Download - UFCW, Local 832

SECRETARY-TREASURER REPORTLocal ON TRACK FOR A BRIGHT FUTURELet me begin by wishing all of you,our members, friends and affiliatesfrom across Manitoba and beyond,and all of our staff based in Thompson,Winnipeg, and Brandon a very healthy,happy, and prosperous 2006.The holiday season may be behindus, but this time of year still causes oneto reflect on the outgoing year, measuringour successes and evaluating ourshortfalls, entrenching what worked forus into our future plans and discardingthose things that didn’t… all the whilesearching for a better way.Local 832 is no different—we toolook back and try to learn from thepast and to keep doing what makes usas successful as we are and what grewus into the largest private sector unionin this province. President Ziegler, ourdepartment directors, specialists, and the executiveboard members review the local’s performance allyear round, but January always finds us taking stockof what has been as well as rolling out new plans forthe future.One of the things we see when looking back over2005 is fiscal responsibility. Local 832 has excelledunder President Ziegler’s term of office at examiningevery dollar spent by the union and finding betterways to represent our members while reducing costswherever possible. From the basics like paper, pens,and paper clips to improving the way we operate. Byexpanding our use of technology with new softwareand a soon to be upgraded Web site, we have beenable to continue the exemplary service and communicationto our members—while at the same timesaving money. Our plans for the New Year includecontinuing to keep our spending under a magnifyingglass with a focus on serving you smarter and better.In this issue of the UNION magazine you will finda pie chart of Local 832’s finances for the past year. Itshows where your dues work for you to negotiate goodcontracts, arbitrate grievances against your employer,and provide a variety of cost-saving services when youpresent your union card to selected service providers,or when you access our inexpensive income tax service—backagain this year by popular demand.The pie chart also shows the increasing costs ofthe per capita we pay to the various labour organizationsto which we are affiliated with. Both of thesefactors represent significant challenges to our securefinancial future and we must continue to be diligentin cutting costs where we can and still meet our goalsand obligations to provide our members with a levelof representation that is second to none.As a result of these costs, the 2006 budget at Local832 includes a 10-cent dues increase per weekfor some of our members and no dues increase forothers. Those members currently paying the top rateof dues will receive no increase while those payingthe lower rates will see a 10-cent dues increase perweek. Because the International per capita we payhas increased this year by 50 cents per member permonth, this 10-cent increase, applied with discretion,will not even pay the additional costs incurred by thelocal this year. So once again we must find a way todo more with less. The 10-cent increase, if applied,will mean an additional $5.20 per year of tax deductibleunion dues.On a separate note, the very popular shop stewardconference returns in 2006 for the fourth time—witha new twist. This year we will be holding the conferencefrom February 9 to 11, with the shop stewardssocial being held on the 11th at the same venue asthe conference—The Fairmont Hotel.Immediately following this event wewill hold the first ever health and safetyconference on February 12 and 13. Thiswill give health and safety committeemembers from around the province anopportunity to hear vibrant speakers,attend relevant workshops, and sharestories and ideas from their personal experiences.The New Year will also markthe beginning of a fresh four-year termfor your president, the members of yourexecutive board, and myself; and willalso see the swearing in of a new presidentof the UFCW Canadian Council ascurrent President Brian Williamson hasrecently retired. 2006 is also a conventionyear at the Manitoba Federation ofLabour with that event being held inWinnipeg this fall. Current President Darlene Dziewit– a long-time negotiator with Local 832 until her retirementin 2004 – will be running for her secondterm of office after a very successful two years sincetaking over the post from Rob Hilliard.As you can see, 2006 holds many challenges andopportunities for Local 832 including continuing tobe a financially responsible organization and continuingto be a major player in the labour movementin Manitoba and in Canada. We must maintain ourplace in the forefront in the battle against Wal-Mart’sexpansion and maintain our commitment to providingour members with the best service of any unionmember anywhere. I look forward to achieving thesegoals for 2006, with you.Jeff Traeger,Secretary-Treasurer,UFCW Local 832UNION JANUARY 2006

THE MAGAZINE DISTRIBUTED TO THE MEMBERS OF UFCW LOCAL 832JANUARY 2006DEPARTMENTSFEATURESOFFICESWOMEN OF THE UFCWPage 7SAFETY AND HEALTHPage 8GRIEVANCE NEWSPage 9SHOP STEWARDPage 10TRAINING CENTREPage 13PRODUCTIONPage 16WESTFAIRPage 17HOSPITALITY/ SERVICE/ RETAILPage 18MEMBERSHIP DISCOUNTSPage 19SPRINGHILL FARMSA look at the Neepawa processing plant.Page 4TAX SERVICE BACKGeorge Combiadakis returns.Page 5SHOW ME THE MONEYAnnual look at where your dues are spent.Page 6INSIGHT INTO BARGAININGCoordinator of collective bargaining visits.Page 8TERRITORY CHANGESSee who your new union rep is.Page 10GENERAL MILLS RATIFIESPizza Pop maker ratifies new agreement.Page 12WINNIPEG1412 Portage AvenueWinnipeg, MB. R3G OV5786-50551-888-UFCW-832BRANDONUnit 1, 759 1st StreetBrandon, MB. R7A 2X5727-71311-800-552-1193THOMPSON90 Thompson DriveThompson, MB. R8N 1Y9778-71081-800-290-2608TRAINING CENTRE880 Portage AvenueWinnipeg, MB. R3G 0P1775-83291-877-775-8329PresidentRobert D. ZieglerSecretary-TreasurerJeff TraegerE-mail: ufcw@ufcw832.comWeb site: www.ufcw832.comUnion Representatives: Ray Berthelette, Brenda Brown, Sandy Forcier, Blair Hudson, DarcelLecocq, Cyrus Lister, Michelle Masserey, Marie Meyers, Al Patterson, Guy Sylvestre, Sonia TaylorEducation and Training: Heather Grant-JuryWorkers Compensation: Marla Garinger Niekamp Organizing: Cliff BeaulieuNegotiators: Mary Johnson, Susan Hart-Kulbaba, Beatrice BruskeCommunications: Blake Crothers, Dalia Chapa Safety and Health: Harry MesmanCanadian Mail Publications Sales Agreement #40070082

A look inside Springhill FarmsNeepawa hog processing plant keeps busy.Maple Leaf isn’t the only hog processing plant thatUFCW Local 832 members work at. In Neepawa,Manitoba, about two hours outside of Winnipeg,Springhill Farms has been busy processing hogs since 1986.The processing plant was initially created by a Springhillcolony of Hutterite farmers. The plant, which will be enteringits twentieth year, now has approximately 325 employees andis in the process of hiring more.“This isn’t an easy job,” said chief shop steward LarryNickart standing on the kill floor. “You might have 10 peopleapply on Monday and two are still there by Friday.” Maintaininga solid workforce has been a problem that has plaguedmany pork-processing plants. Jobs in this industry are demandingalthough the positions pay higher than minimumwage, many employees can develop repetitive strain injuries.Springhill Farms is different than Maple Leaf when itlooks at recruiting new employees. Maple Leaf has been lookingto other countries to bring in workers for their Brandonplant, Springhill Farms has been successful in working withlocal native reserves in obtaining the workforce it needs forits operation. This has resulted in almost half of the workforcenow coming from First Nations communities aroundthe Neepawa area.Trustees meet to review benefits for Springhill Farms members, pictured above from left to right,UFCW representative Al Patterson, chief shop steward Larry Nickart, Springhill Farmsrepresentative Pat Nicholson, and UFCW member Roland Street.Springhill Farms is also unique in the way it has its benefitplan set up. Administered through Prudent Benefits AdministrationServices Inc., the plan is directed by representativeson both the employee and company side. This is differentbecause two employees and a union representative sit on thejointly trusteed plan and have a say of where they want theirbenefits directed. Initially the employees had limited coverage,now they have strong dental, vision, prescription drugsand even have a $500 lifetime total for smoking cessationdrugs.In January 2005, members voted overwhelmingly to havethe stalled negotiations go to Final Offer Selection (FOS). ArbitratorHamilton selected this file and ruled in favour of thecompany’s offer of a six-year agreement with minimal wageincreases. Unfortunately when you go to “FOS” the selectorcan only choose one of the two offers. The selector doesn’thave the authority to take some of the company’s offer andsome of the union’s offer and merge the two.On November 16, 2005 the company and union agreedon the interpretation in the “FOS” that had tier two wagerates reflect those at the Brandon Maple Leaf plant becausethey were considered competition and draw from the samelabour pool. The company agreed just prior to going to ar-UFCW Local 832 member Lenda Jerome pictured above performing aquality assurance check.4 UNION JANUARY 2006

itrator Hamilton for a ruling on the issue, thatin fact the union was correct in its interpretationof the contract. The two sides put together anagreement that ensures tier two employees (newhires) do not surpass the pay scale of long standingtier one employees. This resulted in higherwage gains than what was previously determinedbecause of the recent ratification of the BrandonMaple Leaf collective agreement. Although the twolowest brackets of tier one employees will not seea wage increase during the agreement, there werestill enough gains to consider this a victory for theunion members because it will give the membersbetter wages than what was imposed by the “FOS”agreement.The future of Springhill Farms is expanding itsmarket share; unfortunately the town and companyare in a holding pattern waiting for federalprovincialfunding to expand the wastewater treatmentplant. Applications have been filed to receivefunds to offset the strain of relying on the town’streatment facility. Such a treatment facility is notonly needed for Springhill Farms but also future developmentof a potential beef slaughter facility wantingto locate to the area as well.UFCW Local 832 member Peter Olive is removing the tenderloin from the hogs.The Most Popular Local 832 ServiceMembers’ tax returns prepared for just $15.By far the most popular benefit for the membershipis the UFCW income tax service, which literallyprepares thousands of returns for memberseach year. For over 17 years the local has beenoffering this benefit to its members and their families.While Local 832 can’t do away with members havingto pay income tax, it does make the process astrouble-free as possible. Local 832 members can havetheir income tax returns prepared by a tax specialistfor a minimal charge. The Winnipeg tax office islocated at 878 Portage Avenue (ground floor UFCWTraining Centre building).Again this year, the cost for members is $15 forbasic returns with seven informational slips or less.Returns that require more work will be subject to anadditional charge. Returns done for non-members inthe Winnipeg office are $25 for a basic return, whilenon-members who go to one of the offices outside ofWinnipeg will pay $30.Members who have used the service in the past willbe pleased to know that George Combiadakis will onceagain be doing most of the returns for members inWinnipeg. George has been in charge of the programsince day one. The same specialists who prepared returnsin other areas of the province last year will alsobe returning this year.The tax preparation service will begin operatingon February 7. Appointments are crucial and canbe made by calling the Winnipeg tax office at 786-Long-time Tax man George Combiadakis is backat the training centre for inexpensive tax filing.5037. People living in Portage la Prairie, Gimli andSt. Malo should also phone the Winnipeg tax office,collect, to make their appointment. George Combiadakiswill be in each of these communities on severalweekends during the tax preparation season.People living in other areas of Manitoba shouldmake an appointment to have their tax return preparedin their community by phoning the appropriatenumber listed below.Brandon, UFCW office – 727-7131Flin Flon, Carol’s Tax – 687-3337Neepawa, Neepawa Tax Service – 476-3020Russell, Merril’s Tax – 773-2290Steinbach, H & R Block – 326-3783Thompson, Thompson Insurance –677-4574Members living where there is no UFCW incometax office can mail all the required information tothe Winnipeg office at 878 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg,Manitoba, R3G 0P1.UNION JANUARY 20065

Maximizing Women’sPotentialLocal 832 delegates attend MFL Women’s Conference.UFCW Local 832 sent 11 delegates fromthroughout the province to the ManitobaFederation of Labour (MFL) Women’sConference, which was held in Winnipeg on November24 to 26. Local 832 wanted to ensure that members fromthe different sectors were represented. The conferencewas open to all sisters in the labour movement.The three-day conference commenced on Thursdaynight, which featured guest speakers the HonourableChristine Melnick, MFL President Darlene Dziewit andthe Honourable Nancy Allan. This was followed by asocial evening for the participants.Friday and Saturday delegates attended andinvolved themselves in several workshops. One of theworkshops, Finding Our Voices, dealt with assertionand communication skills. Another workshop, FromCradle to Grave, was designed to provide informationand resources on different aspects in financial planning. Delegates also dealt with cultural values and practicesin both union culture and Aboriginal cultures.“After attending the workshops, we were inspired and felt that we could take on any challenge,” stated AngelMcTaggart and Danielle Whiteside from Maple Leaf Pork in Brandon. “We have grown as women and connectedthrough solidarity.”Managing Work and FamilyWe all know that women face any number ofunique challenges in the workplace. One ofthose challenges is balancing the needs ofyour employer and those of your family.More and more employees, men and women alike,need to manage work and family responsibilities. Theresult is an increasing number of people wantingor needing to reduce their work hours, at leastfor portions of their work lives. Yet in many cases,workers who choose this option pay a penalty intheir rate of pay and benefits and in opportunities foradvancement. Most people who are employed parttimestill work full-time every hour on the job; in fact,many feel they produce more per hour because theyare so motivated to make the arrangement work.These are the advantages for employers to providequality part-time options:Retention: The value of retaining talent andmaintaining continuity of organizational know-how,along with saving the significant costs of replacingpeople and training new staff.Recruitment: This option helps attract skilled andmotivated employees, including those who are notlooking to reduce hours at this point but are pleasedto know the option exists.Morale, efficiency, and productivity: All theseincrease when employees feel their employer hasinvested in them.Greater flexibility: Employers cite reduced hoursoptions as helping them fill difficult weekend andevening shifts.Improved customer service: The cross-trainingrequired to manage reduced hours can result ingreater quality of work and service.Employee well-being: Many employers countstrong families and strong communities among theircore values.Enhanced reputation in the community: Employersbenefit from being known as family-friendly.WOMEN OF THE UFCWThe NDPAnd WomenNovember 26 saw the NDP Status of Womenhold a summit at the University Women’sClub. The Summit was part of the studyand report about women’s experience in the nominationand election processes within the party andwithin the electorate. This is an important subjectto understand as the NDP tries to ensure there arewomen candidates amongst the slate of those whowill represent the party in any upcoming elections.The discussion was inclusive of issues at the municipal,provincial and federal levels.Women attended who have had a variety of experiences.Some had sought the nomination andwon, but lost the election. Others have not beenable to win the nomination. Still others have beenasked to run and have declined. There were formerelected MLAs and cabinet ministers in attendance,who had obviously been successful. Current citycouncilors participated in this forum.It was a useful exercise to see what worked toassist women get elected and what things withinthe party structures and outside of it were barriersto women participating as candidates or wereinfluencers of women as they made their decisionto run or not.The issues of party structure, finances andorganizational assistance for women, communications,as well as the lack of privacy for electedofficials and the general disdain of the public forthose active in electoral politics were all discussedat some length. The discussions were not limited tothose areas however.The results of this consultation will be coordinatedwith other activities of the Status of WomenCommittee and will be compiled in a report thatwill go to the NDP provincial convention in February2006 with recommendations for the party,as well as some things for future consideration,which are outside of the party’s direct ability tochange.Local staff negotiator Susan Hart-Kulbaba wasone of the many women that attended this summit.UNION JANUARY 20067

YOU CAN’T TELL THE HAZARDSWITHOUT A PROGRAMSafety and healthManitoba’s Workplace Safety and Health Actrequires all employers with 20 or moreworkers to establish a written program thatidentifies and controls hazards before they cause injuriesand illnesses. The plan must be developed “inconsultation with the committee for the workplace”.It is clear from the guide produced by the WorkplaceHealth and Safety Division that consultation does notmean merely telling the committee a plan has beendeveloped and showing it to them. There is no obligationto have the committee approve the plan but thedivision does interpret “consult” to mean an obligationto consider, in good faith, the views and opinionsof the committee in the decision making process.They must have the opportunity to be informed, toreview and assess, to comment and to be considered.This means they have to be given credible reasons fornot accepting their recommendations. Realistically, ahealth and safety program that does not meet withthe approval of the joint committee cannot succeed.This raises a number of questions that all workers,but especially committee members, should ask.The most obvious one is, “does my employer have ahealth and safety program?” If they don’t, you havesome work to do. If they do and you didn’t know it,then they haven’t met their obligation to effectivelycommunicate the program to all employees and youhave some work to do. If they do and it is lackingimportant elements, you have some work to do. Areyou detecting a theme here? Yes, there will be work todo—there always is. And that means it’s time for thisyear’s New Year’s health and safety resolution:I will do my part to make sure that myemployer has an effective healthand safety program.I suggest you have that phrase printed in big lettersand posted somewhere you will see it every day.Here’s some starting points to help you live up to yourresolution:Find out if a program exists in your workplace.If not, make sure it becomes the leading item at thenext health and safety committee meeting.• Is the program workplace specific or just somethingborrowed, bought or stolen from elsewhere?A program that is good for one workplace may notbe for another.• Is senior management supportive? Have they atleast signed it? This is absolutely essential. Ifmiddle management knows the program is just atoken and has no real support from the bosses itwill not work.• Was it developed in consultation with the committee?This is the only way to ensure that meaningfulinput was provided from the people who actuallydo the work.• Is the program in writing and has it been communicatedto all workers? This has to mean awhole lot more than just handing out paper.• Are the various parties held accountable for theirroles? Everyone has responsibilities when it comesto workplace health and safety. Are their consequenceswhen these are not carried out?Harry MesmanHealth and SafetyDirector• Is there an evaluation mechanism? In other words,do people check to see if the thing actually works?Most of the information in this column comes fromthe Workplace Safety and Health Division’s document“A Guide to Setting up a Workplace Safety and HealthProgram”. It is invaluable and can be obtained bycontacting the Workplace Safety and Health Divisionat 945-3605. It is also available on the division’s Website at www.gov.mb.ca/labour/safety. The guide givessimple but thorough instructions to create an effectiveplan detailing everything from identifying hazards,emergency planning, inspections and investigatingincidents.A good health and safety program will safeguardyour body, your health and maybe your life. So…getwith the program!Coordinator of Collective Bargaining visits StewardsOn December14, UFCW Canada Coordinator ofCollective Bargaining Brian McArthur spoketo the stewards who attended the two-day collectivebargaining course held at the UFCW TrainingCentre.McArthur spoke to the stewards on the role thenational office takes with locals around the countryduring difficult or contentious negotiations. Over thelast year, he spent time in Cranbrook, British Columbiato observe the negotiations with UFCW Local 1518 andWal-Mart. Local 1518 has organized the tire and lubeworkers at a Wal-Mart and faced a difficult time withthe employer during negotiations, that are still ongoing.Recently, UFCW Canada haspartnered with the NationalUnion of Public and GeneralEmployees (NUPGE) to enlightenthe Canadian public on theerosion of workers rights in Canada.“Since 1982, over 170 lawsand rights have been removed orrescinded that protected workingCanadians. We have to educatepeople that they need to be awareof these laws and protect them,”stated McArthur.UFCW Local 832 Training Centre Director Heather Grant-Jury withUFCW Canada Director of National BargainingBrian McArthur.8 UNION JANUARY 2006

Territory chanTerritory change is effective February 6.Michelle MasseryHealth Care & HotelsCyrus ListerSecurity & DistributionMarie MeyersWestfairHarry MesmanSafeway & WestfairCNIBThe FairmontFort Garry CareGrace HospitalHope Centre – PortageHope Centre – ThamesHoward JohnsonIKWEKing TransportationReh-Fit CentreSoutheast MedicalVista Park LodgeSt MaloChalet MalouinRed River WorkshopLa ResidenceStonewallACL InterlakeInitial SecurityIntelicom SecurityAramarkBrewers DistributorCara ATRCara Flight KitchenCoca-ColaInternational MaltingPepsiPrairie ProduceSodexhoSuperior PropaneVersaCold DawsonVersaCold JarvisVersaCold SutherlandWestburne ElectricGimliFaroexSuperStore1505 – McPhillips1506 - Regent1508 - School Road1512 - Gateway1514 - St Anne’s1516 - GrantExtra Foods9002 - St Anne’s9003 - Regent9006 - Main Street9007 - Roblin9063 - Notre Dame9065 - GouletSelkirk9082 - Extra FoodsSafeway591 - Pembina707 - Sturgeon708 - Osborne709 - Fort Richmond714 - Pembina Village714 - Gas Bar718 - Tuxedo720 - Portage720 - Gas Bar723 - Polo Park726 - Charleswood731 - Linden Ridge731 - Gas BarWestfair1509 - SuperStoreBison Dr1511 - SuperStoreSt. JamesSteinbach622-Safeway622 Gas Bar9001 Extra Foods10 UNION JANUARY 2006

ges for 2006Sonia TaylorSafewayDarcel LecocqCall Centres & OtherSandy ForcierRed Meat & PoultryGuy SlyvestreIndustrial586 - Sargent590 - Henderson596 - Ellice598 - Main701 - Braemar701 - Gas Bar710 - Henderson712 - Garden City717 - Burrows719 - Southdale724 - Grant Park725 - Jefferson725 - Gas Bar727 - Crossroads728 - St Annes728 - Gas Bar729 - Wayoata730 - St Vital Centre730 - Gas Bar791 - RiverSelkirk603 - Selkirk603 - Gas BarThe Faneuil GroupIntegrated MessagingAdwestAgproAvisBudget Rent-a-CarCanadian LinenHitekIce Cream UnlimitedIGA MaplesIKOJC FoodsKrown ProduceKwik KopyMNURW PackagingShoppers Drug MartSobeys BurrowsTravel UnlimitedFisher BranchUkrainian Farmers Co-opLoretteLorette MarketplaceDunn-RiteMLCFMaple Leaf Pork,MarionMaple Leaf Pork,WarmanNorthern MeatsVantage FoodsSteinbachGranny’s PoultryArctic Co-opD. CohnFederated Co-opGeneral MillsGourmet BakerLucerne BreadLucerne MilkMidwest VetNalewayOld DutchSyn-TexSyscoUnicity TaxiWestern GloveWhitemouthSun Gro - ElmaSun Gro - JuliusPremier Hort - GirouxPremier Hort - CaribouUNION JANUARY 200611

Taking Care of BusinessGoing from unfamiliar with unions to being a shop steward.SHOP stewarDSGerald Collier has been working at the Lynn Lake Hospital since May2000. He is currently functioning as the dietary/laundry/housekeepingsupervisor.Prior to his employment with the hospital, Gerald had worked at a nonunionizedcompany for 19 years where “people got treated like crap”. He wasunfamiliar with unions but soon realized their existence and wanted to getmore involved. In February 2003 he became a Local 832 shop steward. WhenGerald was asked what made him become a shop steward he said, “Nothingspecific I just want to help out my co-workers. The best part of being in aunion is that everybody gets treated fairly.”Gerald also sat on the union negotiating committee during the last roundof bargaining with the Burntwood Regional Health Authority (BRHA), whichLynn Lake Hospital is a part of. That concluded with the November 1 ratificationof the new four-year contract. This was his second time serving on thenegotiating committee.Lynn Lake is where Gerald calls home. He was only about five years oldwhen his family moved to Lynn Lake from New Brunswick. Gerald has twodaughters and one son. As a single parent to his 10-year-old daughter Rebeccahe feels it is a great place to raise her. She is very active in gymnastics, badmintonand tae kwon do. This in turn keeps him very busy but as Gerald putsit, “It is the best and most rewarding job I have ever had.”UFCW Local 832 union representative Blair Hudson speaks withshop steward Gerald Collier.General Mills Workers RatifyNew ContractNew four-year deal keeps Pizza Pops on store shelves in North America.Anew four-year agreement was ratifiedby 81 per cent of the UFCWLocal 832 members employed atGeneral Mills in Winnipeg who cast ballotson December 4.RATIFICATIONSThe negotiation committee reached atentative agreement at 5:30 in the morningon December 2. If the employees hadturned down this offer, a strike vote wouldhave taken place.The agreement sees wages increasing by$1.35 to $3.55 per hour over four years withretroactive pay to November 1. Ten new permanentpart-time positions were created in thisround of negotiations and they will be coveredPictured above is Local 832/General Mills negotiating committee (l-r) Rick Mrena, Henry Van Derley, JohnStang, Sandra Unik and union members Paul Dhoot, Mike Moeny, Paul Dutra.by benefits as well. The union was also successfulin obtaining contract language to limit theamount of work that could be performed by supervisors.“This was a hard fought contract,” statedUFCW Local 832 President Robert Ziegler.“The negotiation committee stuck together tobargain the best deal for the members.”12 UNION JANUARY 2006

Off to anothergreat yearThe training centre can help in reaching your educational and personal goals.EDUCATION & TRAININGThe holiday season is over for another year.On behalf of the staff at the training centre,we wish UFCW members, their family andfriends, all the best in the New Year. We hope yourholiday season was a safe, happy and relaxing one.Now it’s time to get back into the swing of thingsand to start taking steps towards both your educationaland personal goals. Perhaps you want to get in shapewith a Pilates class, learn a new language, master acomputer skill, complete your GED, investigate careeroptions, inquire about one-on-one literacy tutoringor apply for a scholarship to help with your collegeor university tuition. The place to start is right here atthe UFCW Training Centre.Have a look at our winter training schedule on thefollowing pages. I’m sure you will find somethingthat interests you. Good luck and remember if youhave an idea for a new course we would love to hearfrom you. You can call 775-8329 or toll-free at 1-877-775-8329.MATURE STUDENT DIPLOMA PROGRAMNew course being offered—note taking and study skills.Do you find you are struggling with taking notes? Do you feel stressed when studying for tests? Are youconsidering going to college or university? If you answered yes to these questions, perhaps this courseis for you.New this year, the training centre is offering a course designed to teach you effective tips on taking notes andpractical and useful study skills that could well improve your scores on tests. Taking good notes and havingsolid study habits are two characteristics that are very helpful and essential for students as part of any learningprocess.If you are interested in taking this new course, please call Fiorella at the training centre at 775-8329 or 1-877-775-8329 toll-free to register.Course will run on the following dates:Tuesday, January 31 from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. orWednesday, February 1 from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.Heather Grant-JuryUFCW EducationDirectorTraining CentreNotes andNods…• Approximately 300 students completed coursesat the training centre this past fall.• Our training centre is one of the largest inCanada.• In 2006 the training centre is rolling out twonew shop steward courses: Cultural Comfortand Note Taking.• Catherine Smallwood is the training centre’sreceptionist. She’s been taking your calls since2000. Say Hi next time you call.ESL continues to be a Very Popular CourseClasses resume on January 14.English as a second language (ESL) studentsmarked the end of their fall classes with aholiday potluck lunch at the UFCW TrainingCentre on Saturday December 3.Heather Grant-Jury, director of the training centre,and ESL instructors presented each student with aparticipation certificate. Students will be returning toclasses on the 14th of this month.Pictured to the left is one of the most recent classesto have completed the ESL course.UNION JANUARY 200613

2006 SHOP STEWARD TRAININGThe UFCW Training Centre is pleased to offer the following workshops. If you are interested in any ofthese, please speak with your union representative to let him or her know. Note: Shop stewards who havenot attended workshops in the past will receive priority for the upcoming courses.March 1 and 2Winnipeg WorkshopsCollective BargainingREGISTRATIONBEGINSJANUARY 6Register early—courses fill up quickly.Members from workplaces thatcontribute to the UFCW Education andTraining Trust Fund receive priority (checkyour collective bargaining agreement).March 8 and 9March 15 and 16March 22 and 23March 29April 5 and 6April 19 and 20April 26 and 27May 8 and 9May 10 and 11May 17 and 18June 7 and 8Brandon WorkshopsEffective StewardNew StewardNote TakingTaking Control of StressCommunication SkillsCultural ComfortDignity at WorkCollective BargainingNote TakingCommunication SkillsCultural ComfortStep 1—Call to RegisterHave course information handy and call 775-8329 or toll-free 1-877-775-8329. You will betold immediately whether or not there is roomin the course you have selected. Be prepared tomake an alternate selection.Step 2—Registration LetterYou will receive a confirmation letter from thetraining centre with details about start dates,course fees, and parking.Step 3—PaymentYour registration is not complete until paymentis received. Payment must be received beforethe class starts in order to hold your space inthe course. If payment is not received by thepayment deadline your space will be madeavailable to someone else… so don’t delay.TRAINING CENTREPAID OFFJanuary 11 and 12March 1 and 2March 15 and 16March 29April 5 and 6April 19 and 20May 24 and 25January 24 and 25Thompson WorkshopsCultural ComfortEffective StewardCultural ComfortTaking Control of StressNew StewardDignity at WorkNote TakingNew StewardOn November 7 the executive board alongwith the staff from UFCW Local 832Training Centre celebrated the burningof the training centre’s mortgage.As noted at the policy conference, the mortgagefor the union office at 1412 Portage will bepaid off in the spring of 2006.14 UNION JANUARY 2006

2006 Winter Course ScheduleCourse Name Start Date End Date # of Classes Course FeeEnglish as a Second Language(Basic, Beginner and Intermediate levels)January 14 March 25 11 Saturdays 9 - 12 noon No FeeConversation Circle January 14 March 25 11 Saturdays 12:30 - 3:30 p.m. No FeePronunciation/Writing January 16 March 27 11 Mondays 6 - 9 p.m. No FeePilates Level 1 January 18 March 22 10 Wednesdays 5:45 - 6:45 p.m. $15 for TF* member/$30 for non TF** memberKeyboarding Level 1 February 6 March 13 6 Mondays 6 - 9 p.m. $15 for TF* member/$30 for non TF** memberIntro to Computers/Windows February 9 March 16 6 Thursdays 6 - 9 p.m. $15 for TF* member/$30 for non TF** memberEmergency First Aid February 18 February 18 1 Saturday 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. $35 for TF* member/$40 for non TF** memberIntro to Word March 23 April 27 6 Thursdays 6 - 9 p.m. $15 for TF* member/$30 for non TF** memberIntro to Computers/Windows March 25 April 15 4 Saturdays 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. $15 for TF* member/$30 for non TF** memberKeyboarding Level 2 March 27 May 8 6 Mondays 6 - 9 p.m. $15 for TF* member/$30 for non TF** memberIntro to Excel April 4 May 9 6 Tuesdays 6 - 9 p.m. $15 for TF* member/$30 for non TF** memberESL Keyboarding April 8 May 13 6 Saturdays 12:30 – 3:30 p.m. No FeeComputer Basics—Workshop Series April 20 June 8 8 Thursdays 6 - 9 p.m. $15 for TF* member/$30 for non TF** memberCPR April 29 April 29 1 Saturday 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. $21 for TF* member/$26 for non TF** membersBrandon Course ScheduleCourse Name Start Date End Date # of Classes Course FeeEnglish as a Second Language(Beginner level - 2 classes)English as a Second Language(1 Beg. & 1 Inter. level - 2 classes)January 14 March 25 11 Saturdays 8:30 - 11:30 a.m. No FeeJanuary 14 March 25 11 Saturdays 12:30 - 3:30 p.m. No FeeOpen Lab January 14 April 8 13 Saturdays 11:30 a.m. - 4:30 No FeeEnglish as a Second Language(Pre-Intermediate level)English as a Second Language(Beginner level)January 16 March 27 11 Mondays 6 - 9 p.m. No FeeJanuary 18 March 29 11 Wednesdays 10 a.m. - 1p.m.Conversational Spanish January 22 March 26 10 Sundays 1 - 3 p.m. No FeeIntro to Computers/Windows February 6 March 13 6 Mondays 6 - 9 p.m. $15 for TF* member/$30 for non TF** memberEnglish as a Second Language(Beginner level - 2 classes)English as a Second Language(Beginner level)English as a Second Language(Beginner level - 2 classes)No FeeFebruary 8 April 19 11 Wednesdays 6 - 9 p.m. No FeeFebruary 9 April 20 11 Thursdays 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. No FeeFebruary 9 April 20 11 Thursdays 6 - 9 p.m. No FeeOpen Lab April 20 May 25 6 Thursdays 6 - 9 p.m. No FeeEmergency First Aid April 22 April 22 1 Saturday 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. $35 for TF* member/$40 for non TF** members*TF – Union member in Education & Training Trust Fund**Non TF – Union member not in Education & Training Trust FundFor course descriptions check the UFCW Web site at www.ufcw832.comUNION JANUARY 200615

Production Retail Store OperationsNow Included in Union ContractMcKenzie Seeds members approve Letter of Agreement.Office and Production union members atMcKenzie Seeds ratified a Letter of Agreementamending their collective agreement toinclude the Retail Store operations. The office unitunanimously voted in favour of this change, while 91per cent of the production staff agreed.Under the Letter of Agreement the Retail Storeclerk classification will receive a top rate of $12.50per hour.As well up to two part-time employees can nowbe hired to provide coverage during lunch and restperiods including Saturday, Sunday and generalholidays. The Letter of Agreement also states theemployer must post work schedules for the RetailStore a minimum of a week in advance for a twoweekperiod.The expiry date for the trial period of this Letter ofAgreement is July 31, 2006.This is the third department from McKenzieSeeds in Brandon to join the union. The numberof workers being represented by Local 832 is now atapproximately 110.If you have any questions or concerns speak toa shop steward or call your union representativeBrenda Brown at the Brandon union office. She canbe reached at 727-7131 or toll-free 1-800-552-1193or via e-mail at brenda.brown@ufcw832.com.Be Respectful !Scanning time cards can be a waiting game at Syn-Tex.Local 832 union rep Cyrus Lister was informedthat some employees at Syn-Tex Convertors, inorder to scan their card to leave the plant, havesometimes cut in line and do not respect the space oftheir co-workers.Management advised the union that in future ifthere are cases where employees cut in line, withoutexpressed permission of the employees who havebeen waiting to scan out, will be subject to immediatediscipline.Therefore, the union encourages all members toplease take their time while scanning out and takeyour place in line. If for any reason, including tryingto catch your bus, you are under time restraintsinform your fellow workers and ask them politely ifyou can scan out ahead of them.More Layoffs PlannedMcCain Foods reducing approximately 25 maintenance staff.UFCW Local 832 union representative Guy Sylvestretalks with Anthony Pagente at the Syn-Textime clock.Syn-Tex in an effort to alleviate this situation hasarranged with the city transit that buses will waita little longer in front of the plant to ensure thateveryone gets on.McCain Foods informed the union that on the maintenance side of the business, the Carberry plant isoverstaffed when it comes to best in class comparisons to other McCain sites around the world. Theexact numbers, at this point, are being confirmed but McCain is looking at reducing approximately25 workers.Union representative Brenda Brown will be working closely with management in hopes of keeping thenumbers to a minimum. As more information becomes available, the union will keep the members informed.In the meantime, feel free to contact your union rep at the Brandon office at 727-7131 or 1-800-552-1193.Toni Bruneau discusses the new Pat Martinbrochure with new owner, Clarke Norman.FEDERAL ELECTION KEEPSUNION PRINT SHOP BUSYWith the upcoming federal election onJanuary 23, political parties are busy withgetting their campaign literature into thehands of voters. Kwik Kopy Print Centre located at940 Elgin Street has been a UFCW Local 832 unionshop for the last 16 years and is busy keeping up withthe demand for printing Winnipeg NDP campaignmaterials.Bill Blaikie, Pat Martin, Judy Wasylycia-Leis andEvelyn Myskiw have all been supporting the unionprint shop during this campaign.On November 1, an eight-year union member,Clarke Norman, officially bought the business fromlong-time owner John Sass. Clarke plans on makingsome upgrades with equipment over the next yearand increasing its share of the Winnipeg printingmarket.16 UNION JANUARY 2006

Vacation Pay by January 21Double-check pay stub for correct amount.Local 832 part-timers working for Westfair Foodsshould receive their vacation pay by January21.In past years the company has made errorscalculating the amount of this pay. The amountof vacation pay a member is entitled to receive isdetermined by how much money they earned lastyear and how long they have worked at Westfair. Mostof this information is found on the December 31 paystub. The amount of money earned is shown underthe ‘year to date’ column on the December 31 paystub.From the amount of gross pay that is shown for theyear, subtract the amount of money received last yearas vacation pay, statutory holiday pay, shift premiumsand overtime. These figures are also shown under theVacation schedules must becirculated for all employees byJanuary 1 and finalized by April 1.The vacation schedule should set out thenumber of weeks that each employee isentitled to for the purposes of vacationtime off.year to date column. Take that figure and multiply itby the percentage of vacation pay to which you areentitled. This will result in the approximate amountof vacation pay that you should receive. It will likelynot match exactly, but it will be very close.The percentage of income, which you are entitled toas vacation pay, is stipulated in your union agreementand is based on years of service as of December 31.They are as follows:• less than 3 years – 4 per cent• 3 years and more – 6 per cent• 8 years and more – 8 per cent• 13 years and more – 10 per cent• 18 years and more – 12 per cent• 23 years and more – 14 per centVacation RequestsShould be finalized by April 1.WESTFAIRINTERESTED INBEING A STEWARD?Shop stewards are the headof UFCW representation.Have you ever thought of being a shopsteward? Stewardship is the forefront ofLocal 832 representation and the unionrelies on shop stewards to spot problems andtake action before the situation gets worse. Thiscould mean assisting a co-worker in correctinga situation without having to file a grievance orproviding them with information about theircollective bargaining agreement. Shop Stewardsare also responsible for accurately relaying theviews and concerns of members to the localunion.To assist you in the role of steward, Local832, along with the UFCW Training Centre, holdtraining courses on a regular basis to provideeducation on grievance handling, communicationtechniques and other skills required for being anexcellent steward.If the vacation schedule has not beencirculated in your department contactyour union representative immediately.It is important that you fill in theweeks that you would like to receivefor vacation purposes so that there isno misunderstanding at a later date asto whether the weeks you required havebeen granted or not.Current union rep Guy Sylvestre reviewing vacation schedulewording with incoming union rep Marie Meyers.Shop steward is not a paid position, however,most stewards accept the responsibility because ofthe satisfaction they receive from helping out theirco-workers.If you are interested in becoming a shop stewardor want more information about the position,speak to your union representative.Have YoU WOrked In A Unionized Retail Store ?Receive credit for previous experience.Previous credit experience–new employeesor rehired employees will be considered forprevious experience credit to a maximum of961 hours except for meat cutter, ice decorator andbakery production helper classifications, which willbe to a maximum of 1,921 hours in their designatedclassifications.In order to receive this past experience credit, youmust have compatible experience in a unionizedchain retail store and 12 months has not lapsed sinceyour last day worked. When you are hired or rehired,it is your responsibility to supply reasonable proof ofthis previous experience within 30 calendar days ofemployment.Therefore, after you have been hired with WestfairFoods, you must tell them that you have previousexperience. Should you not receive this credit orif you have any questions or concerns, notify yourunion representative immediately. The office numberfor your area is found on page 2 of this magazine.UNION JANUARY 200617

HOSPITALITY, SERVICE& rETAILLet Your Voice Be HeardDuring negotiations is the time to make changes.There are several units in this sector that havenegotiations coming up this year. All Local832 members working in the listed unitsshould start reviewing their collective agreementand begin thinking about what proposals andchanges they would like to see in their new collectivebargaining agreement.Closer to the date of negotiations starting foryour unit, a proposal meeting will be scheduled foreach individual unit. A letter detailing the time, dateand place for your proposals meeting will be mailedseparately to members affected.Upcoming negotiations for this sector include:Aramark NPFBudget Rent-A-CarCara ATRCNIBIntegrated MessagingDauphin Co-opTravel UnlimitedKing TransportationHoward JohnsonGet involved in making improvements to yourcollective agreement—let your voice be heard!Westman Members HonouredLocal 832 retirees’ luncheon held December 15.UFCW Local 832 member Warren Lawrenceretired after 20 years with the Town of Virden.In fact there were about 21 retirees that werehonoured this year at a luncheon held on December15 at the Brandon office.Unfortunately, “mother nature” caused somehavoc and not all of the retirees were were able toattend the luncheon. For those in attendance theirplaque was delivered to them. If you did not receiveyour plaque please call the union office.Donald Zanders, from McCain Foods, was theretiree with the most years of service with 41. Otherretirees acknowledged this year were:Some retirees in attendance (l to r) backrow: Abram Driedger, Cornelius Voth,Margaret Knelson; front row: Margaret Foley, Donalda Payette, Jean ZimaMcCain FoodsWilliam WoodGerald WillsCornelius VothAbram DriedgerMarvin KilgoreMargaret KnelsonWayne VinceLena DornnDonnalee JonesHelen WallCarol PennerBrian RustonMcKenzie SeedsJean ZimaDonalda PayetteSafewayMargaret FoleyRichard PattersonAileen TurnerMargaret BrownShirley AndersonThe Winnipeg area retireeswill be honoured in thespring.New AgreementReached at FirstCommercialManagementThree–year agreement will see wagesrise by 12 per cent.UFCW Local 832 represents five employeesworking as custodians at the City Centre Mallin Thompson. The employees are responsiblefor the maintenance of the largest mall in Thompson.Their collective bargaining agreement expired onDecember 31. On December 14, a tentative agreementwas reached between the union and the company.The members unanimously ratified the new threeyearagreement on December 16.The union was able to make significant improvementsto this agreement. Some of the highlights ofthe agreement are:•Wages will rise by 12% over 3 years, raising theirtop rate of pay from $9.95 per hour to $11.15 perhour.•The two most senior employees in the bargainingunit are guaranteed full-time work, which is animprovement from one employee being guaranteedfull-time work.•The relieving rate of pay has been doubled to$1.00 per hour for taking over for an out-of-scopemanager.•Members will now receive a 50-cent per hour eveningshift premium, where none existed in the past.• A new night shift premium of 75 cents per hourwill also now be paid to members working the nightshift. This is a significant improvement as morethan 50 per cent of the work in this job is done oneither the evening or night shifts.During this round of bargaining improvements weremade to vacation leave, health and welfare benefits,and workplace safety and health.The union bargaining committee consisted of KevinHenderson, an employee with First Commercial Management,and northern union representative BlairHudson.18 UNION JANUARY 2006

MEMBERSHIP DISCOUNTSFor Members Only SavingsYour UFCW Local 832 membership card isthe key to receiving substantial discounts andspecial offers from numerous merchants andservice providers.Just show your membership cardto receive these special values.It’s also important to make sure both you andthe benefit provider understand the terms ofthe transaction. It is a good idea to call aheadto ensure there are no misunderstandings onwhat discount/service you will be receiving.Pembina DodgePurchase a new Chrysler or Dodge vehicle for only $300 above dealernet cost. Also receive up to 15% off on parts and shop time (this does notinclude the dealer’s regular service and maintenance offers).Call Kevin at 284-6650 or drop by the dealership at 300 Pembina Highway tofind out more information.Polo Park Hearing CentreReceive a 10% discount (to a maximum of $150) on the purchase of anyhearing aid. Phone 788-1083. Located in Polo Park Mall (near Safeway).Home Centre SavingsReceive 15% off regular priced furniture, mattresses and accessories.7% off regular priced appliances and electronics at all Dufresne locations,La-z-boy and Sleep Source in Winnipeg. You must identify yourself with acurrent UFCW member card. Discounts cannot be used with any other offersor promotions.Cakes UnlimitedAs a Local 832 member, receive a 10% discount on all cakes and productssold at Cakes Unlimited—55 Plymouth Street. Open Monday - Friday from10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.SDS Alarm SystemsPurchase a home alarm system and receive:• 10% off installation of a home security system• 25% off a 3-year monitoring contractCall Ron Tayler at 589-7507 or e-mail rtayler@sdssecurity.com.Active Muffler & Brake CentreAt Active Muffler & Brake Centre receive 25% off stocked parts and a shoprate of $44.50 an hour, a savings of 20% off the regular shop rate.601 Rosser Avenue - Brandon. Phone 727-1213 or 727-1305.Present your union card prior to being invoiced.Performance GolFLearning Centers (PGLC)Receive 20% off all services provided at PGLC as well as special pricing ongolf equipment, accessories and apparel. Choose from a variety ofinstructional programs taught by CPGA Class A professionals Blake Russelland Brad Poleschuk using the V-1 Digital Analysis System andAccusport Vector Launch Monitor System. Located at Shooters FamilyGolf Centre 2731 Main Street. Phone 275-1155 or e-mail pglc@mts.net.First AffinityFinancial CorporationFirst Affinity is a mortgage consulting service that ensures members obtainthe best rates and complete guidance in all aspects of obtaining or renewing amortgage—at no cost.For more information phone toll-free 1-866-599-9799 or visitwww.unionsavings.ca.Visions ElectronicsAt Visions purchase TVs, VCRs, camcorders, as well as home, car and portableaudio equipment from 5 to 10 % over cost. To obtain the special UFCWprice, ask for the store manager at the following locations:• 1680 Pembina Highway• 1130 St. James Street• 1510 Regent Avenue• 1120 Highland Avenue - BrandonCatch-A-TanReceive a 20% discount off any hydro massage therapy(dry massage). Packages are transferable to family members.6 - 1502 Rosser Avenue - Brandon. Phone 727-8266.UFCW LOCAL 832 MEMBERS20% ofF1 Year membershipAges 4 To 9425% Off Women’sSelf Defence CourseTwo Locations:1851 Portage Avenue675 Archibald Street 231-3633UNION JANUARY 200619

January 21100% of profits go to the UFCWLeukemia Fund.Starts at Rennie to Seven Sistersand back.Includes a lunch at Seven Sistersand Social Food at Rennie Hotelafter the Derby.Starts at Rennie Hotel 8:30a.m.Additional Passengers $15.00Riders may purchase additionalhands at Rennie Hotel.Must have snowpass toparticipate.First 60 Riders Registered.Cost is only $40Interested members should contactDarcel Lecocq at 786-5055Publications Mail Agreement # 40070082Please return undeliverableCanadian Addresses to:UFCW Local 8321412 Portage Ave.Winnipeg, MB R3G 0V5