNION JUNE 2009

GRIEVANCE NEWS

Debra MalmquistLegal counsel

Garry BergeronLegal counsel

ARAMARK PLAYS PING PONGunion wins reimbursement of wages for member.

The grievor had been performing two part-time jobs for Aramark for several years. One of the part-time jobs took

place in the morning while the other one took place in the afternoon.

Aramark claimed that because of an internal audit, they discovered that the grievor should not be performing both part-time jobs as it had the potential to be some sort of security breach. The result being that the grievor had her employment cut in half by the employer with a new employee receiving one of the part-time positions. UFCW Local 832 immediately grieved the employer’s decision.

During discussions with the employer, the union found out that, even though the grievor was supposedly not to perform both jobs, the employer had indicated to her that when the new employee slotted into her old part-time position was on sick leave or on vacation, the grievor was to replace her.

Furthermore, several weeks after the union filed the grievance the new employee quit and Aramark reassigned the grievor to both jobs. That being said the grievor was out several weeks pay because of the employer’s actions.

It was the union’s position that there was nothing in the collective agreement that pro-hibited an employee from working two part-time jobs as long as they did not overlap. In addition, in awarding the part-time job to the new employee the employer had violated the job posting language in the collective agree-ment. Furthermore, the employer’s argument regarding the need to keep the two positions apart made no sense as the grievor was to replace the other employee when she was absent and when the new employee quit they put the grievor back into the old position.

The employer initially refused to amend its position claiming that it had done nothing wrong. However,

immediately prior to the scheduled arbitration, the employer, on a with-

out prejudice basis, agreed to reimburse the grievor for all

of the money she had lost because of their original decision.

GRIEVANCE RESULTS IN WAGE INCREASES FOR MEMBERS

maple Leaf Brandon maintenance workers get more money.

A maintenance wage survey, comprised of 10 competitors that are in direct competition with Maple Leaf Brandon,

determines the wages for the maintenance department at the Brandon plant.

The company and the union select a committee each year, in November, to meet and select 10 competitors and the appropriate wage rate for each job classi-fication. The highest and the lowest rates are removed from the calculation and the rates of the remaining eight competitors are averaged. If this average is three, or more, per cent higher than the rate paid to the employees at the Maple Leaf Brandon plant, then the maintenance employees’ rates are adjusted to the new calculated rate. All rate increases become effective the following January.

In November 2007, the company uni-laterally changed the rate of one of the selected competitors used for the power

engineers, dual tickets and trades people. As the committee had not agreed to this change and the rate had been used for the past two years, the union filed a grievance.

It was the company’s position that they had the right to make a unilateral change based on new information received by the competitor. It was the union’s position that the committee had to agree on any changes.

The matter proceeded through the griev-ance procedure without any resolve. Prior to the arbitration date, scheduled for April 24, 2009, the company made a “Settlement Offer” that was acceptable to the employees affected. The settlement gives the power engineers and dual trades a wage increase of 19 cents per hour and the trades 61 cents per hour. This wage increase is to be retroactive to January 1. Furthermore, the company agreed not to change any com-petitor classifications prior to discussion and agreement of the committee.

14 UNION JUNE 2009

RRSP for Local 832 MembersThe UFCW Local 832 RRSP offers members the choice of four investment options with better than average returns. To enroll in the RRSP program contact Laura Mellon at 204-926-8335.

General PaintMembers receive 40% off all General Paint Manufactured product, 20% off on special order wallcoverings and 20-30% off non-General Paint manu-factured products and supplies.

Brandon:1124 18th Street 727-0295Winnipeg:

•1045St.JamesStreet982-6300•1094NairnAvenue982-6330

•1-140MeadowoodDrive982-6320

Pembina DodgePurchase a new Chrysler or Dodge vehicle for only $300 above dealer net cost. Also receive up to 15% off on parts and shop time (this does not include the dealer’s regular service and maintenance offers). Call Kevin McEvoy at 284-6650 or drop by the dealership at 300 Pembina Highway to find out more information.

Polo Park Hearing CentreReceive a 10% discount (to a maximum of $150) on the purchase of any hearing aid. Phone 788-1083. Located in Polo Park Mall.

Bridgeview Bed & BreakfastBegin your outdoor adventures at the Bridgeview Bed & Breakfast in Sel-kirk. Union members can enjoy a comfortable, country-style setting at $10 off the regular price. Call Louise at 204-482-7892 or www.bridgeviewre-treat.com.

Phoenix Real EstateCall Jennifer Okaluk at 771-0981 and receive:

•$150cashbackonthecompletedsaleofahomeorcondo•Upto20%offlegalfees

•Accesstothebestmortgagerates.

Cakes UnlimitedAs a Local 832 member, receive a 10% discount on all cakes and products sold at Cakes Unlimited—55 Plymouth Street. Open Monday - Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Catch-A-TanReceive a 20% off any hydro massage therapy. Packages are transferable to family members. 6-1502 Rosser Avenue, Brandon, Call 727-8266.

Terry Ortynsky KIAUFCW Local 832 Members receive:•Preferredpricingonnewandusedvehicles.•First4oilandfilterchangesFREE•ComplementaryGasCardwitheverypurchase•15%offallparts,extendedwarranties,bodyworkandaccessories.

Contact Antonio at 663-3542 for more information.

Dufresne Home Centre SavingsReceive 5% better than the current price (regular or sale) on furniture, mattresses and accessories. Receive 3% better than the current price (regu-lar or sale) on appliances and electronics. UFCW member card discounts cannot be used with any other offers or promotions.

•Winnipeg 880 Nairn Avenue, phone: 667-1578 or 1750 Ellice Avenue, phone: 989-9900

•Selkirk 374 Eveline Street, phone: 785-8191•Portage 2401 Saskatchewan Ave. W., phone: 857-7803

•Brandon 1885-18th Street N., phone: 728-8530•Swan River 1321 Main Street, phone: 734-4772

SDS Alarm SystemsPurchase a home alarm system and receive these discounts call Ron Tayler at 589-7507 or e-mail rtayler@sdssecurity.com.

•10%offinstallationofahomesecuritysystem•25%offa3-yearmonitoringcontract

Active Muffler & Brake CentreAt Active Muffler & Brake Centre receive 25% off stocked parts and a shop rate of $44.50 an hour, a savings of 20% off the regular shop rate. 601 Ross-er Avenue - Brandon. Phone 727-1213 or 727-1305. Present your union card prior to being invoiced.

CDT Production Group Inc.At CDT Production Group receive 15% off: TV & film production, commer-cials, studio production, MC services, multi-media, event management, vir-tual business cards, and audio production. Plus receive 20% off all music packages and 5% off lighting packages. 338-3459 or e-mail cdtgroup@shaw.ca Your entertainment source!

More Members = More Bargaining PowerAll members, from the day they join the union, are entitled to utilize a wide range of money saving discounts and special services. Your UFCW Local 832 membership card is the key to receiving substantial discounts and special offers from numerous merchants and service providers. Just show your membership card to receive these special discounts! It's important to make sure both you and the benefit provider understand the terms of the transaction. It is a good idea to call ahead to ensure that there are no misunderstandings on what discount/ service you will be receiving.

15UNION JUNE 2009

AnnuAl WestmAn FAmily PicnicJoin us on June 13 for a day of fun.

The UFCW Local 832 Brandon office will be hosting the “Westman Family Picnic”

on June 13 and invites all the mem-bers in the region to come and join in the fun. The activities will start at 11:30 a.m. and go until 3 p.m. at the Dinsdale Park, which is located on 1st street directly across from the youth soccer fields. Look for the train.

This is a day to get to know each other and share our different cultures. There will be a barbecue and games for all to enjoy. The cost for the barbecue

is $2 for adults, $1 for children (4 to 12 years old) and free for children three and under. However, if you prefer you can bring your own picnic lunch and just join us in the excitement for free.

Tickets for the barbecue, which includes a hotdog (2 for adults), a drink and a bag of chips, must be pur-chased by June 10. They are available at the Union Office, 1-759 1st Street, and through your union representa-tive, Zara or Agnes. Hope to see you on the 13th!

MEMBERSHIP DISCOUNTS

PowerUp ComputersAt PowerUp Computers save 10% off complete computer systems and 5% off hardware and software purchased separately. 1119 Corydon Avenue. Phone 453-0638 or e-mail sales@powerup.ca.

The Fairmont/The Velvet GloveUFCW members receive special room rates at The Fairmont Winnipeg. For a moderate room single/double occupancy pay only:

•$135Sunday-Thursday•$130Friday/Saturday

To obtain these special rates call 957-1350 or 1-888-974-7666 and identify yourself as a UFCW member. At The Velvet Glove receive 10% off on all food and beverage. Some conditions apply.

Aviva Traders Home InsuranceA group home insurance program exclusively for UFCW members. This program is tailored to meet your personal insurance needs by providing competitive group rates on home, condominium or tenant packages. Re-quest a free, no-obligation quotation on-line at www.avivacanada.com - click on "free quote" under Aviva Traders and enter the password "grquote". If you prefer, call 1-866-921-5768.

Celebrations Dinner TheatreSee a live Broadway-style show while you dine and save 25% off the regular price. Located in the Canad Inn - 1824 Pembina Highway. Call 982-8282.

First Affinity Financial CorporationFirst Affinity is a mortgage consulting service that ensures members obtain the best rates and complete guidance in all aspects of obtaining or renew-ing a mortgage—at no cost. For more information phone toll-free 1-866-599-9799 or visit www.unionsavings.ca.

Visions ElectronicsAt Visions purchase TVs, VCRs, camcorders, as well as home, car and por-table audio equipment from 5 to 10 % over cost. To obtain the special UFCW price, ask for the store manager at the following locations:

Winnipeg•1680PembinaHighway

•1130St.JamesStreet•1510RegentAvenue

Brandon•1120HighlandAvenue

Eye OutfittersLocal 832 members receive 20% off complete pairs of prescription glasses and 10% off contact lenses. 1100 Richmond Avenue, Brandon, call 725-0943.

UFCW MasterCardShow your pride—carry the card! Build the MasterCard that is right for you—with rates starting as low as 12.9%. To apply or for information call 1-800-263-2263 or visit www.unionsavings.ca.

Publications Mail Agreement # 40070082Please return undeliverable Canadian Addresses to:UFCW Local 832 1412 Portage Ave. Winnipeg, MB R3G 0V5

UFCW Local 832FAMILY FUN DAY

Sunday, June 2810 a.m. — 4 p.m.

(weather permitting)

Tickets:Adults (13 yrs & over) $10Children (4 to 12 yrs) $8

3 yrs & under FreeCall 786-5055 or toll-free

1-888-832-9832 to reserve your tickets

No Refunds

Barbecue 11 a.m. — 1 p.m.Located at 804 Murdock Road just off Hwy #1 East

Deadline for reserving tickets is June 19.

10 Water SlidesBocce BallMini-Golf

Horseshoe PitsBumper BoatsPlay Structure